It's YES from Barnstaple Traders

Traders in Barnstaple town centre have voted YES to implementing a BID (Business Improvement District) for the town. At the close of ballot, Friday, 26th February, 40% of traders had cast their vote, which is well above the national average, and delivered a 62% YES vote. “These figures alone are very pleasing”, said Gerry Fry, Chairman of the Steering Group, “As it means people have taken interest in the BID ballot and exercised their right to vote, with the majority supporting the implementation of the BID.

“The fact that we have a YES vote is very exciting for the future of the town centre. It shows the commitment of the traders as a whole to ensure that our town develops as a welcoming, vibrant and prosperous centre, proud of it’s history, and at the same time encourages innovation. Part of our vision is to aim at becoming one of the primary retail and business destination in the South West.”

The ring fenced funding of over £720,000 for the five-year life of the BID is expected to help increase footfall in the town and increase customer spend. “This is the opportunity traders have needed for a long time”, said Gerry. “Part of the BID process, which began over two years ago, was to consult widely with traders and get their opinions and ideas as to what they wanted to see happen, not just in the short term but also for the future. The onset of the BID will provide all businesses with the opportunity to shape the future of Barnstaple. It’s finally given the traders control to what happens in and around their trading environment for the next five years.”

Craig Bulley, Barnstaple Town Centre manager said, “We are very excited for what the future now holds for the town and are keen to get started on the four key projects which are: marketing and promotion of the town, provision of regular events and entertainment, more signage and information for visitors to help them find shops and businesses in the town and lastly, to improve the attractiveness of the town centre.

“The BID will create an equitable funding mechanism, with all businesses, both large and small, investing in the projects earmarked in the business plan” explained Craig. “It’s envisaged that the BID will deliver tangible benefits to the town as well as help promote economic growth, which is what we need. A vibrant town centre will increase the area’s desirability and attract inward investment, and of course that is good news not only for the traders but also shoppers, visitors and employees in the town.

“The BID will commence on April 1and our focus is now to start the delivery of the various projects.”
Celebrating the Barnstaple BID