Lancaster BID has been re-elected to work on behalf of city centre businesses for another five-year term.
City centre businesses voted 'yes' by a 79.1 per cent majority in a ballot held to decide if the BID (Business Improvement District) should carry on for another term.
There was a turnout of 36.5 per cent, with 156 votes cast.
In 2021, the year of the previous ballot, the turnout was 40.6 per cent with 79.4 per cent of businesses voting in favour.
A total of 125 businesses voted this year in favour of Lancaster BID continuing, the highest since the BID was established in Lancaster in 2013, and the fourth time the BID has been elected.
The vote was independently managed by UK Engage.
The successful ballot means that the Lancaster BID will remain in position until March 2031.
"During the new term, we will have a projected £1.75m of income that will be used to attract shoppers and visitors to the city centre, said a Lancaster BID spokesperson, in thanking all those who voted 'Yes'.
"Planning for the new BID term has already started and the BID team will now be busy confirming details to continue their hard work on behalf of businesses in the city centre.
"In response to feedback from businesses, work will focus on three key priorities detailed in their new business plan - high quality events and festivals; marketing Lancaster as a destination; and a safe and secure city centre.
"Lancaster BID really couldn't do what they do without the support of so many wonderful businesses throughout the city centre. However you voted in the ballot, they encourage you to get involved in our activities and ensure you get the best benefits for your businesses and value for money for your BID levy."
First established in 2013, the BID is a company funded by city centre businesses, and spends a levy received from them on improvements to the city.
The BID organises events in Lancaster city centre including the annual Christmas Lights Switch On, Dino Fest dinosaur festival, and the recent Love Lancaster Live music festival which stood in for Lancaster Music Festival last year; has brought in a BID Warden to help tackle antisocial behaviour; organises the annual Love Lancaster Business awards ceremony held at Lancaster Town Hall and runs a Christmas Toy Appeal to help local charities and organisations.
The BID had to receive the support of over half of voting businesses by both number and rateable value. The vote by rateable value was 84.1 per cent in favour.
Phil Simpson, Lancaster BID director, said "This is great news for the Lancaster BID team, the businesses within the district, and the many hundreds of thousands of people who visit each year.
"Lancaster is a fantastic city and, when it’s united and positive, it really is unbeatable. I’ve got huge hopes for where the city is heading next."
Sarah Harrison, manager of Marketgate shopping centre and fellow BID director, said: “I am delighted with yet another successful ballot for Lancaster BID. It really highlights the hard work our team and volunteers put into supporting this fantastic city".
Julie Shaw, BID director, said: “It is amazing news that Lancaster BID have received the support from local businesses in securing their votes to take the team into the next term.
"The BID team and management board are proud to be able to continue to represent and work alongside the Lancaster City Centre business community.”
Tony Johnson, Lancaster BID manager, said: "This is great news for Lancaster!
"This positive 'Yes' vote gives us another five years to continue our events and festivals as well as supporting others.
"We can expand on our Love Lancaster marketing campaigns and with the BID warden out seven days a week you can rest assured the city centre will be a safe place to visit.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my two colleagues Tom and Maggie for their commitment over this term, the management board for their continuous support, but most of all the businesses and organisations that we represent - you truly are Lancaster BID and the city is richer for having you."
Councillor Martin Bottoms, Lancaster City Council cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, said: “It is fantastic news that Lancaster’s businesses have again voted ‘yes’ to the Business Improvement District.
“Since its creation the BID has delivered high quality events and festivals to draw people into Lancaster, made the centre’s streets safer and more attractive, and acted as a voice for the centre’s businesses.
“It will now be able to continue its pivotal role in securing a successful and prosperous future for the district and the city council looks forward to working alongside BID members for a further five years.”
City centre businesses are encouraged to sign up to the Lancaster BID newsletter and to follow them on social media to find out all the ways to benefit.
Any questions, the Lancaster BID team are always happy to hear from you and arrange to meet to discuss our work in the city centre.
You can contact them by email to info@lancasterbid.org or by phone on 01524 590650.
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