At today’s (17 October) meeting of the Westmorland and Furness Cabinet, councillors agreed to give their support to extending the Kendal Business Improvement District (BID) for another five years.
This means the new council will use its vote to support the extension in the upcoming ‘ballot’ on Wednesday 29 November.
Kendal BID, a business-led initiative, was initiated in April 2014. Its purpose is to develop projects and services which benefit and improve Kendal town centre, support local businesses and boost the local economy.
As a limited not for profit company, Kendal BID has invested £1.2 million of funding into the local economy and local businesses, enabling a comprehensive marketing campaign, improvements to the appearance of the town centre, new car parking initiatives, group business initiatives and creating a strong business voice for the town.
For a BID to be established, a ballot has to be taken and all eligible business ratepayers within the defined area are entitled to vote.
If the upcoming vote is successful, the BID will be extended for the period of 2024-2029, and will be funded by a BID Levy that is charged in addition to standard business rates.
Commenting on today’s decision, Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland & Furness Council, said:
“The work undertaken by the Kendal BID is invaluable to the town and its surrounding area, and I hope that everyone who is entitled to vote on this matter takes the time to show their support by voting yes; thus, securing the ongoing investment and improvement.
“Supporting the BID is in line with our Council Plan priorities and in particular it supports our ambition for confident, empowered, resilient communities. The Kendal BID provides a voice for town centre businesses and is an organisation that the council can, and will, work closely with to deliver shared objectives. The work of the BID will help to support Kendal as a local service centre to serve the needs of the community.”
The Kendal BID Business Plan 2024-2029 sets out an improvement focus on the below areas:
- Stimulating economic growth, providing support to local businesses, attracting investment, and creating new employment opportunities. Cultivating a thriving business environment, contributing to the long-term prosperity and sustainability of Kendal’s businesses.
- Business Resilience and long-term growth providing help and mentoring to start-up businesses, aid SMEs through advice and support, including business health checks. Enhance resilience and growth by offering targeted support, training, and mentorship programs.
- Encourage investment in infrastructure improvements, including creation of inviting public spaces, through education, lobbying and use of grants. Enhancing the physical environment by establishing an appealing and accessible environment that benefits residents, visitors, and businesses.
- Promoting sustainable practices and energy efficiency, investing in innovative technology solutions. Implementing smart city initiatives and adopting environmentally responsible measures, aiming to reduce Kendal’s carbon footprint, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
- Increased Visitor Numbers and Tourism Marketing strategies, including trade shows, festivals, destination, international and digital marketing. Aim to elevate Kendal’s visibility and desirability as a destination.
- Creating robust supply chains, connecting local businesses and facilitating collaboration. Establish networking events and platforms to encourage knowledge sharing, partnership building, and resource optimisation. Grants will be available to aid businesses development.
- Foster community engagement and instil sense of pride among Kendal residents. Enabling the community to witness positive transformations, experiencing the benefits of the BID’s activity, seeking to encourage active participation in the town's growth and development.
- Provide a voice for business - Helping put the business views across when decisions are being made by local government.