SECURING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR WINCHESTER
A Business Plan for the Renewal and Extension of the Winchester Business Improvement District (BID)
2018–2023
THE PURPOSE OF BIDS Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are business-led and business-funded organisations formed to improve the commercial wellbeing of a specified geographical area. The projects carried out by a BID must be beyond the statutory responsibilities of the local authorities and the police. BIDs are legally established, having been voted for (via a ballot) by the majority of businesses within a defined area. BIDs operate on a five-year term basis and thus, after this cycle, a new vote is required. Winchester was one of the first BIDs established in the South of England and has operated two consecutive terms. This business plan sets out the priorities to establish Winchester BID for its third term, to operate from 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2023.
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YEARS IN THE MAKING
Since going ‘live’ nearly a decade ago, Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) has continually evolved, as has the place management agenda. Over 270 BIDs are now in operation across the UK, some of which have turned to the Winchester BID team for advice and guidance; proof that cities and towns across the UK aspire to be as successful as Winchester. The BID has enabled over 5 million pounds to be invested in the city. This has been directed to better promote Winchester as a vibrant and cultural destination, improve the public
realm, develop intelligence partnerships to create a safer environment, and provide support, guidance and a strong voice for you, our Members. The next 10 years for the city is pivotal. Winchester is embarking on a major regeneration programme which includes the development of Central Winchester and Station Approach sites. These multimillion pound investments will generate significant commercial opportunities and will transform Winchester’s footprint forever. Winchester BID is recognised by local and central government as
a major stakeholder for futureproofing business opportunities in this ever-changing landscape. We have developed strategies that allow us to manage both the daytime and evening economies and we strive to maximise opportunities with commerciality at the forefront of our minds. We are determined to deliver greater influence and impact at a senior level. We have made a strong start with much achieved but there is still considerably more to do and much at risk. We are asking for your support to secure a stronger future for Winchester.
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MEET THE TEAM The professional and passionate team have a wealth of expertise and are responsible for the day-to-day management and delivery of the BID.
Chris Turner Business Development
Jane Bastock Business Crime Reduction
Catherine Turness Executive Director
Amy Sheppard Marketing and Communications
Paul Spencer Projects and Operations
O U R VA L U E S OUR VISION SECURING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR WINCHESTER
A P P R OAC H A B L E Prepared to listen and understand.
K N OW L E D G E A B L E
Being connected to make informed decisions.
CHANGE MAKING Building partnerships to enable change and constantly improve.
T R A N S PA R E N T Inclusive, open and honest.
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M E E T T H E B OA R D An independent Board of up to 13 directors oversee the delivery of the city centre strategy and the funds allocated. A representative for Hampshire County Council will be appointed in the autumn. The Board provide a range of skills and represent a variety of sectors, including property, recruitment, legal, retail, hospitality and leisure. It is proposed that, for a future BID term, the memorandum and articles are adapted to allow for additional BID Members to stand at the Annual General Meeting.
Mark Baulch Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Mark Dodd The Chesil Rectory
Helen Floor 1-1 Recruitment
Jeremy France Jeremy France Jewellers
Jayne Gillin The Little Pub Group
Joe Harvey Charters Commercial
Cllr Rob Humby Winchester City Council
Ken Macartney Pavilion [Chair]
Emma Menzies Dutton Gregory Solicitors
Paul Morgan Warren & Son
Justin Ridgment University of Winchester
Catherine Turness BID Executive Director
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A DECADE OF AC H I E V E M E N TS The first and second business plans of Winchester BID have driven our agenda since 2008. Members were consulted on, and voted for, the delivery of a number of projects and initiatives. Here are a few highlights:
City-wide trails continue to be popular and a great way of moving footfall around the city with 620 visitors taking part in the 2017 Easter Bunny Hop.
We have utilised print, radio, outdoor, social and digital platforms to advertise Winchester and promote businesses. Our Facebook posts for Independents Month organically reached an audience of over 2,700 people.
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H A N G I N G B AS K E TS H AV E B E E N P R OV I D E D TO B I D M E M B E R S OV E R T H E L AST 5 Y E A R S .
Over 5,581 square metres of pavements has been cleaned of grime and chewing gum in the first quarter of 2017.
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A BET TER P R O M OT E D WINCHESTER
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BID Members were involved in the 2017 Winchester Fashion Week programme, which consisted of 15 events over 6 days.
In 2015, the Christmas Lights Switch-on ceremony was broadcast live to 8 million viewers on BBC1’s The One Show.
The BID is a major partner of the Destination Management Partnership (DMP) which works closely with Visit Winchester to invest in advertising opportunities in national publications including Waitrose Weekend, GQ and The Times.
A CLEANER, GREENER AND MORE AT T R AC T I V E WINCHESTER
The BID has purchased and upgraded the Christmas Lights over the last decade. The total cost of decorations is estimated at £76,700 with a further £35,000 spent annually on installation.
There were over 500 downloads of the Park Winchester iOS app in the first 3 months of its launch in 2016, helping direct your customers and clients to available parking spaces in the city.
The Winchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership received its second successive distinction for its partnership and collaborative work with partner agencies in June 2017.
Funds worth £20,631.73 have been donated to Spare Change for Real Change, a diverted giving scheme that helps to break the cycle of homelessness.
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BID MEMBERS H AV E J O I N E D P U B WATC H A N D S H O P WATC H .
A THRIVING WINCHESTER We have represented and responded to business views on major issues including; Provision of office space; the Station Approach and Central Winchester Developments; Local Plan Part 2; Car Parking; Power Failures; Superfast Broadband; and more recently the Business Rates Revaluation.
The BID have funded 3 Police Community Support Officers which has been match funded by Hampshire Constabulary over the last decade.
We have 40 registered users taking advantage of the incubator workspace at Winchester Business Centre and our conference room is frequently utilised by BID Members.
Winchester BID have created
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quarterly Business Barometer reports assessing business sentiment scores and vacancy rates, with these reports utilised by Central and Local Governments and the Bank of England.
In the space of 9 months our Savings and Advisory Service has identified savings of £34,995 on utilities, telecoms and credit card merchant fees, helping Members to reduce their operating costs.
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CAPTURING BUSINESS INSIGHT
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This Business Plan has been created bearing in mind the continuous dialogue between the BID Team and its Members, who have been instrumental in allowing the BID to evolve over the past decade. Independent research commissioned by The Retail Group to Members in autumn 2015 and 2016 has helped Winchester BID focus its proposals for a third term.
Our fortnightly newsletter remains your most popular method of communication. A recent survey completed by 192 Members showed that 73% prefer us to make contact via e-mail.
BID Members at a local and national level have had the opportunity to comment on a draft consultation document, which was in circulation from February–July 2017.
We understand that some Members prefer a plentiful round-up of news that they can share easily with their staff, so we produce a biannual hard copy summary of our work. The summer issue was posted directly to Members in June 2017.
We appreciate communication preferences differ and so have used a variety of methods to capture insight.
WINCHESTER BUSINESS I M P R OV E M E N T DISTRICT
E-COMMS
NEWSLETTERS
M E E T A N D G R E E TS
Attending meetings isn’t easy, especially if you have limited resources. Our meet and greet service, introduced in 2016, has proven to be very popular with Members with over 250 meet and greets taking place to date. A member of the team will visit your premises at a time convenient for you.
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
We hold an annual general meeting in April, open to all, which this year included a summary of the draft proposals for the BID’s third term.
B U S I N E SS F O R U M S
We launched the proposals in February at a BID Forum meeting and have attended both Pubwatch and Shopwatch meetings to capture insight from Members.
MEETINGS AND NETWORKING GROUPS
We have attended 12 meetings and networking opportunities to gain feedback from Members and organisations with a special interest in the city. This has included Hampshire Chamber of Commerce events, Pubwatch and Shopwatch meetings.
D R A F T B U S I N E SS PROPOSAL DOCUMENT F O R C O N S U LTAT I O N S P R I N G 2017
BALLOT 2017
S O C I A L P L AT F O R M S
With the rise in popularity of social media we connect with businesses through Twitter and LinkedIn, and with consumers through Facebook and Instagram. Collectively, we have over 8,000 followers across the four platforms.
ONLINE
Our business-dedicated website, found at www.winchesterbid.co.uk, has displayed the draft business proposal document, with a survey to provide feedback.
A N N U A L R E P O R TS
We introduced an annual report in 2016, circulated with the BID levy bills, outlining our achievements, reviewing our financial spend and providing details on the third term consultation. V OT E Y E S 5 O C TO B E R – 2 N OV E M B E R 2017 9
H I G H L I G H TS
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When asked about future priorities, Members and Partners said: “You’re absolutely right to seek to defend the importance of small independent businesses in Winchester, which have an increasingly important role to play in the future if we are to differentiate the local proposition from neighbouring towns.” Steve Gates, Chair of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce (Winchester Committee) “I love the digitally connected city idea and would urge you to consider this as a core element of any business promotional campaign. It needs to be an integrated campaign though, incorporating elements within your control and those outside. One of the key benefits is that this distances Winchester from the straitjacket of its history without affecting the fabric of the city.” Philip Tutt, Partner at 360 Integrated PR “The Winchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership has been very valuable to us as an independent retailer and I support its continuation. The regular updates and notifications of local activity, ensures we have a solid, reliable service that not only forewarns of crime but, as recently witnessed during an unfortunate situation, gave me unequivocal support, re-assurance and ensured a very positive outcome.” Donna Laine, Owner of Donna Laine Jewellery “It is so important that the BID continue so it can support the Night Time Economy. The BID is an integral part of keeping Winchester safe through facilitating schemes such as Pubwatch and Best Bar None and their marketing and promotional activities helps drive footfall and creates a vibrant environment.”
A qualitative survey was issued in October 2016 to Members*. When asked about their future priorities, businesses indicated that their top 5 priorities for the BID to deliver in a third term are:
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I N V E ST I N G I N T E C H N O LO G Y TO E N H A N C E CITY CENTRE EXPERIENCES
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R E D U C I N G O P E R AT I N G C O STS F O R B U S I N E SS
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E X PA N D I N G STA R T - U P SUPPORT
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LO B BY I N G A N D I N F L U E N C I N G LO C A L A N D C E N T R A L G OV E R N M E N T
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DELIVERING MARKETING C A M PA I G N S P R O M OT I N G T H E L U X U RY A N D E V E N I N G ECONOMY OFFER
Ursuala Haller, General Manager, O’Neills “I support the work of the BID as they represent a passion and motivation for business development and improvement in Winchester. This is of utmost importance to us given the stores close proximity to the Central Winchester development. We need a strong voice for business in the future.” Patsy Farr Store Manager Sainsburys
Taking this insight into account, for the third term the BID commits to deliver a programme of initiatives to: promote and position Winchester as a successful destination; manage and enhance the city’s landscape; provide savings and support to business; and influence Winchester’s future development to inspire positive change. Our work will benefit first and foremost your business clients, shoppers and staff, but also residents and visitors to the city. * 117 responses were received. V OT E Y E S 5 O C TO B E R – 2 N OV E M B E R 2017 11
POSITIONING A N D P R O M OT I N G WINCHESTER With two rapidly growing Universities and several major developments on the horizon, new opportunities are presented to position Winchester as a centre for culture, creativity and commerce in the South East of England.
MARKETING
The BID is proud to be a partner of the Destination Management Partnership (DMP), which works closely with Visit Winchester and fellow key stakeholders to invest in marketing opportunities and to host journalists and international trips. The BID has delivered, in partnership, a series of successful cross-channel campaigns including; The Gourmet Capital of the South, and England’s Christmas Capital. Future: Continued membership of the DMP and delivering cross-channel campaigns positioning Winchester as an accessible and thriving destination for commercial investment and a youthful and stylish city for students.
V I E W W I N C H E ST E R BRAND
Since 2014, the BID has focussed on creating advertising campaigns with the View Winchester consumer brand, providing a social and online presence and printed collateral. However, the overlap with Visit Winchester has caused some confusion.
Future: We will work more closely with Visit Winchester and build a relationship with Visit Hampshire to point culture, tourism and festival campaigns to their established brands. All other campaigns and collateral will be positioned within the BID’s established brand.
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E V E N TS
SUPPORTING I N D E P E N D E N TS
The BID has continually recognised and celebrated independent businesses. The production and distribution of the Pocket Map, Independents Guide and the creation of the Favourite Independent Business Competition have helped raise awareness of these hidden gems as they provide a vital contribution to the local economy. Future: A specific budget line is to be introduced and a new group representing independent businesses is to be formed to help create a programme of campaigns and projects for the third term. The group will be chaired by an independent business who will report into the BID Board.
We are pleased to have organised the Christmas Lights Switch-on ceremony, which marks the start of the festive season, and have grown Winchester Fashion Week since taking on coordination in 2013. Future: Winchester Fashion Week will be expanded to include luxury, creative and design elements to provide even further opportunities for BID Members. We will continue to coordinate and enhance the Christmas Lights Switch-on.
F E ST I VA L S I N W I N C H E ST E R
The BID has worked in partnership with Visit Winchester to chair the Festivals in Winchester group, supporting and helping grow a cultural programme and sponsoring specific events which encourage a spread of activity across the city. Future: The BID will continue to chair the group, produce the Festivals in Winchester flyer and sponsor a number of Festivals to help spread footfall and commercial opportunities across the city.
S E AS O N A L P R O M OT I O N S
W I N C H E ST E R B U S I N E SS E XC E L L E N C E AWA R D S
The BID has been a lead partner and sponsor of the Winchester Business Excellence Awards for 8 years. The awards provide a platform to recognise the achievements of local businesses and reward them for their commitment to excellence. Future: As a lead partner, the BID will continue to support this event and specifically encourage BID Members to utilise this free promotional activity.
We have taken a lead role in delivering a high-profile campaign for Christmas with partners and have arranged other seasonal promotions such as the Bunny Hop at Easter, half-term activity trails and Independents Month in July. Future: We will be concentrating on a campaign to promote enhanced access at Christmas and deliver more promotions in half-terms and school holidays.
B E ST B A R N O N E AWA R D S
Best Bar None is a national benchmarking scheme aimed at promoting safety, responsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises. The BID has organised the Winchester scheme for the last 3 years and presented several BID Members with an award. Future: The BID will continue to provide an annual audit and awards scheme to encourage venues to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all, but especially for local students.
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M A N AG I N G A N D ENHANCING THE C I T YS C A P E Providing effective street management is integral to showcasing Winchester as an attractive place to work, shop, live and visit.
W I N C H E ST E R B U S I N E SS C R I M E REDUCTION PA R T N E R S H I P
Recently awarded a distinction in June 2017 from the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships, the BID has delivered this accredited umbrella partnership for six years, bringing together Shopwatch and Pubwatch radio networks and the police and the Winchester Community Safety Partnership to share information, ensuring strong links are prevalent into the regional and national networks. The intelligence website (DISC) was introduced to Members in 2015.
S H O P WATC H A N D P U B WATC H
The BID has facilitated both the Shopwatch and Pubwatch schemes over the last decade, which includes facilitating monthly meetings to discuss current crime trends, agreement on banning offenders, and offering radios which connects retailers and licensed venues directly to CCTV and the police radio network. Future: The BID will continue to grow and strengthen the schemes. BID Members can continue to obtain a radio at the considerably subsidised annual rate of ÂŁ100 plus VAT.
Future: The BID will continue to build on the success of the Partnership, keeping Members informed of criminal activity and behaviour via DISC.
POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICERS
We have built a strong partnership with Hampshire Constabulary over the last decade and have funded additional police presence in the form of three Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), who have provided dedicated support to businesses to assist tackling issues relating to both the daytime and evening economy. Future: The BID will continue to fund PCSO posts to the sum of ÂŁ67,000 and strive to secure the continued support of Hampshire Constabulary. 14
F LO R A L D I S P L AYS
The BID has delivered 2,645 hanging baskets and window boxes to BID Members since 2012, installing in June and managing over the summer prior to removal in October, to enhance the appearance of the city.
ST R E E T PASTO R S
We have provided financial support to the Street Pastors during their 6 years of operation. They greatly value the close working relationship with the Winchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership and provide reassurance, safety and support to all people enjoying the nighttime offer on Friday and Saturday nights. Future: We will continue to support the initiative in the next term.
Future: The BID will expand its floral display offer and aim to fill any gaps in the area.
C H R I ST M AS L I G H TS
Each year, the BID has upgraded and expanded the Christmas Lights scheme to illuminate new areas and landmark buildings in the city.
management of commercial waste, improved signage and improved access to commercial areas.
AIR QUALITY AC T I O N P L A N
The BID provided feedback into the draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), which was adopted by Winchester City Council in June 2017. Future: The BID is committed to assisting the delivery of the AQAP, specifically providing a Park & Ride for the North of the city as Andover Road is the gateway to many commuters from the west.
Future: The BID will continue this work and cover all installation and maintenance costs for the next term.
S PA R E C H A N G E FOR REAL CHANGE
Winchester BID facilitates one of the longest established ‘Diverted Giving’ schemes in the UK, aimed at reducing street begging.
G R E E N I M PAC T
In July 2017, Winchester BID received a bronze accreditation in the Winchester City Council & NUS Green Impact scheme, which reviews the organisation’s environmental impact.
Future: We will continue to raise the campaign’s profile by educating the public of its good work and encouraging managed giving to those most in need by diverting funds from the street to local charitable organisations. 100% of funds donated will be passed to local charities. No donated funds are withheld for administration or other purposes.
Future: The BID team will continue to renew its accreditation and will encourage and support BID Members to enter the scheme.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC REALM E N H A N C E M E N TS
The BID has managed additional regular cleaning, above and beyond the statutory duties of the local authorities, which has included chewing gum and graffiti removal. We have also supported public realm enhancements including the redevelopment of the Casson Block and The Square. Future: We will continue to make public realm cleansing improvements and aim to provide assistance to the local authorities in providing better V OT E Y E S 5 O C TO B E R – 2 N OV E M B E R 2017 15
S U P P O RT I N G B U S I N E S S G R OW T H Helping businesses thrive operationally is paramount to the commercial wellbeing of the city.
NETWORKING A N D E V E N TS
We have worked closely with the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a range of events including a breakfast briefing with the MP, and have offered free attendance opportunities at BID-organised events such as focus groups and seminars.
S AV I N G S A N D A D V I S O RY S E R V I C E
With the collective purchasing power of 700 businesses, the BID has been able to enter negotiations with third parties to assist Members in reducing overheads. The BID has facilitated a reduced cost waste and recycling scheme, the option to review electricity bills, credit card merchant fees, PAT testing, Pest Control and telecoms services. Future: We propose introducing further cost-saving schemes, including a collective paper shredding service.
D E V E LO P I N G T H E WORKFORCE
To respond to the training needs of Members we will offer free or heavily subsidised courses and workshops for you and your staff based on local demand. We will also provide a mystery-shopping programme to enhance customer service delivery across all sectors.
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W I N C H E ST E R B U S I N E SS C E N T R E W O R KS PAC E
Future: We will continue to provide a series of events tackling issues and providing insight to BID Members in addition to offering opportunities to connect you with local businesses.
In 2013, we launched a subscriptionbased incubator space to support the growth of start-up businesses, providing advice, business registration and mail collection services. This additional income stream has provided ÂŁ23,806.24 to the BID. The centre also boasts a 12-seated conference room, which is available to hire free-of-charge for BID levy payers. Future: We are keen to expand the capacity of the service to enable the start-up of more businesses who are vital contributors to the local economy.
E M P LOY E E WELLBEING SCHEME
The BID intends to introduce a wellbeing scheme for employees working within the BID boundary to encourage staff to use local businesses and enhance their fitness and wellbeing. The scheme will include free gym classes and incentives on healthy living refreshments.
B U S I N E SS CONTINUITY
The BID has provided support on incidents such as flooding, clearing snow and power loss to enable continuity of business delivery for BID Members. Future: We will also undertake a critical analysis of the potential vulnerabilities the city could face in the future and prepare a plan accordingly with the local authorities and emergency services.
INFLUENCING AND INSPIRING CHANGE Having been established for a decade, the BID is viewed by policy makers as the voice of the city centre business community and is therefore a major influencer to empower change to secure a stronger future for Winchester.
MAPPING C U STO M E R A N D C L I E N T J O U R N E YS
We have installed new footflow sensors, which are able to indicate how people are moving throughout the city. The ten sensors provide the BID with intelligence to map people’s journeys and better inform inward investment decisions.
INFLUENCING T H E AG E N D A
We regularly provide comment on consultations, which in the past year have included; the mid-term review of the parking strategy, Business Rates Revaluations, Local Plan Part 2 and Central Winchester and Station Approach developments. The BID has also been a business conduit for utilities investments, such as the upgrade of the power network in Jewry Street. Future: The delivery of Station Approach and the Central Winchester development will be major changes for Winchester. We will continue to listen to your feedback and always aim to provide a balanced view of businesses needs and requirements as both developments progress.
Future: We aspire to become a digitally connected city, exploring the advancements in technology to enhance the users’ experience, and providing better access to the city and management of the streets. We will extend the network of the sensors and produce regular reports for businesses, which we will publish to Members via our e-newsletter.
PA R K I N G A N D AC C E SS M A N AG E M E N T
In 2016, the BID invested in technology which allowed for accurate data occupancy in the four city centre car parks. The BID secured match funding from Winchester City Council for this investment and thus sensors are also installed in all Park and Ride sites. This occupancy data is fed in real-time to the BID funded Park Winchester App, available on IOS and Android devices.
Movement Strategy, to be led by Hampshire County Council in 2018.
B U S I N E SS BAROMETER
We have produced the quarterly Business Barometer since 2011, which provides vital intelligence on current and future trading outlooks and helps us better understand trends in the city, comparing our progress with similar destinations and understanding how particular events benefit the city centre. Future: We would like to extend participation in the Business Barometer, which currently involves 70 businesses.
TOW N C E N T R E A U D I TS
We have organised regular perception surveys to identify the success of town centre management. These surveys cover cleaning, ease of parking and safety. Future: We will continue to organise regular surveys and share the data with relevant parties including the Local Authorities and Hampshire Constabulary to influence improvements in operations.
Future: The BID will continue to look at initiatives that allow city centre users to make better-informed decisions on parking and access to the city centre. The BID has been identified as a stakeholder to input into the V OT E Y E S 5 O C TO B E R – 2 N OV E M B E R 2017 17
THE BID AREA The BID area is the heart of the city centre and covers all major access routes. The area encompasses the commercial core of Winchester including transport hubs, the University of Winchester, Winchester School of Art, Royal Hampshire County Hospital and Police Headquarters, plus the Central Winchester and Station Approach developments. During the consultation period we conducted conversations with properties outside of the current boundary who indicated that they would like to be included in the third term. If the BID ballot is successful, an altered BID boundary would not encompass any additional streets.
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Romsey Road Royal Oak Passage Silver Hill Southgate Street Sparkford Road St Clement Street St James Lane St Peter Street St Thomas Passage St Thomas Street Staple Gardens Station Hill Station Road Stockbridge Road Sussex Street Sutton Gardens Swan Lane Tanner Street The Broadway The Square Tower Road Tower Street Trafalgar Street Trinity Gardens Union Street Upper Brook Street Upper High Street Victoria Road Walcote Place Water Lane West End Terrace Worthy Lane
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The following streets are included, either in whole or in part. A detailed boundary map can be found on the BID website: www.winchesterbid.co.uk/ballot-2017
Abbey Passage Albion Place Andover Road Archery Lane Barfield Close Bridge Street Castle Avenue Castle Hill Chesil Street City Road Cathedral Close Colebrook Street College Street Cossack Lane Cross Keys Passage Cross Street Crowder Terrace Durngate Place Eastgate Street Friarsgate Gar Street Gladstone Street Gordon Road Great Minster Street High Street Hyde Church Lane Hyde Street Inner Close Jewry Street Kings Head Yard Kings Walk Kingsgate Street Lawn Street Little Minster Street Lower Brook Street Market Lane Market Street Middle Brook Street Mister Lane Mons Court Newburgh Street North Walls Old Station Approach Parchment Street Park Avenue Patenoster Row Peninsula Square Priory Gardens Queens Road
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ACC O U N TA B I L I T Y A N D T R A N S PA R E N C Y G OV E R N A N C E
1. Winchester City Centre Partnership Ltd [WCCP] is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of the City Centre strategy and action plan; the BID is a delivery vehicle for aspects of the overall strategy. Together they form a limited company, registered with Companies House with its own legal identity and control. Details of the Winchester City Centre Partnership Ltd and the Memorandum and Articles of Association are available to view online at www.winchesterbid.co.uk/ballot-2017 2. An operating agreement has been formed with Winchester City Council to administer the BID’s third term Revenue Account. Baseline statements have also been formed with Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Constabulary. These are available to view online at www.winchesterbid.co.uk/ballot-2017 3. Winchester BID will continue to recognise the importance of accountability and transparency within its Governance Arrangements. It is certified with British BIDs Accreditation, which provides evidence of quality management and return on investment through service delivery. The BID will seek to retain this certification throughout the third term. 4. The current Board Director membership stands at 13, made up of; 5 BID Members, 4 Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Members (all BID levy payers), 1 Winchester City Council Member, 1 Hampshire County Council Member, 1 University of Winchester Member and the BID Executive Director. All Directors have voting rights. It is proposed that for the third term, the memorandum and articles are adapted to allow for more BID Members to stand at the Annual General Meeting. 5. The Board shall appoint a Chair from the Directorship who shall serve up to a maximum of 3 years. 6. The BID will regularly evaluate and report its success to levy payers throughout the term. A number of indicators will be used to evaluate the city’s performance and the BID’s return on investment to levy payers. This shall
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include; the Business Barometer, footfall statistics, town centre audits, event ticket sales, the extent of cost savings in the advisory and saving service, satisfaction surveys and monthly crime statistics to WBCRP Members. A midterm review of the BID shall be carried out by an independent third party. The Board of Directors will receive a monthly income statement from the Executive Director. There will be quarterly meetings with Winchester City Council Taxation and Finance departments to monitor levy collection rates and financial spend. An independent accountant will prepare audited accounts each year, for submission to Companies House. These will be published on the BID website and available to view and comment on at the Annual General Meeting. Provided that the BID is meeting the objectives set in this business plan, and subject to full consultation with the BID Board, it shall have the ability to vary service delivery and expenditure allocation according to the changing demands of levy payers. However, any change to the BID area or the levy rate would require an alteration ballot. A new group representing all independents businesses will be formed to recommend how the ringfenced independent budget should be spent. The group will be chaired by an independent business representative and will report to the Board. Levy paying businesses will be eligible to become Members of the BID Company on the announcement of the Annual General Meeting.
LEVY
1. From April 2017, the BID levy rate to be paid by each property or hereditament will remain as 1.5% of its rateable value as at 1 April annually. This represents no change to the levy being paid in the second term of the BID. The 2017 Rating List will be used to determine the liable party. 2. All non-domestic properties or hereditaments with a rateable value of £1250 or more will be required to pay the levy. This represents
no change to the threshold. 3. The number of properties or hereditaments liable for the levy has increased from 857 (2017/18) to 890 (at time of printing in August 2017) as a result of changes to the proposed BID area and property mergers/splits. 4. If a new property or heridtiament enters the ratings list, no charge will apply until the following year’s levy becomes due. 5. If a property or heriditament has an increase or decrease in rateable value during the year, the levy will not be amended to reflect the change until the following year. 6. The BID levy will be exempt to those occupied as a recognised charity except where the property is occupied as a charity shop and thus the levy will be applied. 7. Those hereditaments within The Brooks Shopping Centre (where there is already an additional service charge for marketing, security and cleaning services) will receive a discount and thus the levy contribution will be fixed at 1.25% as per previous BID terms. Businesses in Kings Walk will not receive a discount as they are no longer tenants of The Brooks Shopping Centre. 8. The BID levy will be collected annually in advance and the charging period will be 1 April – 31 March, starting April 2018. No refunds will be made. 9. The liability of the BID levy will be the responsibility of the hereditament listed on 1 April in the year of collection. 10. If the property or hereditament is untenanted, the liability of the levy falls to the owner of the property listed on 1 April in the year of collection. 11. The BID levy will not be affected by small business rates relief or any other discretionary relief grant. 12. The levy will be payable in one instalment collected by Winchester City Council and is payable within 14 days. Collection and enforcement of the BID levy will be similar to those applied to business rates. 13. Winchester City Council will be responsible for collection of the levy and will make no charge for doing so. 14. Full BID levy rules can be found at www.winchesterbid.co.uk/ballot-2017
B A L LOT
1. Winchester City Council will send those responsible for properties or hereditaments to be subject to the new BID, a ballot paper from 5 October 2017. 2. Each property or hereditament
3.
4. 5.
6.
subject to the BID will be entitled to one vote in respect of the proposal in a 28-day postal ballot, which will commence on 5 October 2017 and close at 5pm on 2 November 2017. Ballot papers received after 5pm on 2 November 2017 will not be counted. In order for the proposal to be successful at ballot the result will need to meet, as a minimum, two independent criteria: (a) of those ballots returned by the close, those voting in favour must exceed those voting against, and (b) of those ballot papers returned by the close, the total rateable value of those properties or hereditament which vote in favour must exceed the total of those voting against. The result of the ballot will be announced on Friday 3 November 2017. If successful at ballot, the third term of the BID will commence on 1 April 2018 and will continue for a period of five years to 31 March 2023. The Secretary of State was notified of the ballot on 21 March 2017.
FINANCES
1. A cautious approach has been adopted to budgeting for the third BID term. 2. A levy collection rate of 97% has been assumed for the third term based on historical projections.
3. Operating costs are estimated at 16% of the total annual expenditure, which is below the industry average for BIDs. 4. No inflation will be charged during the lifetime of the BID’s third term. 5. A contingency provision on expenditure each year provides the BID with the opportunity to consider projects or opportunities suggested by levy payers outside of the proposals. 6. At the time of printing (August 2017), Winchester City Centre Partnership held reserves of £165,291. 7. There are no costs relating to the development of the new BID that will need to be repaid during the term. 8. During the first two terms, the BID had considerable success in generating additional revenue. Last year, this equated to £90,574 (equivalent to over 18% of total levy). A cautious approach has been adopted to future additional income calculated as 10–14% of total levy. 9. All contracts of £10,000 or more will be tendered, with local suppliers (i.e. within the BID area) given preference. Periodically, throughout the term the Board will test the performance, cost and competitiveness of all contracts which exceed £10,000 annually.
Income
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Total 5 Yrs.
BID Levy
£579,000
£579,000
£579,000
£579,000
£579,000
£2,895,000
£56,000
£61,000
£66,000
£71,000
£76,000
£330,000
Total Income
£635,000
£640,000
£645,000
£650,000
£655,000
£3,225,000
Expenditure
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Total 5 Yrs.
Positioning & Promoting
£175,000
£175,700
£176,400
£177,100
£177,900
£882,100
Managing & Enhancing
£185,500
£186,200
£186,900
£187,600
£188,300
£934,500
Supporting Business
£72,000
£73,000
£74,000
£75,000
£76,000
£370,000
Influencing & Inspiring
£94,000
£94,700
£95,400
£96,100
£96,800
£477,000
Administration
£95,000
£95,700
£96,400
£97,100
£97,800
£482,000
£621,500
£625,300
£629,100
£632,900
£636,800
£3,145,600
£13,500
£14,700
£15,900
£17,100
£18,200
External Income
Total Expenditure Surplus/Contingency
V OT E Y E S 5 O C TO B E R – 2 N OV E M B E R 2017 21
C H A I R M A N ’S S TAT E M E N T
When I started my business in Winchester in 2007, I immediately became aware of many challenges that had the potential to affect the success of my business and the city. Upon being introduced to Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) I immediately wanted to get directly involved with a group of passionate individuals from businesses within the city, local authority representatives and Chamber of Commerce representatives who collectively would work together to improve the city for the benefit of business, residents and visitors.
During this time we have seen many improvements: • Park and Ride has been opened, offering cheap car parking, reduced traffic and improved air quality. • The High Street and The Square have been repaved, adding to the attractiveness of the city. • Hanging baskets adorn the city in summer and Christmas Lights in winter. • We have cleaned the streets and removed graffiti, making us more presentable to all. • We have policed the city and seen crime rates fall significantly. • Over 100 events have been coordinated to make us a more vibrant city. All of these improvements have been achieved by working closely with our local authorities so that together we make Winchester a better place for all.
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Over the next five years Winchester BID are committed to investing over £3,000,000 in improving Winchester if we are successful in achieving a ‘Yes’ vote. Success is not a given principle in anything. We must create success by working together to combat the many challenges that face our city and our BID team is ready, capable and planning a successful future. I hope you share in our vision for our wonderful city. A city that is inviting, vibrant, and unlike any other. A city that delivers a huge array of benefits to businesses, residents and visitors alike. A ‘Yes’ vote is a vote for a dynamic Winchester that continues to thrive. We look forward to your support. Ken Macartney BID Chair
T H R E E S T E P S TO FIVE MORE YEARS 1
Ballot papers will arrive by post from 5 October 2017, asking you to vote on the BID and giving you the chance to vote on securing a stronger future for the city.
2
Voting ‘Yes’ will retain the BID for a further five years through to 31 March 2023.
3
Ballot papers must be returned by 5 pm on Thursday, 2 November 2017.
If majority are in favour, services will continue and the third term of the BID will commence on 1 April 2018. For a short ‘how-to guide’ to complete your ballot paper, visit the website: www.winchesterbid.co.uk/ballot-2017
V OT E Y E S 5 O C TO B E R – 2 N OV E M B E R 2017 23
C O N TAC T U S : Winchester BID Winchester Business Centre 10 Parchment Street Winchester SO23 8AT 01962 841000 enquiries@winchesterbid.co.uk @Winchester BID 24