Wakefield businesses back the BID

WAKEFIELD businesses have given the thumbs up to plans for a Business Improvement District (BID), which will give them a say in how the city centre operates.

Businesses across retail, leisure, hospitality, evening economy and commerce supported the plans after an 18 month campaign.

David Owens from Wakefield Beer Exchange and chair of the BID Steering Group said the ‘yes’ vote demonstrated the “power of independent businesses who had collaborated with the larger multiples to create a plan that would make the city a great place to do business.”

He said: “This  YES vote gives a stronger voice to independent businesses in the city centre who have been desperate to influence how their immediate environment is promoted and maintained.

“For so long business people in the retail, leisure, arts, culture, hospitality and evening economies have stood by frustrated that their voices have not been heard.  This will give them that voice, but more significantly the chance to take action.”

Owens added: “This is a BID for everyone and it will now work hard to benefit every business in the WF1 district whether or not they voted to support the plans.”