TAVISTOCK BUSINESSES VOTE ‘YES’ TO A THIRD TERM
Tavistock businesses have voted ‘yes’ to a third five-year term as a Business Improvement District (BID) with an exceptionally strong mandate from the business community.
A total of 173 businesses took part in the ballot, a turnout of 56%, well above the national average turnout for BID ballots even outside of a pandemic. Of those voters, 145 were in favour, representing an 85% majority by number and 85% by rateable value.
The ballot results were far higher than in the second term demonstrating that the BID has made a big difference to the town supporting businesses over the past year and through schemes that include Dickensian Evening, Visit Tavistock marketing and PR campaigns, the Tavistock Gift Card and top-class Christmas Lights.
Chris Palmer, Chair of Tavistock BID and from Hansford Bell Financial Planning said, ‘the yes vote is fantastic news for Tavistock particularly coming, as it does, after such a tough 16 months. It is recognition that businesses support the efforts of the BID which, alongside the work undertaken by our partners, is really helping Tavistock to flourish and grow. We will now be able to implement our new business plan which will benefit businesses, local people and visitors with some exciting opportunities to promote and enhance our town.”
The new five-year term will begin on 1st September and will generate approximately £87K a year to be spent on delivering projects and services in Tavistock as prioritised by the businesses in the town and outlined in the Tavistock BID Business Plan. On top of this income from businesses, the BID team has an excellent track record of attracting other funding to complement the levy income.
Tavistock BID is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee set up in 2010 and is overseen by a Board of Directors who are business people from within the town and who in turn employ a part time BID manager.
Neil Jory, Leader of WDBC, said ‘we’re delighted that Tavistock businesses have voted for a further renewal of their Business Improvement District. The BID is essential in supporting the town, and we’re really looking forward to continuing to work in partnership together over the next five years.’
The new five-year business plan will deliver projects and services under four key themes which cover Marketing, events, the town’s environment and business support.