Business backs Hull BID
CITY centre businesses have backed the Hull Business Improvement District to continue for another five years.
A ballot of city centre businesses saw 318 of the 596 votes cast in favour of the scheme.
City centre manager Kathryn Shillito said: “We are pleased with the outcome. It may be closer than many people expected but we have never taken anything for granted. We have worked hard to improve the city centre and we are pleased that businesses have recognised this by voting in favour.
“We have outlined a number of projects to bring further improvements to the city centre and further benefits to the business community and we look forward to delivering them over the next five years.
“We are very grateful to the large and small businesses who supported Hull BID’s campaign for a yes vote, particularly as these are difficult times economically. We maintain that the Hull BID levy represents good value for money and we would remind all levy payers that they have a say in how it is spent. We hope those people who oppose BID and who voted against will join us in helping to make the city centre a better place in which to do business.”
Business Improvement Districts are created by firms in a given area that contribute money which is pooled for improvements. The Hull BID was established in 2006 and had reached the end of its initial five year term.
Hull BID chairman Victoria Jackson said: “As someone who has been in business in Hull city centre for the last 26 years I am pleased with the outcome of the ballot. A no vote would have been a sad day for the city as it would have taken away direct revenue and demonstrated a lack of confidence among the business community.
“It would have been nice to have had a higher turnout and a bigger majority in favour but we can’t second-guess the intentions of people who didn’t vote.
“The BID team has conducted a positive ballot campaign highlighting a record of real achievement while at the same time delivering the services that are bringing improvements to the city. That has taken a real effort and I would like to congratulate Kathryn and her team for all their commitment. The ballot outcome is no more than they deserve and is undoubtedly the right result for business.”
