The positive health check along with new members and staff have breathed life into Gloucester BID which is set to ballot its businesses for renewal in June 2022.
The British BIDs Health Check report on Gloucester BID concludes that it is, ‘sound and competent.’ The thorough check was carried out in April and May 2021 with the results in June. It focused on all areas of the BID including: management and operations; financial matters; performance management and communications and reporting.
In particular it praised, ‘exemplary quantitative feedback from their crime reduction partnership.’ This is recognising how Gloucester BID has worked towards a safer city for those who work, study, visit and shop in Gloucester. From 2017, the BID cooperated with Gloucester City Safe to introduce City Wardens and after universal approbation, it continues to provide funding to support highly visible City Protection Officers who patrol the whole BID area.
Other findings in the Health Check include how, ‘financial systems appear sound, the website is transparent and well-structured and information flows to levy payers are good. There are newsletters and regular feedback processes.’
Along with these positive findings, Gloucester BID is welcoming new board members Richard and Laura Ashton-Phillips, owners of music shop Soundhouse and Rob Buckley, director of Sure Sales and Lettings. The BID board is made up of business owners who make decisions on behalf of the 500+ levy payers in the Gloucester district. Local business owner Rob Buckley has always supported the improvements in the Business Improvement District, he said, ‘I have always enjoyed using Gloucester’s many fine local coffee shops, bars and restaurants, shops and gyms so I’m excited to be part of having a say. By supporting local business, you’re in turn investing directly into the local economy and keeping local people in jobs.’
BID also welcomes new Marketing Lead Lesley Sainty who will be working to promote both the BID’s achievement and ongoing benefits to Gloucester businesses, along with marketing levy payers to new and existing audiences. Lesley joins existing experienced BID Manager Emily Gibbon who joined in November 2021. Emily said, ‘I am delighted with the positive health check, confirming our systems and processes – and the work we’re doing – is benefitting our Levy paying businesses. We are also pleased to welcome new members at this time in the BID’s lifespan.’
Co. Vice Chair of the BID Board of Directors and Centre Manager for King’s Walk, Peter White said, ‘The board is encouraged by the positive health check by British BIDs and is working hard to deliver all aspects of the current business plan. It’s fantastic to welcome new board members and also Lesley to the BID team and we look forward to working with Gloucester businesses to reopen the city.’
