BID plans at critical stage

Ambitious moves to establish a Business Improvement District for Shrewsbury are now at a critical stage.

The town centre's business community is being asked to select the projects they would like included in the final BID proposal - and decide at what level the levy on the business rates to fund these projects should be set.

It is the final BID proposal that businesses will be asked to vote on next April 2008.

Since April of this year all businesses within the river-loop of the town have been contacted by mail or visited by BID project manager Nikki Jones to explain what the scheme is.

She has given them an understanding of what projects and services it is felt would enhance the trading prospects of the town. These ideas have been costed and it is now time for businesses to decide what is important, said Nikki.

Every business with a rateable value over £5,000 is being sent a questionnaire survey, an updated Shrewsbury BID factsheet and an invitation to attend a seminar this Thursday at the Lion Hotel at 6pm.

Nikki said: "For the BID proposal to be truly representative of what the business community collectively wants it is important that everyone completes the survey and, if possible, attends this important seminar where there will be presentations on the key elements of projects and services that have been asked for by businesses so far.

"It is the businesses that take part who will decide for the whole town centre what projects the BID will deliver. As an incentive all completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win either a mixed case of Tanners wine or a food hamper from Deli 7 in the Parade."

With more than 56 successful BID companies now operating across the UK, this initiative is proving to be a valuable investment for business communities, giving them control and power on how their trading area is managed.

Nikki added: "With increased threats from out-of-town retail parks, loss of office space to peripheral business sites and massive inward investment to areas like Telford, Wrexham and Crewe, Shrewsbury businesses must take action by joining forces to make sure that the town centre survives."

• Anyone requiring more information about the BID process can contact Nikki on 07807 211757 or alternatively visit the website at www.shrewsburybid.co.uk