Darlington Town Centre

Darlington Town Centre

Business Improvement District

BUSINESS MEETING

August 2011

Why Am I Here?

• This directly effects you

• Make an informed decision

• To understand your priorities for the Town Centre

• To ensure the Business Plan reflects your need

• Initial consultation complete – Business Plan binding

• What do you want and how much are you prepared to pay

• Doing nothing is not an option

What is a BID?

An arrangement whereby business get together, decide what additional improvements they want to make, how they are going to manage and deliver those improvements and what it will cost them. This all goes into a business plan which is voted on by all those who would have to pay. The BID can last for a maximum of 5 years and must be able to demonstrate how it has benefited businesses who

have funded it.

Impact of BIDs

•140 BIDs

•30 reballots (100% success)

• 74% vote in favour

•75,000+ businesses

•£300m investment

•20% additional income

BIDSafety & Security Cleansing & Maintenance

BID ProjectsMarketing & Promoton

Access

BID Projects

Business Support

Insurance

Trade Waste

Recycling

Press/Media Buying

Recruitment

Networking

Awards

Benefits of a BID

• Business Performance Up• Business Costs Driven Down• Capital Value of Assets• Business Control & Accountability• Proper Business Planning• Achievable Projects• Realistic Funds• Maximum Value from Existing Services• Additional Funding• No Freeloading

Benefits of a BID

Benefits of a BID

Darlington BID Area

• 808 Organisations in TotalRetail (70%)

Food, Drink, Entertainment (12%)

Office/Commercial (12%)

• Total Rateable Value of £21m

What’s Happened So Far?

Phase 1:Feasibility

Apr-May 2011

Phase 3: Business Planning

Apr-July Phase 4: Campaign

Jan-Mar 2012

Phase 3:Feasibility

Oct – Dec 2011

Phase 2: Wide Consultation

Jun-Sep 2011

Key Consultation Findings

• Over 70% considered marketing important

• Litter, Chewing Gum, Graffiti a priority

• Preventing Anti Social Behaviour, Property Damage, Shoplifting

• Availability of Car Parking & Pricing

• Central procurement of Trade Waste, Recycling and Advertising Buying a Priority

Project Areas

• Marketing & Promotion

• Cleansing & Maintenance

• Safety & Security

• Access

• Business Support

Your Priorities?

Phase 3: Business Planning

Apr-July

If You Had £300,000, How Would You Spend It?

Your Choice?

Phase 3: Business Planning

Apr-July

On the basis of what you have heard here today, would you vote

yes or no for a

Darlington Town Centre BID?

Any Questions?

Phase 3: Business Planning

Apr-July

Thank You For Your Time