City Centre Businesses Vote Yes to Lancaster BID

Lancaster BID would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all the businesses who voted YES to another five years of their work to support the city centre.

The BID ballot has now closed and the results are in. With turnout of 36.5%, Lancaster BID received support from a huge 79.1% of votes cast by number and 84.1% by rateable value. With 125 businesses voting YES, this marks the highest number of businesses ever showing their support for Lancaster BID. This means that they will continue as the only democratically elected organisation representing businesses in Lancaster city centre for the next five years. This is the fourth time businesses have voted YES to Lancaster BID. During the new term, we will have a projected £1.75 million of income that will be used to attract shoppers and visitors to the city centre.

Planning for the new BID term has already started and the BID team will now be busy confirming details to continue their hard work on behalf of businesses in the city centre. In response to feedback from businesses, work will focus on three key priorities detailed in their new Business Plan:

• High Quality Events and Festivals
• Marketing Lancaster as a Destination
• Safe and Secure City Centre

Lancaster BID really couldn’t do what they do without the support of so many wonderful businesses throughout the city centre. However you voted in the ballot, they encourage you to get involved in our activities and ensure you get the best benefits for your businesses and value for money for your BID levy.

Phil Simpson, Lancaster BID Director, said “This is great news for the Lancaster BID team, the businesses within the district, and the many hundreds of thousands of people who visit each year. Lancaster is a fantastic city and, when it’s united and positive, it really is unbeatable. I’ve got huge hopes for where the city is heading next.”

Fellow BID Director, Sarah Harrison added “I am delighted with yet another successful ballot for Lancaster BID. It really highlights the hard work our team and volunteers put into supporting this fantastic city”.

BID Director, Julie Shaw said “It is amazing news that Lancaster BID have received the support from local businesses in securing their votes to take the team into the next term. The BID team and management board are proud to be able to continue to represent and work alongside the Lancaster City Centre business community.”

Lancaster BID Manager, Tony Johnson, said “This is great news for Lancaster! This positive “Yes” vote gives us another 5 years to continue our events and festivals as well as supporting others. We can expand on our Love Lancaster marketing campaigns and with the BID warden out seven days a week you can rest assured the city centre will be a safe place to visit.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my two colleagues Tom and Maggie for their commitment over this term, the Management Board for their continuous support, but most of all the businesses and organisations that we represent – you truly are Lancaster BID and the city is richer for having you.”

Councillor Martin Bottoms, Lancaster City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for regeneration, said: “It is fantastic news that Lancaster’s businesses have again voted ‘yes’ to the Business Improvement District. 

“Since its creation the BID has delivered high quality events and festivals to draw people into Lancaster, made the centre’s streets safer and more attractive, and acted as a voice for the centre’s businesses.

“It will now be able to continue its pivotal role in securing a successful and prosperous future for the district and the city council looks forward to working alongside BID members for a further five years.”

City centre businesses are encouraged to sign up to the Lancaster BID Newsletter and to follow them on social media to find out all the ways to benefit.

Any questions, the Lancaster BID team are always happy to hear from you and arrange to meet to discuss our work in the city centre. You can contact them by email to [email protected] or by phone on 01524 590650.