What Ashbourne BID Means for the Local Community
Exciting changes are on the way for Ashbourne. Local businesses and organisations have voted to support the creation of the Ashbourne Business Improvement District (BID), unlocking new investment and a shared programme of activity designed to strengthen the area, support businesses and enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike.
Funded through investment from eligible businesses and organisations, the BID will deliver projects and services that help create a vibrant, safe and welcoming environment, while supporting economic growth and increasing the appeal of the area as a place to live, work, visit and do business.
What Will the BID Deliver?
The BID will focus on three key priorities:
- Positioning and Promoting Ashbourne: Positioning Ashbourne as a must-visit destination by promoting the area as a vibrant, heritage-rich place to live, work, visit and invest. Through a programme of events, activities and marketing initiatives, the BID will help increase footfall, encourage spending and showcase the diverse businesses, attractions and experiences that Ashbourne has to offer.
- Experience Ashbourne: Providing additional initiatives and services that help maintain an attractive, welcoming and safe environment across the BID area
- Supporting Local Businesses: Helping businesses thrive through collective investment, collaboration and initiatives that strengthen the local economy and enhance the area’s appeal.
The BID will be managed by Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside (CLM), working in close partnership with local businesses, partners and stakeholders. Groundwork is recognised as one of the UK’s leading BID management organisations, with more than 20 years’ experience and responsibility for managing 14 active Business Improvement Districts.
A Landmark Vote for Ashbourne Businesses
BID Steering Group Chair, Anne Wright, welcomed the result:
“We are delighted that businesses have voted to establish Ashbourne’s first Business Improvement District. This is a landmark moment and a clear demonstration of the confidence local businesses have in working together to shape the future of the area.
The BID will create a strong, united voice for the business community and provide the resources needed to deliver meaningful projects and services that will make a real difference. On behalf of the Steering Group, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the development of the BID proposal and all those who participated in the ballot process. We look forward to building on this momentum and delivering positive outcomes for businesses over the coming years.”
Strengthening the Local Economy
Jane Hough, Deputy Director for BIDs at Groundwork CLM, said:
“Achieving a successful first-term BID ballot is a significant accomplishment and reflects the hard work, commitment and vision demonstrated by the Steering Group and local businesses throughout the development process.
Businesses have recognised the value of investing collectively to address shared priorities and strengthen the area’s future competitiveness. We congratulate everyone involved and look forward to supporting Ashbourne as the BID moves into delivery and begins implementing its ambitious programme of projects and initiatives.”
Councillor Steve Flitter, Leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council, said:
“This successful ballot is fantastic news for Ashbourne and demonstrates the ambition and commitment of our business community. The creation of the area’s first Business Improvement District represents an important step forward in strengthening the local economy, enhancing the area’s appeal and supporting long-term growth.
We look forward to working alongside the BID and local businesses to help deliver initiatives that will benefit businesses, residents and visitors alike.”
Find out more about Ashbourne BID by visiting the website: https://ashbournebid.co.uk/