Businesses Vote Yes To Business Improvement District (BID)

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BID will start in April with plans to boost trade and tackle key local issues


The area the BID might coveris within pink border

Businesses in Putney and Wandsworth town centres have voted in favour of becoming part of a Business Improvement District (BID).

The Putney result was 75% in favour from the eligible businesses who were asked to vote on whether to implement wide-ranging business plans for their BID areas, which will be funded by the businesses themselves through a levy. Busineeses in Wandsworth Town also voted Yes to creating a BID with 73 per cent voting yes.



Wandsworth Council business spokesperson Kim Caddy said, “This is a great result for Wandsworth and Putney Town centres. Local businesses will now have more influence over the trading environment they know so well and will be better placed to respond to challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. I look forward to working with them and to seeing businesses in both areas reap the rewards as their ambitious plans come into action.”

Steve Pinto, CEO at the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, said, Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce is delighted to see a successful outcome to Wandsworth BID ballot. We are strong advocates for this BID and look forward in continuing to be a strong voice for local businesses. Our aim is to ensure business interests are always at the forefront, as opportunities develop for Wandsworth Town.”

The business plans for each BID were developed through months of consultation and engagement with the affected traders. The Putney BID aims to:
* Enhance the town centre’s reputation as a welcoming and accessible place to shop, visit and work
* Create a safer and cleaner town centre
* Bring Putney businesses together to help reduce costs and act as an effective lobbying body

The proponents of the scheme say town centres can expect to benefit financially, with up to £1.4m be generated across five years in Putney, (and over £1m in Wandsworth town).

Over coming weeks new BID companies will be developed to deliver the plans, led by representatives from the local business community. The BIDs will become operational on 1 April and businesses within both town centres will be encouraged to play an active part in guiding the BIDs through their advisory groups or on their boards.

Find out more at putneybid.co.uk

December 9, 2016