Letchworth Business Improvement District to elect its management council

The new Letchworth GC Business Improvement District, formed to boost trade in the town, is holding a meeting to elect its management council on April 7.

The BID is funded by a levy paid by every business in the area with a five-year plan up to March 2019 to boost town centre trade through cultural events and promotional activities, marketing campaigns, improved access and parking and revamping the town’s commercial offer.

Members of the council, who will be required to take a proactive role in the BID’s activities, can be proposed by any registered business or organisation to represent their interests.

There are nine places to be filled for commercial activity in Letchworth GC, with four for retail and retail services, two for hospitality and eateries, and one each for banking and commerce, legal and property, and art, leisure and culture.

Despite paying the BID levy, businesses are not automatically members of the company, but have to register and identify a named representative to become one.

Chris Hollins, a member of the BID team, said: “For Letchworth GC to fully benefit from the BID that was voted into place last November, businesses and organisations trading here need to take an active role as voting members in shaping both its management and the way it delivers all that has been promised in its business plan and prospectus.

“Some of the ideas we have already but we’re expecting members to help us to shape the rest. We need to create strong and experienced teams to work up the fine detail and keep everything on track and an experienced body of capable and competent local business people to steer it all.”

Nominations close at 5pm on April 4 to give time for voting slips to be prepared for the meeting, which takes place at 6pm on April 7 at the Letchworth Arts Centre in The Arcade.

For more information visit www.lgcbid.com