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Apr 2023

Last Updated: 05/04/2023

Business

Harrogate BID to launch campaign for second term

by Vicky Carr

| 05 Apr, 2023

Harrogate BID is set to launch its campaign for a second term at a meeting of its members later this month.

The business improvement district, funded through a levy on business rates for commercial premises in the town centre, was first voted in in January 2019.

Its first five-year period will end at the beginning of next year – but its manager and board are hoping to win support for a business plan for another term.

Harrogate BID chairman Dan Siddle said:

“Harrogate is a key visitor destination and working with our members, BID ensures the town centre excels as a place for business, to shop, visit and enjoy.

"The work of the team over the past five years has been focused on the delivery of five key areas: marketing, promotions and events; access and car parking; safe, clean and welcoming; business plus; and evening and night-time economy.

“The new business plan will see these five areas re-focused on three all-encompassing objectives, with even greater scrutiny of the return on investment in relation to each one."

The new business plan will be presented to BID members at the Majestic Hotel on Wednesday, April 26. As well as showcasing the draft business plan, it will be an opportunity for the BID to highlight its achievements since it was established.

Among those are events in the town centre designed to draw visitors in, such as a lego trail last summer and attractions over the Christmas period.

It has also carried out regular deep-cleaning of streets, and added floral and artistic installations to make the town centre more attractive to visitors and residents.

It has employed a street ranger and used hosts to welcome visitors to town and give directions, as well as sponsoring free parking and free bus travel on selected routes to boost footfall in the town centre.

The ballot for the BID will open on June 1 and members will be asked to cast their votes by June 28. The result will be announced the following day.

Mr Siddle added:

“I am confident that the offering of our new five-year business plan and streamlined objectives will see a positive vote for the BID – from which we look forward to continuing our work in support of our members to make Harrogate thrive long into the future.”

Any BID members wishing to attend the event at the Majestic on April 26, which runs from 5pm to 8pm, can sign up by emailing the BID.

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Harrogate BID to launch campaign for second term

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