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08
Sept 2021
Knaresborough firms raise concerns about proposed new BID
Three independent businesses in Knaresborough have expressed concerns about the process to create a new Business Improvement District for the town.
Companies in Knaresborough will be balloted on Friday on whether to set up a BID.
BIDs, which already exist in many towns and cities, including Harrogate and Ripon, aim to create safer, cleaner and better promoted city and town centres to improve footfall.
Plans to create a Knaresborough BID began in September 2019 and the outcome of this week's ballot is due to be revealed on October 9.
But three business owners jointly contacted the Stray Ferret saying they felt their voices hadn't been heard during the BID set-up process and highlighting concerns about transparency, communication and accuracy.
They are Tracey Bell from Ruebury Flowers, Annie Wilkinson-Gill at The Crystal Buddha and Natalie Horner from Sid Horner and Son.
Transparency
If the BID is voted in, all businesses in the Knaresborough area will have to pay an annual levy for five years. The amount depends on each company's rateable value and can vary from 68p to £21 each day.
The three women said it was important for them to know before they voted what schemes would be introduced from the £700,000 the BID is expected to receive over five years.
The Knaresborough BID's business plan sets aside £575,000 for 'communicating, connecting, celebrating and collaborating' but the women say they are not clear what this means even though they have sought clarification.
Ms Bell said:
When asked what the £575,000 will go towards, Bill Taylor, chair of the BID task group, said:
Communication
The three business owners said they found out about the BID through word of mouth and social media rather than from BID consultants.
They added numerous businesses, included in the BID map area, are yet to be contacted despite ballot papers going out at the end of the week.
The business owners also said they had raised numerous questions and suggested ideas for the business plan but none had been included. They said they felt they weren't being listened to.
Ms Thorner said:
Ms Bell added:
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Accuracy
They also claimed the ballot list is full of inaccuracies, saying some businesses included don't exist anymore or have changed hands.
Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:
In response, Mr Taylor said the ballot process was handled by an officer at Harrogate Borough Council and incorrect information should be reported to it.
The three women are delivering flyers this week to businesses to ensure they are aware of the upcoming vote. Insisting the flyers are non-biased, Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:
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