Agenda item

The Committee received a presentation from Jodie MacAndrew, Business Improvement District Manager, at Collectively Camberley.

The Business Improvement District (BID), was a defined area in Camberley Town Centre within which the businesses had voted in 2011 to collectively invest in local improvements to enhance their trading environment.

Whilst some businesses were excluded, often those who were exempt from business rates, a Levy was set for the BID area and all businesses within that area were bound to pay it. The levy was collected by the Council and the income was what was used to fund the work of the BID. Collectively Camberley self-funded to a total between £20,000 and £40,000 per year via advertising revenue and pitch fees at its events. It was underlined BIDs were not-for-profit organisations.

Within Camberley, Collectively Camberley was responsible for the running of events such as Armed Forces Day and the various Town Centre hunts. In addition the BID was responsible for the annual Christmas decorations and hanging baskets around the Town Centre. Amongst other activities Collectively Camberley also ran social media campaigns and leaflet drops promoting Town Centre Businesses, networking events and business awards.

Arising from Members questions and comments the following points were noted:

·         Louise Livingston, Executive Head – Transformation, was Surrey Heath’s Representative on the BID Board and Collectively Camberley worked closely with the Council’s Economic Development, Marketing and Communications and Leisure Teams to promote the Town Centre.

·         The BID’s expenditure was broken down to the penny and financial reports were regularly presented to its Board. The BID was directly accountable to the BID Levy payers.

·         Collectively Camberley tried to cater events or specific campaigns to benefit a specific business if it felt it wasn’t getting a return on its BID levy.

·         Collectively Camberley’s relationship with the large national retailers in the Town Centre varied from retailer to retailer. It was noted whilst Sainsburys use to have little involvement, Primark was active on the BID Board.

·         Collectively Camberley was working with Town Centre businesses on exploring free car parking initiatives, which would entail a reduced Car Parking fee if shoppers spent money at a qualifying business. 

·         Plans for the installation of Footfall Counters were being considered in The Square.

·         Collectively Camberley didn’t produce new marketing content for Council run projects, but normally repackaged existing materials.

There was a discussion in respect of the marketing and communication around the Town Centre regeneration. It was agreed there was value to a more detailed exhibition of the plans and proposed materials in The Square.

·         Even though a scheme had previously existed and failed to get much uptake, there was worth for the Council to review the demand and potential for a shop mobility service.

Members felt it would be useful for Councillors to receive a brief update on the Council’s work with the BID.

RESOLVED that

                     I.        the relevant Committee or Working Group receive a verbal update on the Council’s joint work with Collectively Camberley and any relevant feedback from its representation on the BID Board; and

                    II.        the potential for a Shop Mobility Service be examined for potential consideration at the Town Centre Working Group.