BUGLERS are wanted to blow Hexham‘s trumpet on the national stage as the local business community picks up the pace on plans to turn the town into a Business Improvement District.

At a public meeting at the Beaumont Hotel on Wednesday, business people will consider how they can make a great town even better – building on its strengths and addressing weaknesses.

Ideas are wanted to help promote the town as a positive place to do business.

It’s all part of Hexham’s drive to be part of an initiative which could generate £850,000 for projects in the town over the next five years.

More than 70 businesses were represented at the launch meeting last month – the usual attendance at such events nationally is around 10 businesses.

The initial feasibility study was based on a one per cent increase on the business rates paid, which could raise up to £170,000 annually, which would be spent locally on projects businesses believed would enhance the town.

Each business involved would have a vote on subsequent bids for cash from the central pot.

Although fronted by Hexham Business Forum, the application to have the town declared a BID also involves Northumberland County Council, Hexham Community Partnership and Hexham Town Council.

The business forum initially secured £40,000 from a Government fund to employ consultants Revive and Thrive, who are steering the project.

A fact-finding trip to Penrith, in Cumbria, which has already established a business improvement district, was taken by some local business people, who liked what they saw.

Business forum chairman Julian Weightman said: “Other areas which have established BIDs have enjoyed increased footfall, improved staff retention, a reduction in some business costs and significant improvements to promotion of their area.”

The meeting at the Beaumont Hotel will be focusing on the opportunities the town can develop for new and expanding businesses to thrive.

The recently launched Hexham Enterprise hubs, pop up shops, and markets have all provided opportunities – but the question will be asked what else could Hexham do?

Members of the local business community will be putting forward some of their ideas to provoke discussion – and members of the public are being asked to come along and share their views about what is great about Hexham.

Members of the steering group and the team working to develop the plan will be there from 5.30pm for those who want to find out a bit more before the meeting.

The meeting on Wednesday, which starts at 6pm, will also be a chance to share some of these ideas to create some common themes and messages to tell the world about.