The CH1ChesterBID re-ballot campaign has received a boost with three independent city centre businesses announcing their intention to vote ‘yes’ in the June ballot
Independent businesses Atina Kitchen, Lee Louise and Bollicini are throwing their weight behind CH1ChesterBID ahead of a crucial re-ballot this summer over plans to deliver another five years of city centre improvements.
The trio have come out in support the new business plan released by the team behind Chester’s Business Improvement District (BID), outlining a range of actions and initiatives designed to boost footfall and trade in the city centre.
From June 7, almost 500 city centre businesses will vote on the proposals, with CH1ChesterBID hoping to secure a second five-year term.
And Atina Kitchen Owner, Jake Potter, believes it’s essential that the BID team are allowed to build on the good work they’ve completed since 2014.
He said: “CH1ChesterBID has made vast improvement to the city over the past five years, but most significantly for me, they have helped create an ‘independent family’ where we all support each other.
“Their initiatives, like the hugely popular floral displays, work to continue to push Chester forward as a place to visit, maintaining the city’s status as a brilliant tourist destination.”
CH1ChesterBID have been behind many of the city centre events that drive footfall into Chester, increasing dwell time and consumer spending. With the CH1 Chester Comedy Festival starting next month following a successful debut in 2018, annual events and city centre festivals represent just one of the ways CH1ChesterBID aims to support local businesses.
Carl Critchlow, CH1ChesterBID Manager, said: “Our team are based in the city centre to make sure we’re accessible for our members on a daily basis, allowing us to have one-to-ones frequently, which help us to adapt and develop our strategy to suit those we represent.
“We understand that having an independent business is challenging, and we want to do everything we can to help our businesses succeed. Our city centre manager, Nick White, plays a vital role in making that happen and we have also launched a ‘Love Local’ scheme to encourage cestrians to shop locally.
“From providing a package of BID member benefits to help drive down costs, to cleaning shop fronts and marketing our businesses – what we offer is a support system to really utilise the offering we have in Chester.”
The BID are also at the reigns when bringing seasonal trails to the city, including Easter, Summer and Halloween to name a few. The ‘Talking Walls’ trail that ran in 2017-18 brought many of the city’s businesses to life and enabled visitors to utilise technology throughout the city, something that has now been adapted into the new business plan.
Lee Louise, an independent retail store based on Foregate Street, is another business planning to give CH1ChesterBID a ‘yes’ vote this June.
“We have witnessed first-hand the impact that the CH1ChesterBID-organised events can have on our trade, said Julie Lucey, Owner at Lee Louise.
Julie added: “The city trails they run bring people to a side of the city that they might not have automatically explored, and we definitely see an increase in customers when these events take place.
“We also love that the Welcome Ambassadors, Monica and Luka, regularly pop in to keep us updated on what is happening in the city, so that we can get involved. They are both so helpful and friendly – a real asset to the city.”
Sarah Tunstall, Head of Marketing and Communications for Bollicini and Sergios, agreed, saying: “It’s a great privilege to have access to the BID in Chester. I strongly believe that their support around events, marketing and social media training has had a very positive impact.
“As independent businesses, we all have the same aim – to drive footfall into the city centre. A ‘Yes’ vote for the BID will help us achieve that.”
Over £2million in private sector investment would be generated for city centre improvements over the five years if CH1ChesterBID secures another ‘yes’ vote. The new Business Plan for 2019-2024 builds on the success of the last five years and also includes a range of new measures, such as improved digital infrastructure and a unique Chester Gift Card to further increase return visits and support independents and high street stores.
CH1ChesterBID Manager, Carl Critchlow, said: “We want to continue building on our work over the past five years because in many ways, we feel like we’ve only just begun.
“Gaining Purple Flag recognition for the city, undertaking additional street-cleaning, ensuring visitors receive a unique Chester welcome and hosting events throughout the year are just some of the things we’ve put in place, but it’s crucial that we carry on that momentum.
“Over the next five-years, we also want to build a city fit for the future, with an improved digital infrastructure, so that we can continue to promote ourselves as a tourist hotspot and a destination of choice for consumers.
“We’re delighted to have a strong network of BID members that are supporting us in the upcoming re-ballot and it’s fantastic that these three businesses are happy to champion their backing for us.
“We’re working hard to ensure our members are aware of the re-ballot and have reviewed our business plan ahead of the vote this summer so we can continue making things happen in Chester.”
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