Firms in Northampton’s Wellingborough Road have been invited to take part in a meeting to discuss the benefits of setting up a Business Improvement District.
Northampton currently has two successful BIDs which have been running for a number of years, at Brackmills and in the town centre.
Both have the power to manage their own trading environment, funded by a small levy on their business rates that creates a pot of money that can be used to deliver extra services.
Councillor David Mackintosh, the leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “We are always committed to supporting local businesses and the Northampton Town Centre BID is a great example of how it has helped improve the vitality of the town.
“Businesses that are involved in the town centre BID have received on-going support and the chance to be involved in the decision making process, regarding improvements that our town needs.”
At the forum, business owners will be able to find out how establishing a BID could work to attract more visitors and improve the Wellingborough Road area.
Northampton town centre BID has carried out initiatives such as introducing town centre rangers, promoting and sponsoring many town centre events such as Northampton by the Sea, Go Safari and the Riverside Festival, as well as participating in the successful Britain in Bloom awards.
Sue Roberts, chair of the Northampton Town Centre BID, said: “The Northampton town centre BID has been proactive at supporting and promoting local businesses. I think having a BID for Wellingborough Road could be of great benefit, not just to businesses there but to the town as whole.”
The event will be introduced by councillor Jonathan Nunn, Northampton Borough Council’s assistant cabinet member for regeneration, enterprise and planning and will include speakers, Sue Roberts, Chair of the Northampton Town Centre BID, Sara Homer, Chair of the Brackmills BID and Ian Ferguson, Director of Partnerships for Better Business (UK).
The forum will be on Wednesday, September 11 at 6pm in the Holding Room at the Guildhall.
For more details call 01604 838273 or email mgoodman@northampton.gov.uk.