How Did We Get Here?

Work on developing the BID scheme started in earnest in 2008. One to one business meetings were held to discuss the viability of a BID for Barnstaple and what it could potentially deliver. Letters were sent to ratepayers in the proposed BID area, the website was also initiated and an on-line survey launched. On October 16th a launch event was at held at the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple, where ambassadors of the BID spoke as to why a BID was a good idea for Barnstaple.

A series of street meetings followed during October and November 2008 as well as face to face meetings, plus contact with the nationals over the phone, and flagged up a number of project ideas that traders said they wanted for inclusion in the BID programme. A steering group was formed during the street meetings process, giving extra accessibility to the BID scheme for traders in the town.

Businesses were invited to score these ideas in order of importance and add any new ideas for consideration. This formed the basis of the draft BID proposal which was circulated to all businesses and traders who responded to the feedback forms, confirming the key proposals they would like to implement. The final BID document was distributed along with Ballot papers, a Happy New Year card followed reminding traders to vote. Traders went to ballot in February 2010 with a resounding YES vote in favour of a BID for Barnstaple.

The whole BIDBarnstaple consultation process right through to the results of the Ballot was supported by the media, with regular coverage through the North Devon Gazette, the North Devon Journal, The Western Morning News, ITV Westcountry, BBC Spotlight, BBC Radio Devon and Heart FM. A newsletter was then sent out to traders inviting levy payers to put themselves or someone they knew forward to sit on the BIDBarnstaple Board.

The Steering Group

Gerry Fry, Art Store Gallery, Joy Street
James Webber, Cyril Webber, Bear Street
Jon Funnel, Boots, High Street
Catherine Bishop, Catherine Bishop, Boutport Street
Peter Banbury, Banburys, High Street
Dawn Hall, 2 Gorgeous, Butchers Row
Philip Milton, Philip Milton and Company, Joy Street
Richard Smith, Riverfront Café and The Rising Sun
Gillian Jones, Toller Beattie, Queen Street
Duncan Affleck, Lytton and Lily, Boutport Street
James Li, Fullam Restaurant, Tuly Street
Phil Sluggett, Lloyds TSB