Why we should all be behind the BID
SOME time ago I was heavily involved in getting a BID (Business Improvement District) idea off the ground for Stockport town centre with the Vision Stockport group.
My involvement ended back in July last year due to my frustrations on how long it was taking to move forward.
So finally, a year later here we are again, at a similar point where I left it, but now hopefully going forward following some consultation with retailers and businesses in the area where the BID will be influential.
I am a great believer in BIDs and their potential impact to deliver business-led improvements in key areas such as marketing, and making Stockport a destination to visit with family and friends.
At Orbit we’ve been championing the town centre for a number of years and have directly supported and sponsored successful events such as Foodie Friday, The Old Town Fringe Festival and Stockport Carnival to highlight just a few.
Stockport town centre belongs to the people of the borough and the businesses that choose to locate there, not the council.
So it is only right that any revenue raised from the BID should be spent by people who are based there, paying rates, and enjoyed by the nearby and wider public communities who will benefit from more events and a safer, cleaner environment.
So when the proposal reaches you in a few weeks, please have a read and think how your contribution – around 1.5 per cent of rateable value - can contribute to the wider vision of making the town centre a great place to visit and vote YES in the ballot for a BID for Stockport.