Get involved in big BID
AS we reach the end of 2017, it is timely to remind everyone of what Stockport’s Business Improvement District, BID is working to achieve.
Totally Stockport is the face of the BID and, through a BID levy, will generate almost £2.5m of additional funding over the next five years, specifically ring-fenced for projects that will benefit and add value for the BID levy payers and enhance the offering in Stockport town centre.
Mike Lamont, chairman of the BID board, is keen to ensure that all businesses feel included in these plans and can play a part in shaping the future of the town centre.
He said: “The BID board is representative of BID levy payers and, in order to deliver specific projects and initiatives, the board set up steering groups. I would urge every business to get involved in at least one of the four main steering groups: Experience, Business, Marketing and Digital.
“We are already beginning to see the impact that a well-defined business plan has the potential to deliver for the levy payers but it is the key areas of car parking, security, connectivity and accessibility that we will treat as a matter of urgency and will be our initial focus.
“The Experience group is also working with retailers to create a better shopping experience. If you would like to find out more about joining the Experience Group, please email Maxine McDermott, store manager at Marks & Spencer on Maxine.McDermott@marks-and-spencer.com.
The Business Group is responsible for driving initiatives to create a safer town centre, to attract more businesses, to increase employee engagement and give them more choice and to create a town centre business network. Join us - contact Stuart Broadbelt of McDonalds in Merseyway for more information – Stuart@ronniesltd.co.uk
The Marketing Group will define and communicate ‘what is Stockport.’ The team have developed the Totally Stockport branding and will work to create a strong and trusted brand for Stockport town centre. To join the marketing group – email paul.taylor@totallystockport.co.uk
The Digital Group will ensure that Stockport is better connected. The Totally Stockport App promotes money-saving offers and the group are currently examining the feasibility of free Wi-Fi across the town centre.
If you or your business is a BID levy payer, and you would like to get involved in one, two or perhaps more of the steering groups, please email Paul Taylor, BID Manager for Totally Stockport – paul. taylor@totallystockport.co.uk