Member Article

Darlington businesses backing the BID

DARLINGTON businesses are calling out to their counterparts to make sure they vote in favour of the retention of the town’s Business Improvement District (BID).

Voting is currently underway for Distinct Darlington to remain for another five years, so that their programme of events and initiatives to promote the town can continue.

But companies within the BID area only have until 9 March to have their say – and now those who have already voted are urging levy payers to say “yes.”

Shuhel Ahmed, who is a franchisee for coffee chain Mangobean at Feethams, said it was “an easy decision” for his company to vote in favour of the BID.

“We have only been in Darlington for six months but we have been really impressed with the support we have received from the BID,” he said.

“They have helped us to get to know a new town and it’s also been great to have the Rangers available to us when we’ve had any issues.

“We are absolutely behind them, 100 per cent.”

His words are echoed by Natalie Cooper, director of Houndgate Townhouse hotel, who was among the first to vote for the retention of the BID.

“We have supported every activity that Distinct Darlington has done as we see all of the activities as being really good for the town,” said Natalie, who is also a BID board member.

“At a time when councils are cutting right back, the BID has gone above and beyond to ensure that Darlington has an exciting programme of events which wouldn’t have happened without them.

“I would really urge everyone to make sure they vote if they haven’t already done so.”

Other businesses also backing the BID include the bank, Santander, High Row.

“Santander supports Darlington BID as part of our commitment to help our businesses prosper and to keep our high street healthy,” said Zoe Turner, Local Business Manager at the High Row branch.

Alex Hirst, Manager of Distinct Darlington, said it was gratifying to see the positive feedback from local businesses.

“We are delighted with everything we have already been able to achieve through the BID and hope that everyone eligible will vote yes and allow us to continue to promote the town both locally and to a wider audience; every vote counts.”

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