THE BID to have Hexham declared a business improvement district is continuing to pick up pace.

Following the latest meeting of interested local businesses at Hexham Mart last week, project manager Matthew Powell from Revive & Thrive Ltd said: “We are really pleased about the interest and engagement we have seen so far from businesses in Hexham.

“Every business we have spoken with can see the potential benefits of a BID, which makes the aim of ‘making a good town better’ all the more achievable.”

Given the change of venue and general summer hiatus, there was a reasonable turnout for the latest BID business networking meeting, which set more of a focus on how the BID for Hexham can support those businesses which do not operate in the town centre.

For companies that are situated on the town’s industrial estates, issues such as cleanliness, security, signage and traffic flow were of greater concern than footfall and those attending the meeting were given the opportunity to discuss these aspects of the BID.

There were also presentations from Transition Tynedale as to how the BID can support the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the town, and from Inspector Kevin Oates of Northumbria Police, who highlighted the fact that most crime reported in west Tynedale came from from outside the town itself.

Businesses at the meeting were also given an update on the Hexham Neighbourhood Plan and how that dovetails with the BID, as another good example of localised decision making as well as how the BID will offer the business community the opportunity to feed into the plan as it develops.

September will see a return to the Beaumont Hotel for businesses who wish to come along to the next BID networking meeting.

This takes place on Wednesday, September 2 from 5.30pm and will include speakers who work for or with other BIDs around the country.

The following day there will be a further workshop focused on developing the BID business plan. Anyone wishing to attend that should contact info@hexhambid.co.uk

Mr Powell said: “The plan is to have a first draft BID proposal ready by mid-September and these meetings, along with face to face conversations, social media, and a range of other communications are all contributing to the content of that.

”However, businesses do need to get involved to make sure that the BID proposals are a reflection of all business perspectives across Hexham.”

If successful the scheme could see £850,000 invested in improvements in the town over the next five years, based on a one per cent increase on the town‘s business rates.

This could raise up to £170,000 annually, which would be spent locally on projects businesses believed would enhance the town and its economy.

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

Should the town submit an acceptable bid, a board made up of business people among others would be established and would be charged with ensuring the money was properly handled.

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.