Posted by
Frankie Gale
Guildford businesses have voted in favour of a third, five-year term of the Business Improvement District (BID), Experience Guildford. The outcome of the Guildford BID ballot was revealed at 2pm on Friday 28th October by Guildford Borough Council, the Ballot Holder. The overall result was 78% in favour by number of businesses, 91% in favour by rateable value, with a turnout of 29%.
Over the last 10 years, Guildford businesses have collectively invested over £5 million through the payment of an annual levy, to deliver services and projects that enhance the trading environment, creating a prosperous and exciting destination for shoppers, staff, residents and visitors to the town. A further 3rd-year term secures the continued investment of nearly £3 million from both the BID levy and other income, and allows Experience Guildford to build upon the firm foundations already achieved in the town.
Originally founded in 2013, Experience Guildford has, over the past 10 years, introduced a number of successful campaigns and projects that responded to the key objectives of the BID member’s business plan. These included initiatives such as the funding of the Guildford Town Rangers, delivery of the Guildford Customer Service and Best Bar None Awards, launch of the Guildford Business Crime Reduction Partnership and the promotion of free parking to coincide with key dates in the retail calendar.
The third term of the BID will begin on 1 February 2023 with the roll-out of a new business plan as agreed and voted for by BID members. Key activities and initiatives highlighted for the next five years include; a sustained and enhanced destination marketing and events campaign, improved business support and training, strengthening of Guildford’s position as one of the safest and most welcoming towns in the south-east and improving the town’s accessibility and footfall.
Commenting on the successful ballot win, Amanda Masters, chief executive of Experience Guildford said;
“We are so pleased to have secured a further positive result in the recent BID ballot, and are proud to be able to continue our work promoting and improving the trading environment of the town. Our commitment remains 100% steadfast to the businesses that make up the BID, and we will continue to work tirelessly with them to ensure that Guildford remains one of the most attractive and desirable premium leisure and retail destinations in the south-east.
“My huge thanks go to all my team, and to all the businesses and organisations that have supported and worked collaboratively with us to secure a 3rd term for the BID, and a more prosperous future for our town. We look forward now to rolling up our sleeves and rolling out the new business plan that BID members have convincingly voted in favour for us to deliver.”