The York BID secures new five year term
The York BID is delighted to announce they have succeeded in securing the votes required to enter a new five-year term. Despite the challenges of national lockdown, they have received an overwhelming level of support from York’s business community.
Out of 912 eligible businesses 43% turned out to participate in the ballot, 86% voted in favour by number, with 94% voting in favour by rateable value. It is required for BID ballot to win a majority by both number and rateable value in order to be successful.
The result was announced outside York Minster by the Town Crier who’s livery was funded by the BID.
The York BID would like to say a huge thank you to all their levy paying businesses for their support during what has been a year of unprecedented challenges, especially to those who made the effort to participate in the ballot. With this result, the BID can move forward with confidence that city centre businesses value and support the BID’s activity.
Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of the York BID said, ‘Naturally I am delighted we have a big vote of confidence and I think that is because we stayed true to our original business plan and delivered what businesses asked us to. We know from our consultation there is a lot of immediate support needed post lockdown and we’ll do all we can to help the city recover. Alongside this, we’ll get started on delivering on our next five year plan which includes a lot of exciting and aspirational projects, all of which will contribute to York building back better.’
The news has been warmly welcomed by the board of directors at the BID as well as by members of the BID delivery team and partners in the city.
Michael Hjort, Chair of the Board said, ‘This result is testament to the hard work and tenacity of the BID team and is 10% higher than the first ballot five years ago. It is also a vote of confidence in the proven ability of the BID as a delivery body.’
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the economy and strategic planning, said, ‘Its fantastic news and a ringing endorsement of the positive impact the BID has had on York. They are a creative and active partner who are helping to deliver our shared vision for a vibrant, welcoming city centre. I’d like to congratulate Andrew and the team and look forward to working together to reopen safely, drive recovery and write the next chapter in the success of York city centre.’
As soon as the new term comes into effect on 1st April, the BID will commence work on delivering the goals set out in it’s new business plan, including the continuation of it’s highly successful Street Ranger programme, street cleaning and Winter Lights programme.