Leamington firms vote BID in for another five years

MHLC-03-04-13 Bid Vote Apr15
BID Leamington has been voted in for another year by businesses. Pictured,Stephanie Kerr BID Leamington, Director with some of the members, Sarah Horne (Chair) - Sarah Horne Flowers, Gurdip Chatha - Esqué Beauty Salon,Colin Scamp - Peter Stephan Jewellers, Bill Gifford - Warwick District Council Representative,Tim Naylor - Warwickshire — MHLC-03-04-13 Bid Vote Apr15 BID Leamington has been voted in for another year by businesses. Pictured,Stephanie Kerr BID Leamington, Director with some of the members, Sarah Horne (Chair) - Sarah Horne Flowers, Gurdip Chatha - Esqué Beauty Salon,Colin Scamp - Peter Stephan Jewellers, Bill Gifford - Warwick District Council Representative,Tim Naylor - Warwickshire

One of 150 BIDs across the UK, the organisation works with businesses to fund improvements in the town and do what it can to keep its economy robust.

Stephanie Kerr, executive director of BID Leamington, said: “We are pleased to have the continued support of the town’s business community in what we appreciate is a very tough economic climate.

“We now have a fresh mandate to support local businesses and deliver promotions, events and enhancements for the town.

“While we know there are challenges ahead, we are confident that together we can make sure the town continues to attract and retain visitors and offer an exceptional customer experience.”

During the BID’s last five years of existence, around £1.5 million has been invested by the town’s businesses in attracting new investment and visitors into Leamington.

Figures obtained by the organisation show that in 2012, visitor numbers increased by 4.4 per cent, while nationally (excluding London) there was an average drop in visitor numbers of 3.5 per cent.

BID also has figures that show a 6.3 per cent increase in footfall in the town during 2012.

Ms Kerr said: “We very much appreciate the trust placed in us by those who voted yes and we will work hard to further develop the support of local businesses during the next phase.”

Future plans for the BID include continuing to organise town centre events and festivals, building a new website and town centre smartphone app and increasing advertising and promotions for the town.

Sarah Horne, chairman of BID’s board of directors and owner of Sarah Horne Flowers in Warwick Street, said: “We would like to thank the local business community for its continued support and we are now looking forward to delivering popular events such as the Food and Drink Festival and Lantern Parade, as well as building on the work we have done to date and developing new plans for the future.”

To find out more about BID, call 470634 or go online.