The restructuring of Cheltenham BID will allow more of its levy to be spent on improvement projects and services for the town, the organisation's chief executive tells SoGlos.
Francesca Inman, who joined the organisation in May 2024 from Bristol BID, says a staff restructure and work to source outside funding from its partner organisations will give the BID capacity to do more for levy paying businesses in the future, ahead of forthcoming consultation for its re-ballot later this year.
Cheltenham BID — the organisation which runs the town's business improvement district — carries out projects and provides services to improve the trading environment for local businesses, in areas such as safety and security, cleansing and the environment. It is paid for by local businesses via a levy on top of their business rates.
BIDs must hold a ballot every five years, with local businesses voting on whether they want the organisation to continue its services.
In autumn 2024, the Cheltenham BID board agreed to a staff restructure, with a view to creating savings that will enable the funding of 'essential' projects and services that 'directly benefit Cheltenham’s streets' in the future.
Francesca says all current staff will be given opportunities to apply for new roles that are being created as a result of the restructure.
The chief executive said in a statement: 'As we move towards our next renewal ballot in the autumn — which if successful, will provide five more years of investment in Cheltenham from 2026 to 2031 — it is incumbent on Cheltenham BID to thoroughly review its operations and the needs and wants of our levy payers.
'We acknowledge the importance of the relationships built by our staff with local businesses and are dedicated to preserving and strengthening these connections.'
Alongside the staff restructure, Francesca says the BID has been working with partner organisations to attract funds beyond its levy, including on a recent graffiti tagging removal project with Cheltenham Borough Council, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Francesca added: 'This initiative has already made a significant impact, with positive feedback from local businesses as the clean-up progresses.
'Our consultation for our forthcoming renewal ballot will be launched very soon and we encourage contributions from all businesses large and small to share their perspective on how we can collectively enhance the vitality of our town.'
