Member Article

Middlesbrough business back BID proposals

Major retailers, banks and restaurants have offered their support to the introduction of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Middlesbrough.

BID backers include Marks and Spencer, Psyche, HSBC, Al Forno Restaurant, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Next and Boots.

The introduction of a BID would see additional investment of at least £2.3 million being made in the town centre over the next five years, and would include projects aiming to increase town centre footfall and improve business performance.

Businesses in Middlesbrough town centre will vote this month on whether to introduce a BID.

Ballot papers are to be sent out on Thursday, May 10 with votes accepted until Thursday, June 7 and a result announced soon after.

BIDs have been successful in more than 100 towns and cities in the UK in breathing new
economic and community life back into shopping and business areas.

They work by businesses in the BID area contributing a levy that is invested in delivering additional projects and services that businesses have identified would improve the area.

Mark Cornish, Store Manager, M&S Middlesbrough said: “The BID proposition has the full weight
of M&S behind it and we will certainly be voting ‘Yes’ at the ballot.

“The customer base of Middlesbrough needs rapid growth and we need to get the message to
more people as this is a great town with great people and a unique diversity of retail.

“We can only progress on an ever-changing retail landscape if we join together and vote for the
BID.”

It is estimated a BID could help lever an additional £25 million into Middlesbrough’s town centre
economy.

Darlington is the latest town in the UK to vote to introduce a BID when businesses voted ‘yes’ last month.

Middlesbrough Council supports the BID as a new opportunity for the public and private sectors to work together to bring millions of pounds of additional investment to the town centre.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .