The York BID enjoyed a massive vote of confidence in its work today – with the backing of 86% of businesses.
The BID (Business Improvement District) announced today that it has secured the votes required to enter a new five-year term, by an overwhelming majority.
Out of 912 eligible businesses 43% turned out to participate in the ballot, and 86% of these voted in favour.
That also equated to a yes from 94% of businesses by rateable value.
It is a legal requirement for a BID to be voted in every five years, with a majority by both number and rateable value in order to be successful.
The result was announced outside York Minster by the Town Crier Ben Fry – whose livery was funded by the BID.
‘Building back better’
The York BID today said a big thank you to all its levy-paying businesses for their support during what has been a year of unprecedented challenges – and especially to those who made the effort to participate in the ballot.
With this result, the BID can move forward knowing that city centre businesses value and support its activity, said executive director Andrew Lowson.
“Naturally I am delighted we have a big vote of confidence and I think that is because we stayed true to our original business plan and delivered what businesses asked us to,” he said today.
“We know from our consultation there is a lot of immediate support needed post lockdown and we’ll do all we can to help the city recover.
“Alongside this, we’ll get started on delivering on our next five year plan which includes a lot of exciting and aspirational projects, all of which will contribute to York building back better.”
The news has been warmly welcomed by the board of directors at the BID as well as by members of the delivery team and partners in the city.
Michael Hjort, chair of the board, said: “This result is testament to the hard work and tenacity of the BID team and is 10% higher than the first ballot five years ago.
“It is also a vote of confidence in the proven ability of the BID as a delivery body.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for the economy and strategic planning, said: “Its fantastic news and a ringing endorsement of the positive impact the BID has had on York.
“They are a creative and active partner who are helping to deliver our shared vision for a vibrant, welcoming city centre.”
The new term comes into effect on 1 April. Then, the BID will start work on delivering the goals set out in its new business plan, including the continuation of the highly successful Street Ranger, street cleaning and winter lights programmes.