A MEMBER of the team behind Okehampton Business Improvement District has expressed enthusiasm for the project ahead of the next public meeting.

Chartered architect Nils Westman, whose business is based in the centre of Okehampton, helped to set up the BID Assocation earlier this year 'with a group of like-minded people', because he felt it was an opportunity to improve the town's environment and to influence its future prosperity.

He said:?'A BID is business-led, and business funded. Businesses work out what could be done to improve their prospects, set a budget for the work and decide the rate of contribution for all businesses in the BID. We will work hard to draw in finance from central and local government, and from grant funding sources.

'There is a legal framework which has to be followed in setting up a BID, but this allows for plenty of local input.

'Following our two introductory meetings we are now at the stage of considering what should go into the BID plan.

'We've had plenty of feedback already and we want to develop this further so that a detailed business plan can be developed.

'I would ask anyone with a business, small or large, who is concerned about the future of Okehampton town centre to come to the next public meeting. It is important for as many businesses to participate as possible to help formulate a practical and sensible plan to improve the business environment and for Okehampton's future prosperity.'

Okehampton BID Association has already held two meetings to introduce the idea of developing a BID to business owners. The original plan was to create a BID encompassing both the town centre and the outskirts of town, including the town's industrial estates.

The second of the two meetings, aimed at businesses from the industrial estates, was less well attended than the first.

As a result the team canvassed businesses on the estates, and decided to develop a scheme that focuses on businesses in the town centre.

Although the industrial estates will not be included in the BID, any business will be able to benefit from the BID projects by making an equitable voluntary contribution to the scheme.

A BID can only be formed following a consultation period and a ballot in which businesses vote on a BID proposal or business plan for the area.

The vote is open to all businesses within the proposed BID area which are eligible to pay the levy. To ensure the interests of both large and small businesses are considered, the ballot must be won by claiming at least 50% of the vote and by the rateable value majority of those voting for the BID.

If the BID was successful, the levy money would be collected by the borough council and would be paid into a ring-fenced BID account.

The next BID meeting takes place on July 17 at the White Hart Hotel from 6pm to 8pm. Everyone is welcome to attend, including local business people and those who are curious about the scheme.

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