MORE than a hundred Tavistock businesses cast their votes recently for suggested projects to improve the town for the proposed Business Improvement District (BID).

From the feedback, received online and in print form, there emerged a clear set of priorities for local business owners and business managers in Tavistock.

The BID, being spearheaded by Tavistock's chamber of commerce, is a partnership between local businesses and the local authority — businesses within the BID pay a levy for the five-year programme of projects which members have chosen to improve their trading environment. The money is collected by the local authority and put into a ring-fenced account to pay for the projects.

The results from the vote have now been categorised and the key projects are currently undergoing feasibility studies.

The next stage is for business owners and managers to view the draft business plan, which will show what the BID will do and how it will operate.

All of this is in preparation for the BID ballot, expected to take place in June, in which a majority 'Yes' vote is needed for the BID to be actioned in the town.

Organisers are after views and feedback from local businesses, to ensure the business plan delivers and clearly reflects their ideas, opinions and aspirations for Tavistock.

Business owners and managers are being invited to have their say at the next BID meeting on Tuesday March 29, at Gallery 26 at the Bedford Hotel at 6pm.