Latest news with #BID
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Council chiefs pledge colab with new BID to ‘drive improvements'
THE COUNCIL has pledged to work alongside the newly formed Stourbridge Business Improvement District (BID) to 'drive improvements' throughout the town. The new BID came into force on April 1 after 77 per cent of votes cast by town centre business bosses were in favour of the move. The vote will mean that around £835,000 will be generated over the next five years to be spent on supporting businesses and improving the town centre. Council bosses have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Stourbridge BID team, committing both parties to press ahead together with improvement plans for the town centre. The cash comes from a levy imposed on businesses on top of existing business rates. Aaron Powell, Centre Management at The Ryemarket Centre and Chair of Stourbridge BID, said: 'We're proud to officially launch Stourbridge BID and to have the strong backing of both local businesses and Dudley Council. 'The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks the start of a new chapter for Stourbridge town centre, one where collaboration and shared vision will deliver real, lasting improvements. 'We're committed to making Stourbridge a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving destination for businesses, residents and visitors alike.' Cllr Paul Bradley, Deputy Leader of the council and a Director of Stourbridge BID, said: 'As a council, we have seen the huge difference the creation of a BID can make to a town in Halesowen. 'For that reason, we were happy to back a similar BID in Stourbridge, and the signing of the MoU is a commitment from both parties to work together to drive improvements in the town centre. 'It is an exciting opportunity for business bosses to have an influence on making positive improvements to their towns. 'I think it will be a huge boost for Stourbridge, an opportunity to drive more trade and footfall to the town and create new jobs.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Milwaukee Flock camera expansion proposed; opponents want answers
The Brief Milwaukee police want to add more Flock cameras to a neighborhood on the city's south side. Opponents of the Flock camera expansion are worried about who will be monitoring the cameras' use. The proposal for expansion has been tabled for now. MILWAUKEE - There is a clash in Milwaukee over police surveillance and an effort to expand a system of law enforcement cameras. Police say the sole purpose of the Flock cameras is to take a picture of a license plate. But those opposed to the expansion want to know, who is watching the police? What we know Privacy, security and surveillance were the themes of the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting on Thursday, May 29. A proposed contract with Flock Group Inc. would add three more AI-powered license plate readers on Milwaukee's south side. What they're saying "Our stolen cars have gone down significantly on the south end of our corridor," said Tara Cavazos, Executive Director for the S. 27th Street Business Improvement District (BID). The BID is requesting the additional cameras. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android "These flocks are not going to be placed in a neighborhood. It is not specific to vulnerable communities. They are in business districts on state and county highways," Cavazos said. Dig deeper Right now, there are more than 30 Flock cameras in the city of Milwaukee. Previous FOX6 investigations have uncovered the camera system's rapid growth in Wisconsin and the rest of the country. But not everyone is on board. What they're saying "All this does is create another avenue for MPD, ICE and other agencies to endlessly track people they choose to target," said Ron Jansen of Milwaukee. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "How does the surveillance technology work? What's the fiscal impact of the technology? What and whose information is being collected and how is data stored?" asked Amanda Merkwae of ACLU of Wisconsin. Dig deeper Across southeast Wisconsin, Flock cameras have assisted in several investigations like hit-and-run crashes. Heather Hough, the Milwaukee Police Department Chief of Staff, told FOX6 News there are security requirements about who can access Flock cameras. "These cameras aren't equipped to identify people. They are license plate readers," Hough said. But a group of Milwaukee organizations is now asking for a bill that would require more public discussion and oversight. The committee on Thursday voted to postpone the discussion to a later date. The Source The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News after sitting in on a Common Council committee hearing.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Penzance aims to make town more pedestrian friendly
Penzance will spend some of the £21.5m awarded from central government on changing Market Jew Street with works starting in Town Fund (PTF) said it aimed to improve accessibility for pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, cyclists and public investments would include a climbing centre in a former supermarket and a street food hall in the town's historic Market House, it PTF boss said some people had complained "because everyone romanticises the past" and asked residents to "bear with us" while the changes were made. 'People hate change' Business owner and Business Improvement District (BID) manager Sarah Shaw works with the Penzance Town Fund and she said: "The ultimate goal is to have a user friendly, highly populated, busy thriving town of Penzance."There's certainly plenty of people grumbling about it but in fact Penzance has always been quite hostile to pedestrians."I think people romanticise the past - 'the old days were always better, the town was busier and we all took more money'."I think people hate change but we ask them to bear with us." Following a trial period the banning of cars in the town between 11:00 and 16:00 has been made permanent. Morgan Lewis who works at Ride on E-Bikes in the centre of the town said: "Local Facebook groups have plenty of moaning about it, but there will always be lovers and haters."We need to reinforce pedestrianisation and calm the traffic coming up and down Market Jew Street."I think it will help fill the empty shops with new businesses and bring more people into Penzance." There are three different projects to transform the town planned to take place between July this year through to early 2026 and these will be combined with upgrades to the gas and West Utilities programme controller Abby Smith said: "We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, which is why we're working collaboratively to agree the best way to get this important work done while causing the least disruption to the community."
Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Business Improvement Districts Mark 20 Years Supporting Welsh High Streets
Cardiff City Centre This month marks a significant milestone for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Wales – two decades since the first BID was introduced. Having now become an essential part of urban regeneration, BIDs bring together businesses, local authorities, and communities to drive economic growth, improve public spaces, and support thriving local economies. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographical area where local businesses collectively invest in services and initiatives that aim to improve the trading environment. Funded by a levy paid by the businesses within the district, with the goal of creating a better, more vibrant area for both businesses and the public, initiatives often include improvements to public spaces, events, marketing campaigns, street cleaning, security, and infrastructure, all aimed at enhancing the economic viability of the area. With 347 BIDs operating across the UK, collectively contributing over £153 million each year, Wales has seen its own BIDs transform Welsh cities and towns across the country with projects that foster innovation, community impact, and economic resilience. FOR Cardiff: A Model of Innovation and Resilience As the BID for Cardiff city centre, FOR Cardiff has played a transformative role in shaping the capital's urban landscape. Established in 2016, Cardiff's city centre BID has delivered more than £14 million in additional direct investment from its resident businesses into the city centre, funding a wide range of projects that have boosted footfall, supported businesses, and enhanced the city's reputation as a retail and cultural destination. Notable projects include the City of Arcades campaign, which attracted over 200,000 visitors in a single day and increased sales by 63% for participating retailers. The BID has also been instrumental in improving safety with initiatives like Night Marshals and mental health training for businesses. Additionally, FOR Cardiff has been recognised with four consecutive years of Purple Flag status for excellence in managing the night-time economy. As the BID prepares to enter its third term, it remains focused on driving inclusive growth and ensuring Cardiff's city centre remains a competitive and vibrant place to do business. 'Whether it's the work we've done in helping over 460,000 people get home safely, injecting life into the independent retail scene, or delivering nationally recognised campaigns, our mission has always been to make Cardiff a city that works better for businesses and the people who use it every day. This milestone is a chance to reflect on just how much has been achieved – and to look forward with purpose.' said Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff. Swansea BID: Pioneering Regeneration in Wales Swansea BID, the first of its kind in Wales, was established in 2006, marking a pioneering step for BIDs in the region. Over the past 20 years, Swansea BID has reinvested approximately £8 million into the city's regeneration efforts, helping to improve the local environment and support businesses. Key initiatives include a successful street cleaning programme and the Billy Chip scheme, which raises awareness for mental health and homelessness. Swansea BID has also worked closely with South Wales Police to reduce crime, achieving a 48% reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents and helping SWP achieve a 76% positive outcome rate for city centre incidents. Swansea BID has also been instrumental in supporting local events, with the Swansea Half Marathon and Krazy Karts—an event that brought nearly 20,000 people into the city in a single day—becoming staples of the city's events calendar. Merthyr BID: Building Community and Supporting Local Businesses Merthyr BID, known as The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil, was established in 2012 and has invested £1.9 million in the local area, funded entirely by business levy payments. Under the leadership of BID Manager Elizabeth Bedford, Merthyr has become a model of community engagement, with initiatives focused on bringing local residents and businesses together. One of the BID's standout achievements has been the successful lobbying for free parking in the run-up to Christmas, a move that proved to be a major benefit for local businesses. The BID has also focused on growing community events, including the Chilli & Chocolate Festival and Merthyr Food Festival, both of which are now among the most popular events in Wales. Merthyr BID has also made significant strides in digital marketing, growing its social media following to over 20,000 and gaining recognition through a second British BIDs Accreditation. Looking Ahead: The Future of BIDs in Wales As cities and towns face challenges from economic shifts, high street closures, and changing consumer habits, BIDs remain a crucial tool for businesses to come together and support one another, with FOR Cardiff, Swansea BID, and Merthyr BID standing as key examples of how collaboration and collective investment can make a real difference. 'The challenges facing retail and city centres are real—but so is the opportunity,' said Carolyn Brownell, 'We're optimistic, and we're ready to work with the business community to keep Welsh cities moving forward.' With regeneration projects on the horizon and a focus on inclusivity and resilience, the future of BIDs in Wales looks bright.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Visitor numbers to Bradford rise - but are they spending money?
After a year of severe disruption in Bradford city centre, the number of people visiting to shop or eat is going up. There has been a 25% increase in footfall in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024, according to the Bradford Business Improvement District (BID). The organisation, which represents 600 firms, said last year's figure was severely impacted by roadworks to pedestrianise parts of the centre, and the unexpected closure of the main bus station. But has this resurgence translated to increased spending in independent businesses? The BBC asked traders whether they have seen the high street start to recover. Amy Berry manages The Cake'ole cafe in City Park. She says: "I think it's been a lot better. The buses coming back (into the Interchange) have fixed a lot of the problems. "And then especially with all the events that City of Culture 2025 has brought in. We've had a lot of footfall, it's been pretty good." Ms Berry, 27, has worked in the cafe since it opened in 2019. "We were still trying to come back from Covid. A lot of people were still a bit scared to come out. "It's definitely a lot busier than we were then. "But I think we're now maybe back to where we were pre-Covid, maybe even a bit busier." The pedestrianisation work was part of a £48m Transforming Cities investment which was supposed to be completed before the start of Bradford's City of Culture year. It was only finished in May - five months after the cultural showcase's opening night. The Interchange was closed for safety reasons in January 2024 after a chunk of concrete fell from an underground car park, and only fully reopened this month. Ibrahim Eryatmaz runs Benim furniture shop on Market Street. He says: "I think more people are on the street because Market Street is open for pedestrians. "I can see there are more people but business is still low. "For us it's very low now but if you sell coffees, maybe small items, maybe for them it's potentially better. "But we are a furniture shop and who's passing along this street doesn't have a big effect for us." The 52-year-old did praise Bradford Council, which has halved business rates to encourage more traders to set up in the city centre. But he says many Bradfordians are still cautious when it comes to spending their money on bigger items. John Varey opened his florist's shop with his wife Lisa at the start of the year and has had a promising first few months of trading. "I've seen massive growth from when I first moved in. "Obviously we moved in in winter so we can't really gauge it compared to last year apart from figures. "We got the sales figures from the shop from last year and we've kind of almost doubled what they were doing." Mr Varey, 58, says the high rents being charged by private landlords who are often not based in Bradford does not help businesses thrive in the city centre. Elsewhere, Leeds and Wakefield have seen increases year-on-year in the number of people coming into their centres while Halifax, which is undergoing a £64m town centre improvement project, has seen a fall. Jonny Noble, chief executive of Bradford BID, says the 25% footfall boost has to be viewed in the context of a very low starting point last year. "There is no doubt that 2024 was a tough year for city centre businesses due to ongoing roadworks and the sudden closure of the Interchange. "However we're now seeing strong signs of recovery. "We know there's still work to do, and we're under no illusions - regenerating the city centre takes time and continued effort." He highlights events like the BID's recent Soapbox Challenge as well as those organised by the UK City of Culture 2025 team and the council as reasons why more people are coming into Bradford. Mr Noble adds that he is "optimistic about further increases in footfall, dwell time, and overall business confidence." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. City centre regeneration plans take step forward People urged to return to city centre as works end
