Future Prosperity of North Notts - Have Your Say

If you run a business in North Nottinghamshire you need to know about the plans to launch a Business Improvement District (BID) in North Nottinghamshire.  The purpose of the BID is to help local business prosperity, to drive inward investment and to enable our region to compete nationally.

You’re going to hear lots more about this subject over the coming months and all businesses are being urged to support the plans.

The following information from George Buchanan, of Hodsock Priory and Chair of the North Notts Place Board, explains what BIDS are, the reasoning behind the plans to launch a Business Improvement District (BID) in North Nottinghamshire and how our region would benefit if it became a BID area.

PLANS TO DEVELOP ECONOMY-BOOSTING BID MOVE FORWARD

BUSINESSES are being urged to support plans to launch a Business Improvement District (BID) in North Nottinghamshire to help business to prosper locally, compete nationally and also to help to drive inward investment.

Some of the biggest investors in the area are backing the creation of a BID and a feasibility study is currently underway to provide a report of the opportunities and benefits it could bring.

Led by the North Notts Place Board, which includes business leaders from a number of high profile companies including Handelsbanken, DDC Outsourcing and Gamston Airport, the Board has formed a BID steering group to drive forward plans.

Historically, BIDs have focused very much on individual towns or industrial estates, but the Place Board has ambitious plans to create a BID for the North Nottinghamshire area. This is a real trailblazer, and if successful, it will be one of the largest in the UK and will put North Nottinghamshire well and truly on the map.

Each BID proposal is different depending on local needs and priorities, but usually focuses on place promotion, events and marketing, increasing footfall and sales turnover for businesses, retail and evening economy.

Specialist BID consultant Michelle Baker from Regen Management is running the feasibility study on behalf of North Nottinghamshire, and she said that the business plan will highlight what is going to drive some real economic benefits.

Michelle, who has been involved with other successful BID projects in the UK including Lichfield, Abingdon and Beddington – all successful at ballot in 2015 - added that each prospective BID area can set boundaries. For example, they can choose if it is just focused on retail, how far out it goes, what properties it includes and what the levy is and the initiatives that the BID will fund. She said at this stage, there are lots of calculations to be made.

“Businesses collectively need to take action themselves so the area can compete nationally and internationally and so that people who live, work or visit here can get a fantastic experience. A BID can really help to deliver that. The important thing is that people get involved and say what they think could make the biggest difference to their business. People should use their vote if it comes to that stage. The core point is what will a BID do for North Nottinghamshire?”

George Buchanan, Chair of the North Notts Place Board and BID steering Board said “We have achieved so much already since the Place Board and the North Notts Envoys ambassador programmes were formed in 2014, with the focus on three key themes – skills/talent retention, tourism and regeneration. Our Envoys have ownership of the scheme and are really in the driving seat when we decide how this area's future will develop.”

He added “These are really exciting plans. It is a jewel in the crown for North Nottinghamshire and by becoming a BID it will help to take us to the next level. We’ve raised our game so now it is about providing additional services. We need to maintain the momentum and build on it. The BID is fundamental to that. It’s not about replacing Council services, it’s about adding additional ones and adding vitality to our towns.

“Some people question why we would need a BID, but that is the wrong end of the telescope. People should be saying why not? We can’t just stand still. As soon as we think that, we are going backwards. We have always got to improve what we are doing. It is really important for businesses to complete the survey and to vote YES to the BID in order to help to secure the future of North Nottinghamshire.”

Business leaders believe the creation of a BID in North Nottinghamshire will enhance the region's standing in the eyes of investors from around the world by further developing the enterprise and wealth creation culture which exists for the benefit of its people.

The BID feasibility work started in January and the report will be finalised at the end of February this year when the decision will be made whether to go to ballot.

Your views are really important so, if you are a business rates payer in the Bassetlaw area, please complete the online survey and have your say. Visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NorthNotts

Alternatively, for more information about North Nottinghamshire, to see the North Notts Story showreel, and to complete the BID consultation survey visit: www.northnotts.co.uk