Companies rally to support business improvement district in city centre

City businesses tell CH1ChesterBID: “We support you”

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Chester Chronicle

16:50, 11 JUN 2014

Chester's businesses turn out in force to cast their 'Yes' votes for plans to create a Business Improvement District (BID) in the city centre

“We're backing the BID!”

That was the rallying cry from dozens of Chester businesses as they gathered at the Town Hall Square to cast their ‘Yes’ votes for plans to create a Business Improvement District (BID) in the city centre.

Owners, managers and staff from across the city’s commercial centre came together for the event, which marked the start of a 30-day voting period where more than 500 businesses within the defined BID area can vote on proposals put forward by CH1ChesterBID Company.

Debenhams, Chez Jules, Laundry Boutique, Zugers, Liverpool Football Shop, The Old Sweet Shop, The Grosvenor Hotel and Barbour were joined by many more of Chester’s independents, hoteliers, restaurants and other businesses to show their support for the BID.

Paul Daniels, CH1ChesterBID chairman, said: “We’ve spent months campaigning for change in the city centre so it was fantastic to see so many faces from the business community out in force and supporting us as the BID campaign reaches such a crucial period.”

The CH1ChesterBID plans have attracted widespread support in recent months, with more and more businesses pledging to vote ‘Yes’ to plans that will raise a £2.5m fund to pay for a range of city centre improvements over the next five years.

Paul added: “We have been delighted with the way this city has got behind CH1ChesterBID and is working together as one city, with one voice, to halt the economic decline we have witnessed during the last decade.

“But we still need as many ‘Yes’ votes as possible because this really is our only chance of creating a better future for our city centre. There is no plan B.

“We need the business community to continue to vote ‘Yes’ and together we can really make a difference.

“The entire CH1ChesterBID team is made up of local, private-sector businessmen and women that have joined together because they realise we have to do something to improve our city centre.

“A bustling high street is good for business and good for the local economy and that’s what we can deliver through the BID.

“Every vote counts. The last date for votes to be received is June 30 but I’m urging businesses not to leave it till the last minute.

“Many of the voting decisions will be taken at head office level, but that shouldn’t stop our local store managers campaigning with the team to influence the decision makers that voting for CH1ChesterBID is the right choice for us all.

“We have a business plan full of money-saving schemes, events and festivals - which will drive up footfall and consumer spend - as well as fantastic marketing opportunities for all businesses.

“Whether they are a small local independent or a multi-national retailer, there is something for everyone with CH1ChesterBID, but it all rests on a successful ‘Yes’ vote in June.”