Business Improvement Districts need help says town’s MP
Hinckley BID is very active in organising events in the town
THE borough’s MP has pressed ministers in the House of Commons for action to protect Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, told his fellow parliamentarians about the work of Hinckley BID to improve footfall in the town centre.
The initiative has also been working with shops and retailers to get them ready to reopen as the coronavirus lockdown eases.
Dr Evans asked in Parliament how BIDs could drive places like Hinckley forward after the Covid-19 outbreak.
He said: “I’m grateful that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have stepped in to provide emergency support but BIDs are inextricably linked to the success of the high street and there will be challenges going forward, that’s why I took the opportunity to press ministers in the chamber earlier this week.
“I’m pleased that Government sees
BIDs as being at the heart of the economic regeneration we need after coronavirus, but we have to see evidence that is that case, too.
“With more independent shops than other comparable towns, Hinckley weathered the last recession better than most.
“I will continue to support the Hinckley BID in making sure we get through this tough time on the high street together.”
Business Improvement Districts are formal partnerships of businesses dedicated to supporting town centres, through projects such as loyalty cards and by organising events. The Government has provided more than £6 million in financial support for BIDs during the lockdown period.