Ilkley town centre businesses have voted in favour of a second five year term for Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID). The second term will run until 2029.
More than 340 businesses were asked to vote in the independent secret ballot on whether they wanted the BID to continue for a second term and to put a seal of approval on its plans to raise £730,000 to spend on projects to boost the town and its businesses over the next five years.
Ilkley BID’s first five-year term ends on 31 May and under UK legislation, a business improvement district must re-ballot its members every five years. For the ballot outcome to be in favour of the BID continuing, more than 50% of those who take part must be in favour, and the aggregate ratable value of the Yes votes must represent more than 50% of the total rateable value of all those who vote.
51% of businesses eligible to vote took part in the postal ballot with 68% in favour by number and 83% by rateable value.
Following this successful ballot, Ilkley BID will now focus on delivering on projects and services over and above those provided by other organisations, including marketing and promotion of the town, maintaining Ilkley as an attractive place, creating a positive, vibrant experience for people who visit, work and live in the town, as well as business support and lobbying on behalf of its members.
Ilkley BID Chairman Ian White said:
“On behalf of the BID team and our board of directors, we are absolutely delighted with this positive result. It’s a huge vote of confidence for the BID team and this ‘Yes’ vote means that we can now start to deliver on our new five-year Business Plan which responds to the needs that businesses have identified.
“We thank our members for backing our vision laid out in the plan and we’re pleased that they have recognised the positive impact the BID has had on the town throughout our first term and our ability to listen to and meet the needs of local businesses.
“The current economic climate still presents a challenge for businesses and the town, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration and support. Our work during the first term has laid a very strong foundation for growth, and with this mandate now for a second term, we can continue to make Ilkley the best place to live, work, visit and do business.”
Ilkley BID Manager Helen Rhodes said:
“We are proud of what we’ve achieved during our first term and would like to thank our members for their support and positive testimonials. Over the past five years, we’ve invested over £1 million to help Ilkley businesses, with grant funding of around £330,000 supplementing the BID levy income, and we’re looking forward to continued investment into the town under one united and collective vision.
“I’d also like to express my thanks to the BID team. I’m incredibly proud of their commitment and dedication and the dignified way they have handled themselves during this renewal campaign in the face of some very hostile and personal attacks by a very small but particularly vocal group of people.
“The ballot outcome confirms that the majority of businesses see value in having a BID in Ilkley and we want to now move forward with enthusiasm and work with all businesses to help make Ilkley the best it can be for the benefit of all.”
Read the 2024-2029 Business Plan
