Does the Newbury BID mean business?

The main aims of Newbury BID are to promote Newbury town and “enhance their (town centre businesses) trading environment”.

I visited a number of local businesses in town to gather some thoughts about the work of the BID so far. Although some businesses said the BID felt like a drain on their resources, they could see positive changes around town, especially in relation to increased footfall.

One small business owner acknowledged that it was his responsibility to market and promote his own business, relying solely on BID events taking place at the opposite end of town wouldn’t necessarily improve his trade, or have an impact in his location.

When I asked businesses what improvements they would like to see, suggestions put forward were; a forum for networking and support, possibly marketing opportunities for local businesses at town centre events, and of course lower business rates.

A few businesses expressed the concern that the BID is perhaps better suited to big businesses that might benefit more than small businesses, especially those in the centre of town and Parkway.

The events and activities organised through the BID contractors (food festivals in particular), attract huge numbers of visitors to the town, making it vibrant and diverse, although some sole traders were dubious about whether they benefitted directly from this activity.

I can certainly see that the Saturday market, which now extends a long way down Northbrook Street, is very exciting with an array of diverse stalls of food and merchandise.

What are your thoughts about how Newbury Town is evolving; do you see positive changes that enhance the trading environment? What else could be done in the current financial climate to support independent traders? How should money be spent in improving Newbury as an effervescent business district?

Share  your views. We would love to hear from you.

Waheeda Soomro