What is a BID|Business Improvement District?
A Business Improvement District is an initiative where businesses come together to decide what improvements are needed in their area, above and beyond those governed by statutory provision. This additionality will ensure that the direction of improvements will be identified by the businesses themselves led by a Task Team.
Enniskillen area votes YES to a Business Improvement District (BID)
Enniskillen has given a firm Yes to have a Business Improvement District following a positive result at the ballot announcement. With a clear 85% voting in favour of the BID it was a strong message delivered by the business community.
Welcoming the news at the ballot announcement on Friday 14 October, the Chairperson of Enniskillen BID Task Team, Anna Devlin, said:
“I'm delighted that the businesses of the Enniskillen BID have overwhelmingly supported the BID. This is a very exciting result and we can all look forward to the next chapter when the Enniskillen BID is fully operational.”
A Business Improvement District (BID) for Enniskillen is where local businesses work together collectively to improve the area in which they trade. The BID will raise funds through a levy which will be used to deliver the projects and initiatives which are set out in the Enniskillen BID Business Plan. Enniskillen BID have three themes which will work to benefit every business and sector in the BID area.
Boost Business will enhance the trading environment through BID supported initiatives and pilot projects to develop business capacity and skills and reduce costs.
Entice Customers will promote the towns attributes to key markets. The BID will do this through professional sustainable branding and marketing campaigns, utilising on line technology and social media.
Enhance Experience will work to improve the townscape and accessibility into and around Enniskillen.
The ultimate aim of BID is to increase footfall and improve trading in the island town of Enniskillen.
Speaking after the result was revealed, Cllr Mary Garrity Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said
“On behalf of the Council I would like to extend our congratulations to the Enniskillen BID Team on the strength of the ballot and successful outcome of the result. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has supported the Enniskillen BID initiative from the outset and has been delighted to have been involved in the overall process. The Council shares the local business community’s vision to ensure that people see Enniskillen as a town which offers an excellent quality of life, a great place to live, work and visit. Moving forward the Council also looks forward to continue working with the BID Company once it is established and to help the local business community to shape Enniskillen’s future.”
Jim Masterson, member of Enniskillen Task Team said that Enniskillen BID provides an excellent opportunity for what many local business owners have been asking for many years, to have control on the allocation of funding to be spent directly on projects that will deliver.
Enniskillen BID will ensure that an investment of £1.2 million will be spent directly on projects that will directly affect the economy within Enniskillen. The BID will actively work to generate additional income such as grants and commercial sponsorships.
Terry McCartney, Belmore Court & Motel commented on the Yes result
“This is fantastic news for Enniskillen and for everyone involved in the campaign. The businesses now have the opportunity to shape Enniskillen’s future and to benefit from the co-ordinated programme of marketing, promotions and events support that the BID will give them”
To read about the project that will be delivered over the next five years see enniskillenbid.co.uk to find out more about Enniskillen BID contact advice@enniskillenbid.co.uk