Mission remains same for new business leader

The new boss of Canterbury’s Business Improvement District is squaring up to the challenge of persuading shopkeepers to continue their support for the initiative.

Next year Lisa Carlson will be asking them to again cough up an extra levy on their business rates in return for services and facilities like extra street cleaning, graffiti removal, Christmas lights and hanging floral baskets.

The not-for-profit initiative was introduced almost four years ago after 64% of traders voted in favour in a ballot to give it a five-year term. But it was not without controversy and some revolted, refused to pay and ended up with court summonses.

Their grievances were eventually resolved out of court but Mrs Carlson will be hoping for a smoother ride as it seeks a second term. And she is confident the BID has proved its worth and the city would be a poorer place without it – despite some outspoken opposition. “I think we have delivered what we said we would, and more,” she said. “Canterbury without Christmas lights would be a disaster, for example.

“We made deep cleaning the city a priority and appointed ambassadors who are also an asset. They talk to shopkeepers and visitors every day and are our eyes and ears in the city to report back any issues to us.”

She also points to BID successes like the city winning a Britain in Bloom gold award and attractions it puts on including the medieval pageant and hop pocket race.

And she believes there is more opportunity to invest in its culture and heritage.

The 44-year-old mum-of-two, who grew up in Minnesota in America, has a background in digital marketing and publicity and previously worked for a charity in London.

She moved to Canterbury when her husband Robert Rawson got the job of professor of musicology at Christ Church University.

She started working for the BID three years ago on its Mycanterbury city guides initiative. She was appointed chief executive last month, taking over from Bob Jones.

Her mission remains the same, although with even more focus on services for traders, including considering a “rapid response” cleaning service.

“We know when those problems usually arise – like Sunday mornings,” she says. “But it won’t be the same service that Serco provides. It’s to do with making Canterbury look like it’s ready and open for business.

“Our aim is to respond to the day-to-day needs of the busi- ness community and invest in the city,” she said.

“I would also like to fine-tune the things that have worked and we have to be responsive to the day-to-day needs of levy payers. They have to be able to communicate with us and we have to be able to promote them.”

Mrs Carlson believes there is still further scope to build on the city’s heritage and culture and offer more support to areas like Burgate. “Overall, the city doesn’t actually need more footfall but dwell time and the right type of visitor and shopper are important too.”

The BID, whose board members are all levy payers, has received about £500,000 a year from charging a 1.5% levy on business rates. At its annual meeting in March, the board will set out its vision for another five-year term.

“I cannot say yet whether the levy will go up or down. Because the business rates landscape has changed dramatically. Even if we kept it as it was, some will pay more and some less. But it’s up to the board to listen to what levy payers want.”

Lisa Carlson