‘Euphoria’ as Hitchin businesses back the BID
Chris Hollins, director of BID management company PFBB and Hitchin town centre manager Keith Hoskins - Credit: Archant
Companies across a town have voted in favour of continuing with a Business Improvement District (BID) for a further five years.
Just over 50% of Hitchin businesses turned out to cast a vote for the BID, which was first set up in 2009.
There were 257 ‘yes’ votes compared to 45 voting ‘no’.
The initiative was set up to help promote and support businesses in the town for a five-year period, with Hitchin companies funding the scheme through an extra tax added to business rates.
The proposed levy for 2014-2019 has been reduced from 2% to 1.85%.
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Hitchin town centre manager Keith Hoskins, who is a member of the Hitchin BID, said: “We are euphoric, it’s a very good result and it’s probably one of the best turnouts in the UK. The result means that we are secure in working for the wellbeing of the town centre for the next five years.”
It will mean a number of initiatives relating to cleaning, highways maintenance, floral displays and business training can continue, as well as events such as the annual Christmas lights switch on.
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New schemes being investigated for the five-year term include town-wide Wi-Fi, parking signage and better provisions for cars and cycles, as well as more events, promotions and support for businesses.
