Businesses in Gloucester have delivered a vote of confidence in Gloucester BID, giving the organisation five more years to support and promote the city centre.
Its second term will begin on Saturday 1 October 2022, with the Business Improvement District – an independent, business-led and member funded body – investing the £2 million that it will raise from its levy back into the city over the next five years.
As well as providing a united voice for traders and businesses, the BID delivers services including the Gloucester Gift Card, summer planting in the main streets, the city protection officers and helps to support and drive footfall through the city centre, too.
Emily Gibbon, Gloucester BID manager, said: ‘Gloucester BID is incredibly proud of what it has achieved during its first term, much of which has been set against unprecedented challenges for traders thanks to lockdowns, restrictions and ensuing economic uncertainty.
‘We’re looking forward to another five years of working collaboratively with businesses and partners in the city during a pivotal time with so much regeneration happening. It’s great to be part of it.’
Peter White, co-vice chairman of Gloucester BID and manager of King’s Walk Shopping Centre, said: ‘There’s so much positivity in Gloucester right now, and lots of development taking place which, along with the investment from the BID, will all help to attract people to the city.
‘The BID team will continue to work hard to support the levy payers and have a clear vision and five-year term to deliver on all its priorities, including supporting events and crime reduction initiatives.’
The BID balloted its 539 member businesses for renewal on Thursday 2 June 2022, with 70.8 per cent of the 213 votes cast in favour of a second term.
The levy on businesses has been reduced from 1.6 per cent of their rateable value to 1.5 per cent.
By Andrew Merrell
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