Pride, promotion and voice lead the bid for re-election
The time has come for businesses in the city centre to vote as the ballot for re-election begins in less than 48 hours.
From Thursday, November 1, eligible voters will be able to submit their postal votes as to whether or not they want a second term of Sunderland BID as the first five years draws to a close.
Since its arrival in 2014, the BID has been working hard to promote the city via a programme of events and initiatives designed to make the SR1 area a safer, cleaner and more prosperous place to live, work and visit.
And if it is re-elected at the end of next month, one of the many focuses of the BID will be to continue to provide a collective voice for the city’s businesses.
Research earlier this year revealed people across the city had three main areas which they wanted the BID to focus on going forward – city pride, city promotion and city voice.
“One of the BID’s main objectives has always been to help companies based in the city centre get their views heard and influence positive change,” explained Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID.
“We believe that if everyone works together we can make a positive difference to the city centre, creating an environment people enjoy visiting and as a result, help trade prosper.”
Should it be re-elected, the plan is to lobby and influence local and national government on behalf of the city’s businesses as a collective voice and will continue to work with other BIDs to share best practice from cities facing similar challenges. “What many independent business costs by identifying businesses struggle with funding opportunities and is getting themselves heard maximising its resources. and this is one of the areas For the first time, it will we have always been extend its reach and build passionate relationships with business about improving,” partners in a wider area, which can have a really positive said Sharon. impact on helping Sunderland city centre to thrive. “By These plans include a working together whole host of initiatives including we can working closely with tackle a lot car park owners and transport more. Traders providers to make getting get more support to and spending time in and feel that they’re the city easier and more cost part of a big, strong collective effective in a bid to attract and as result this will new visits. lead to a stronger, more prosperous “It’s really all about everyone city centre.” pulling together and As it steps up plans to working together as one voice make life easier for traders, and giving people the chance the BID is keen to reduce to share their expertise and experiences with their peers and business colleagues,” said Sharon.
“We will continue to share knowledge with our traders and aid them in areas like providing free training support and advice to help business grow. One thing we are determined to do is keep the businesses, traders, residents and workers at the forefront of everything. Regular communication on what we are doing is important, and we will keep people updated via newsletters, bulletins and drop in sessions.
“We want everyone to know our door is always open. Our small, home-grown businesses are the lifeblood of Sunderland city centre and we want to continue helping them to grow and prosper.
“This is why we are here, to work with the people of Sunderland for the people of Sunderland to make it a better place to live, work and play.”