Sheffield BID process moves on
THE Sheffield BID team is to host its second public consultation as the process moves a step on.
The Sheffield BID wants to hear what retailers think about their city centre and what activities they think will help them increase business.
Sandra Barley, retail liaison manager for the Moor and Sheffield BID Champion, said: “Should the Sheffield BID go through it will raise funds that will allow the city to invest in improvements, activities and events over and above core public services.
“This is our chance to help shape activity that will actively promote and support business and leisure in the city. I am looking forward to hearing what the retailers of Sheffield think and will be pleased to welcome any other business or organisation to this event, as we will have other BID Champions from other sectors on hand to answer questions.
“This is the window of opportunity for businesses to air their views and to provide constructive ideas. Initial research has identified the areas most important to those who run retail outlets in the city, but over the coming months we want to expand on this work further.”
The first public consultation was held earlier this month and this second will be held next week.
Duka Nagy, who co-owns SMOKE, the independent restaurant in St Paul’s Place, said: “I believe the Sheffield BID will be good for the city. It will give businesses like mine more control, as we will have our own budget to spend on improvements and activities. I need to make sure that we are able to build on our initial success and I would like to ensure we have even more events and activities that draw people into the city centre.”
Sheffield BID is led by BID Champions who represent retail, leisure, education, independent businesses, the night time economy, public and office sectors in the city.
A BID is a company established and run by the business community to address issues and priorities identified by that community. The overall aim of a BID is to enhance the business environment and deliver real results.
Businesses with a rateable value over and including £30,000 that are located within the city centre and are eligible will pay a levy that is 1% of their rateable value. This would raise approximately £800,000 of additional investment each year or £4m over five years. The city centre business community will spend the money on the projects businesses need and will be directly accountable to businesses.
This is the first formally proposed city centre BID in South Yorkshire, although there is a flood defence BID for the Lower Don Valley.
