www.southendbid.com

A B U S I N E S S P L A N F O R T H E R E N E W A L O F T H E

S O U T H E N D - O N - S E AB U S I N E S S I M P R O V E M E N T D I S T R I C T ( B I D )

2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 3

03

T H I S I S A N E X C I T I N G T I M E F O R S O U T H E N D - O N - S E A . T H E

B U S I N E S S I M P R O V E M E N T D I S T R I C T ( B I D ) H A S H E L P E D C R E A T E

A D Y N A M I C , T H R I V I N G L O C A L E C O N O M Y A N D P R O V I D E D

A S T R O N G P L A T F O R M F O R G R O W T H A N D P R O S P E R I T Y .

Formed in 2013, the BID was a natural step forward from the highly successful Southend Town Centre Partnership (STCP). The BID has brought together all kinds of business in the town and on the seafront in a shared vision to secure growth and prosperity. It has also empowered them, giving them more of a say in the town’s development and management strategy.

The BID has achieved great things and learned a great deal. Now there is an opportunity to build on that success and insight. We have lots of ideas and plans for the next

five years, taking the BID from strength to strength and delivering an even better experience for residents and visitors.

6.5 million people visit Southend-on-Sea every year. It is the closest seaside resort to one of the busiest capital cities on the planet. We’re a landmark destination in the South East of England – and intend to stay that way.

I’m delighted to have the continuing support of the BID Board of Directors, who have provided valuable inspiration and leadership over this first BID term.

Dawn Jeakings, Chair and Director(Manager, Royals Shopping Centre)

BUILD O N S U C C E S S

A Plan to

Together with our excellent operational team and our colleagues in the town’s many businesses, we can take the BID to the next level, ensuring Southend-on-Sea is a great place to live, work and relax.

B I D S

SETTING

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business-

funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area. BIDs are

paid for by local businesses in return for providing services over and

above those of other stakeholders in the place.

BIDs succeed because they are focused, entrepreneurial and cost-

efficient, providing an agile and flexible response to business needs.

They are not a replacement for other local authority and police

services, but provide useful additional resources.

BIDs were piloted in 22 locations in England and Wales between

2002 and 2005 and there are now over 270 BIDs across the UK.

The majority of BIDs focus on town centres with a number

focused on coastal areas such as Southend.

The Nationwide BID Survey 2016 showed a total BID income from

businesses across the UK of over £75 million and BIDs raised an

additional £13.58 million from other sources.

The response of local businesses speaks for itself. Over 90% of BIDs

have received the endorsement of a ‘yes’ vote at their renewal ballot.

A BID has a term of five years and at that point asks businesses to

vote for a new business plan. That time is now for Southend.

04

THE SCENE

05

P R O D U C T I V E

Southend-On-Sea

As well as strong relationships with levy paying BID businesses, we work closely with many other individuals and organisations. They provide vital support and endorsement, as well as helping to raise the profile of the BID zone over a wider area.

Our highly valued businesses, friends, partners and supporters include major retail chains such as Debenhams, Next and M&S and a variety of independent outlets, as well as the following:

• Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

• University of Essex

• South Essex College

• Jacqui Dallimore, Managing Director of the Roslin Hotel and Chair of Southend Tourism Partnership

• Kevin Maynard, Chair of Pubwatch

• James Duddridge MP

• Matthew Garrett, The Royal Hotel

• Dave Andrews, Mallards Jewellers

• Cllr John Lamb, Leader of the Council

• Cllr Ann Holland, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Culture, Tourism and The Economy

• Scott Cannon, Chief Inspector Essex Police

One of our aims is to develop more third-party partnerships and endorsements which can strengthen the BID and target new audiences.

PARTNERSHIPSAs an enthusiastic member of the BID,

we have no doubts about the outstanding achievements of the Southend BID over the last five years, as well as the many tangible

benefits that have been delivered to businesses within the BID area. We remain committed

to renewing the BID and look forward to continuing the partnership in the future.

JOH

N D

ILLON

270T H E R E A R E N O W O V E R

B I D S A C R O S S T H E U K

YESO V E R 9 0 % O F B I D S H A V E R E C E I V E D A

V O T E A T T H E I R R E N E WA L

Tourism is vitally important to Southend-on-Sea’s economy and we want to offer visitors the best

possible destination experience. The BID has done so much to help improve the look, feel and prosperity of the town. It’s vital that the brilliant

work continues into another term.

“

”JACQUI DALLIMORE, MANAGING DIRECTOR,

ROSLIN BEACH HOTEL AND CHAIR, SOUTHEND TOURISM PARTNERSHIP

JOHN DILLON, STORE MANAGER, DEBENHAMS

“

”

O P E N U P T O R E V E A L T H E W H O L E

S T O R Y

THE BID AND STREET RANGERS ARE INVALUABLE TO OUR BUSINESSES

AND TOWN. THEY WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP ORDER AND CONTROL

TO OUR HIGH STREET AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

ZELDA BIBBY, MANAGER OF YOURS CLOTHING

“

”

including better lighting and new paving

StreetscapeENHANCEMENTS

15,349 Visitor enquiries

OVER 400

lost children reunited with their parents, freeing up

police time

C R E A T I N G A S A F E R E N V I R O N M E N T

Visitors to Southend-on-Sea should feel safe

and secure. BID initiatives have helped create

a welcoming, reassuring environment.

R A I S I N G S TA N D A R D S

The attractiveness and cleanliness of the

street environment is vital in attracting visitors

to our town and seafront. The BID has financed

or driven a range of improvements, holding

bi-monthly meetings with the Council’s

Town Task team to focus on improvements

to the public realm.

A P R E S E N C E O N T H E S T R E E T S

The BID has financed four full-time, first-aid-

trained, Police accredited Street Rangers

who welcome visitors and help cut crime

and anti-social behaviour.

80,000ChildSafe wristbands

issueddeep cleaned and

re-painted

BINSWASTE

PLANTERS AND HANGING BASKETS

FLORAL

BANNERS AND COLOURFUL FESTIVE

BUNTING

VIBRANTExtended scheme of

FULL TIME STREET RANGERS

4

and pest control/ removal

cleaningDEEP

ARTWORK

VACANT UNITVINYLS AND

6,559 Rough sleeper engagements

5,111Retail crime intervention (shoplifting) 392

Nuisance/unauthorised buskers

relocated

416incidents requiring

first aid

5,628Anti-social behaviour

intervention

538Unauthorised

charity collections/events

2014

Southend BID became an

accredited BID in

Extended scheme of

S O F A R

THE STORY S O F A R

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Southend-On-Sea

W H A T T H E B I D H A S A C H I E V E DT H E B I D H A S W O R K E D H A R D I N S O U T H E N D - O N - S E A T O W N

C E N T R E A N D S E A F R O N T I N S O M A N Y WAY S . A N O N G O I N G

C O M M I T M E N T T O T H E B I D W I L L E N S U R E C O N T I N U I T Y ,

A S W E L L A S O P E N I N G U P N E W O P P O R T U N I T I E S .

All figures are over a five year period, unless otherwise stated.

The BID has supported the Council in retaining and promoting the town’s

Purple Flag accreditation

FLAGPURPLE

used by 84 BID members for daytime economy and

77 members for night-time economy

REDUCTION APPCRIME

DISC BUSINESS

REDUCING THE NUMBERS OF ROUGH SLEEPERS

AND STREET DRINKING

The BID has partnered with a local homelessness charity

and other organisations to launch an educational campaign aimed at

of extra night-time policing funded

£11K

P U T T I N G O U R T O W N O N T H E M A P

Southend-on-Sea is a coastal tourism

destination. A key focus of the BID has been

to continue improving the visitor experience.

A S T R O N G E R V O I C E F O R B U S I N E S S

The BID keeps members informed and in touch

via the Southend BID website, a bi-monthly

printed newsletter, a monthly email and our

social media feeds plus 2,800 face-to-face visits.

N E T A S S E T S

The new Visit Southend brand and responsive

website were launched in May 2016.

Southend Town Map/Guide plus accommodation, events, destination,

food and nightlife guides printed and available as downloads

TownGuide

AND PARKING INITIATIVES

TRANSPORT

have improved access for visitors

Promotion of the town centre and seafront events via

Visit Southend has reached

2.5 millionPOTENTIAL VISITORS IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS

SINCE LAUNCH

of income generated in addition to the levy (£160,790 council grant and £119,868 from sponsorship

and income-generating initiatives), all of which is invested back

into the BID area

£280K OVER

45business networking

and/or training events

MORE THAN

10

All figures are over a five year period, unless otherwise stated.

A year-round programme of events, including the Christmas Lights Switch On,

4D Light Show, Seafront Fireworks, Italian Festival & Supercar Parade,

Sing-A-Long film at the Film Festival and Purple Festival

EVENTSAnnual

visitors to four new events: the Coca-Cola Truck Tour, the Festival of Wheels, the

Mystery of the Star Eaters live outdoor adventure game

and Food Fest

150,000 OVER

35,000Combined social media audience on Facebook,

Twitter and Instagram of over

year-on-year increase in organic web traffic

(April 2017)

2000%74,000

visits to the website (June 2017)

OVERyear-on-year increase in web traffic from London

(April 2017)

1200%

Improved festive lighting display

and bespoke

40ftCHRISTMAS TREE

into action

Y O U R I D E A S A N D O P I N I O N S S H A P E O U R F U T U R E P L A N S

Southend-On-Sea

Business insight

T H E B I D E X I S T S TO B E N E F I T A N D S U P P O RT T H E L O C A L B U S I N E S S C O M M U N I T Y .

T H AT ’ S W H Y YO U R V I E W S , S U G G E S T I O N S A N D F E E D B A C K A R E S O I M P O RTA N T

I N H E L P I N G U S P L A N T H E N E X T S T E P S . O U R E X T E N S I V E R E S E A R C H I N I T I AT I V E S

A N D C O N S U LTAT I O N S H AV E P R O V I D E D VA L U A B L E I N S I G H T A N D I N S P I R AT I O N

F R O M A W I D E R A N G E O F B U S I N E S S E S I N T H E B I D Z O N E .

As well as annual business feedback surveys and a comprehensive Mid-Term BID Review in 2015, we’ve carried out the following activities:

ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

With business leaders and stakeholders to ensure

their opinions are heard.

TWO WORKSHOPSWith a cross-section of BID businesses, focusing

on future planning.

STREET RANGER VISITS

To local businesses to discuss promotional opportunities

and local issues.

RENEWAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Which achieved a 60% response rate.

PROJECT SPECIFIC REVIEWS

Providing objective analysis and feedback.

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THE BID IS GOOD FOR LARGE AND SMALL BUSINESSES, EVEN THOSE

WHO, LIKE US, ARE OFF THE MAIN THOROUGHFARE. FOR EXAMPLE,

WE’VE BENEFITED FROM STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING THE

INTRODUCTION OF HANGING FLORAL BASKETS, CHRISTMAS LIGHTING,

VIBRANT COLUMN BANNERS AND BUNTING, IN ADDITION

TO VACANT UNIT VINYLS.

DANIEL BURZOTTA, MANAGER OF IL PESCATORE

“

”

THE BID HAS MADE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THE HIGH STREET. IT’S

NOTICEABLY MORE ATTRACTIVE AND MORE WELCOMING FOR

OUR CUSTOMERS. THAT’S A BIG POSITIVE FOR OUR BUSINESS.

STEVE ACKROYD, LOCAL DIRECTOR, METRO BANK SOUTHEND

“

”

Putting your ideas Into action

You’ve told us what you want to see from the BID over the next few years. We’re committed

to delivering that vision. On the following pages we’ve outlined our strategy to deliver for

you under the three key headings:

MANAGE, MOTIVATE and MARKET.

CENTRALMUSEUM

BEECROFTART GALLERY

WHITEGATE ROAD

ESSEX STREET

CH

UR

CH

RD

BAXTER AVENUE

BOSTON

AVENU

E

QUEEN’S ROAD

ASH

BU

RN

HA

M R

OA

DG

OR

DO

N R

OA

D

NA

PIER

AVENU

E

ELMER

AVENU

E

QUEBEC AVENUE

BA

LTIC AVEN

UE

PORTLAND AVENUE

MALDON ROAD

ST. ANN'S ROAD

GUILDFORD ROAD

KILWORTH AVENUE

STANLEY ROAD

HA

STING

S RO

AD

CR

OM

ER R

OA

D

CH

UR

CH

RD

HER

BER

T GR

OVE

LUCY ROAD

PLEA

SAN

T RO

AD

TYR

RE

L D

RIV

E

HARTINGTON PLACE

WESTON ROAD

CLARENCE STREET

CLA

REN

CE R

OA

D

GORDON PLACE

ELMER APPROACH

COLEMAN STREET

CARNARVON ROADHARCOURT AVENUE

STAN

FIELD R

OA

D

STAD

IUM

RO

AD

CLIFTON MEWS

NELSO

N M

EWS

STATION APPROACH

HAMLET ROAD

GR

AIN

GER

RO

AD

GREYHOUND WAY

NORTH AVENUE

NORTH AVENUE

WIMBORNE ROAD

BOSCOMBE ROAD

TOLED

O R

OA

D

PAR

K STR

EET

PR

ITTL

EWEL

L SQ

.

CAMBRIDGE ROAD

WIL

SON

RO

AD

PR

ITTL

EWEL

L SQ

.

CAPEL TERRACE

NEL

SON

STR

EET

RU

NW

ELL TERR

CASH

IOBURY

TERR

ALEXANDRA ROAD

DEV

EREU

X R

OA

DROYAL MEWS

MARKET PLACE

YORK ROAD

CHANCELLOR ROAD

HA

RTIN

GTO

N R

OA

D

YORK ROAD

WARRIOR SQUARE

WARRIOR SQUARE NORTH

WA

RR

IOR

SQU

AR

E EAST

SUTTON ROAD

LUK

ER R

D

FARRINGDON SER

VICE R

OA

D

LANCASTER G

AR

DEN

S

ASH WALK

QUEENSWAY

PR

INC

ES STREET

GO

RD

ON

RO

AD

GRANGE GDNS

TYLERS AVENUE

GREAT EASTERN AVE

QUEBEC AVE

HO

RA

CE R

OA

D

CENTRAL AVENUE

SOUTH AVENUE

CENTRAL AVENUE

SWANAGE ROAD

CO

LLEGE W

AY

VICTORIA AVENUE

QU

EENSW

AY

SHO

RT STR

EET

SHO

RT STR

EET

CH

ICH

ESTER R

OA

D

CH

ICH

ESTER R

D

ALEXANDRA STREET

HEYGATE AVE

CLIFFTOWN ROAD

CLIFFTOWN PARADE

HEYGATE AVENUE

HIG

H STR

EET

HIGH

STREET

MARINE PARADE

MARINE PARADE

QUEENSWAY

SCRATTON ROAD

SOUTHCHURCH ROAD

SUTTO

N R

OA

D

SUTTO

N R

OA

D

WESTERN ESPLANADE

QU

EENSW

AY

SOUTHCHURCH ROAD

SOU

THC

HU

RC

H AVEN

UE

SOU

THC

HU

RC

H AVEN

UE

EASTERN ESP

QUEENSWAY

BO

UR

NEM

OU

TH PA

RK

RO

AD

ROYAL TERRACE

PIER HILL

CLIFTON TERRACE

National Rail

Visitor Information Centre

Retail Areas

The BID Area

VICTORIASHOPPINGCENTRE

ROYALSSHOPPINGCENTRE

SOUTHENDPIER

CENTRAL STATION

THE FAMOUSCLIFF GARDENS

ADVENTUREISLAND

THE LONGEST PLEASURE PIER IN THE WORLD

ADVENTUREISLAND

SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE

CINEMA

UNIVERSITY SQUARE

THE FORUM

GENTING CASINO

CLIFF LIFT

PIERHILLLIFT

ARCADEAMUSEMENTS

CITY BEACH

THE KURSAAL

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX

VICTORIA STATION

SAINSBURY’S

PARK INN PALACE HOTEL

TRAVEL CENTRE

SEA LIFE ADVENTUREAQUARIUM

WESTCLIFF STATION

CLIFFS PAVILION

LONDON ROAD

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A L I S T O F S T R E E T S W I T H I N T H E B I D Z O N E C A N B E L O C A T E D A T

S O U T H E N D B I D . C O M

THE BID ZONE INCLUDES BUSINESSES AT THE

END OF THE PIER

Southend-On-Sea

BID zone

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E N S U R I N G S O U T H E N D - O N - S E A O F F E R S A B R I L L I A N T

E X P E R I E N C E

Southend-On-Sea

MANAGE

S T R E E T A R T

High-quality street art not only engages and delights residents and visitors, it also helps inspire community pride and spirit. Talented local artists will be commissioned to provide eye-catching installations.

S T R E E T R A N G E R S

Our uniformed Street Rangers have proved to be a big hit, with 88% of respondents to our 2016 survey saying they are the most important BID deliverable. We’re looking at reviewing their working hours to provide extended cover, particularly during the peak holiday season.

K E E P I N G T O G E T H E R

The ChildSafe scheme has been highly successful in giving parents confidence that Southend-on-Sea is a safe, family-friendly environment. Evolving to become Keeping Together, the scheme will include vulnerable adults, such as those with learning difficulties or dementia.

A K E Y A I M O F T H E B I D I S T O M A K E S O U T H E N D -

O N - S E A T O W N C E N T R E A N D S E A F R O N T A N

I N S P I R I N G , W E L C O M I N G A N D S A F E P L A C E T O

V I S I T F O R S H O P P I N G , L E I S U R E O R A N I G H T

O U T . W E W I L L C O N T I N U E T O F O C U S O N P L A C E

M A N A G E M E N T I N I T I A T I V E S T O H E L P I M P R O V E

T H E L O O K A N D F E E L O F A L L P U B L I C S P A C E S .

L O O K I N G G O O D

We will continue to do everything we can to improve and maintain the town centre and seafront environment, including planting, tackling graffiti and deep cleaning. Additional ideas include a summer anti-litter campaign on social media and litter picking ambassadors.

S TA Y I N G S A F E

Safety and security are vital to the prosperity of Southend-on-Sea’s night-time economy. Therefore, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour will continue to be a high priority. We will maintain our membership of the DISC scheme and are also supporting new initiatives, such as ‘drink aware ambassadors’ in nightclubs and the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign, which provides support for people who feel unsafe on a date in a bar.

R O U G H S L E E P E R S

We will continue to work with local charities and other welfare organisations to explore long-term solutions to tackle rough sleeping and street drinking. We will encourage visitors and residents not to hand over cash to these individuals but instead to make a donation to the charity.

“ ”

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D E F I N I N G T H E V I S I O N A N D M A K I N G T H I N G S

H A P P E N

Southend-On-Sea

MotivateS T R A T E G I C L E A D E R S H I P

With valuable input from businesses and other stakeholders, the BID Directors and management team can provide firm focus and inspirational thought leadership. As well as playing a key role in shaping the Southend-on-Sea proposition, we will consult with BID members to define and implement an effective place management and marketing strategy.

S E L L I N G T H E S I Z Z L E

Southend-on-Sea combines retail, commercial and leisure attractions. So, there’s a golden opportunity to create a compelling narrative, based around news and events throughout the year. We will collaborate with organisations and individuals in the local community and beyond the BID zone to ensure we take full advantage of the marketing potential.

T H E I N I T I A L P H A S E O F T H E B I D H A S C O N C E N T R A T E D

O N B U I L D I N G A S T R O N G F R A M E W O R K F O R

E N V I R O N M E N TA L I M P R O V E M E N T S A N D E C O N O M I C

G R O W T H . G O I N G F O R WA R D , W E W I L L D E F I N E O U R

V I S I O N F O R T H E T O W N ’ S F U T U R E A N D E M P O W E R

T H E A C T I V I T Y T H A T W I L L A C H I E V E T H A T V I S I O N .

G E T T I N G P E O P L E T O G E T H E R

Promoting business networking and cooperation is fundamental to the BID ethos. Members will continue to have many opportunities to engage with colleagues from across the Southend-on-Sea business community.

P R O M O T I N G I N W A R D I N V E S T M E N T

Continued economic growth is dependent upon attracting new businesses and creating a thriving commercial environment that encourages expansion and diversification. We will do everything we can to encourage inward investment, working closely with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Economic Development Team, Southend Business Partnership and other organisations.

S TA Y I N G I N T O U C H

As well as annual planning sessions with BID businesses, regular updates will be provided via various communications channels including printed newsletters, a levy leaflet and social channels.

“ ”

20

C R E A T I N G A B U Z Z A N D S P R E A D I N G T H E W O R D

Southend-On-Sea

MARKET

T H E T O U R I S M M A R K E T

We will continue to work closely with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Head of Tourism and the Destination Marketing Organisation to support and enhance the town’s profile as one of the South East’s top coastal destinations. By bringing together BID members in a concerted and cohesive marketing strategy, we can deliver an exciting ‘visit, shop, eat, explore’ proposition.

A C A L E N D A R O F O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Southend-on-Sea’s year-round programme of festivals and other events provides a ready-made platform for promoting the town and attracting visitors. Key dates for the diary include the annual seafront fireworks display and the Christmas Lights Switch On, as well as the hugely popular Italian Festival, featuring the famous Supercar Catwalk.

M A R K E T I N G I S C E N T R A L T O T H E B I D S T R A T E G Y . O U R I N T E G R A T E D

A P P R O A C H D E L I V E R S M U C H H I G H E R R E A C H , I M P A C T A N D R E T U R N

O N I N V E S T M E N T . W E W I L L G O O N B U I L D I N G A F F I N I T Y W I T H

O U R L O Y A L L O C A L A U D I E N C E , A S W E L L A S R A I S I N G T H E P R O F I L E

O F S O U T H E N D - O N - S E A T O A W I D E R A U D I E N C E .

K E E P I N G V I S I T O R S I N F O R M E D

We will continue to provide visitors to the town with lots of useful information, including shopping maps, signage, visitor information points, a celebration of independent businesses and a guide to nightlife.

T R A N S P O R T A N D C A R P A R K I N G

Improved access to the town centre and seafront is a key issue for businesses and will continue to be a key focus of the BID. We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure that business needs are heard.

P U R P L E F L A G

We are committed to helping Southend retain its accreditation under the Purple Flag scheme, which recognises excellence in the night-time management of town and city centres.

“ ”

Annual seafront fireworks event.

22

B I D

Southend-On-Sea

1. Southend-On-Sea Borough Council (the ‘Council’) will send those responsible for properties or hereditaments to be subject to the BID a ballot paper prior to 6th October 2017.

2. Each property or hereditament subject to the BID will be entitled to one vote in respect of this BID Proposal in a 28 day postal ballot which will commence on 6th October 2017, and close at 5pm on 2nd November 2017. Ballot papers received after 5pm on 2nd November 2017 will not be counted. The result of the ballot is due to be announced on the following day.

3. In order for the proposal to be successful at ballot the result will need to meet, as a minimum, two independent criteria which are: (a) of those ballots returned by the close, those voting in favour of the renewal proposal must exceed those voting against it, and (b) of those ballot papers returned by the close, the total rateable value of those properties or hereditaments which vote in favour, must exceed the total of those voting against.

4. If successful at ballot, the new BID will commence delivery of services on 1st April 2018 and will continue for a period of 5 years to 31st March 2023.

INCOME Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 TOTAL

BID Levy £369,418 £376,806 £384,342 £392,029 £399,870 £1,922,465

Council grant £31,500 £31,500 £21,998 £21,998 £21,998 £128,994

Additional Income £30,000 £30,000 £30,000 £30,000 £30,000 £150,000

Total Income £430,918 £438,306 £436,340 £444,027 £451,868 £2,201,459

EXPENDITURE

Operational costs £70,868 £73,228 £75,497 £76,276 £77,013 £372,882

Manage £177,100 £177,667 £179,164 £181,460 £183,829 £899,220

Market £122,000 £126,167 £127,664 £129,960 £133,059 £638,850

Motivate £46,300 £46,717 £49,115 £51,560 £53,325 £247,017

Total Expenditure £416,268 £423,779 £431,440 £439,256 £447,226 £2,157,969

SURPLUS

Annual Surplus £14,650 £14,527 £4,900 £4,771 £4,642 £43,490

Carried Forward Reserves £34,638 £49,165 £54,065 £58,836 £63,478 £63,478

B I D B U D G E T

1. A cautious approach has been adopted to budgeting for the BID term.

2. A levy collection rate of 97.5% has been assumed. This reflects historic performance.

3. The average annual levy available to be spent by the BID for the term is £384,493.

4. A contingency provision on expenditure, together with the availability of reserves, provides for an anticipated surplus of £63,478 by the end of the term. This equates to 3% of overall expenditure.

5. During the first term, the BID had some success in generating additional revenue. The additional income provision within the budget for the renewed BID takes account of committed amounts only and totals 15% of the estimate levy to be collected.

6. Operating costs of the BID are estimated as 17% of total expenditure.

7. There are no costs relating to the development of the new BID that will need to be repaid during the term.

1. The BID Body will be The Southend BID Limited (Company Number 08346559) a not for profit organisation, limited by guarantee.

2. The Directors of the BID (the ‘Board’) shall continue to be representative of levy-paying businesses. The Board will continue to meet monthly, with responsibility for governance matters such as financial arrangements, contractual obligations, human resources, standards, performance and compliance.

3. The BID Committee, (available to all levy payers) comprised primarily of levy payers and with a reserved position for the local authority, shall continue to advise upon operational matters.

4. The Board shall appoint a Chair, with the current Chair continuing into the new BID term. The Chair will also Chair the BID Committee and shall always be from the private sector.

5. Provided that the BID is meeting its overall objectives, subject to consultation with the BID Committee, 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 boundary or to the levy rate proposals would require an Alteration Ballot.

6. The Company shall meet with the Council, as the Billing Authority, quarterly to monitor service delivery, levy collection and financial management issues.

7. Levy paying businesses may become Members of the BID Company.

8. The BID will file annual accounts compiled by independent accountants with Companies House. The accounts will be available to all levy payers. An annual report on activities, including finances, will be published and a statement will be issued with levy invoices.

9. An Operating Agreement, which includes the Council’s Baseline service commitments, has been agreed with the Council. A copy can be found at www.southendbid.com.

10. Notification of the intention to hold a ballot was sent to the Secretary of State on 8th May 2017.

A C C O U N TA B I L I T Y A N D T R A N S P A R E N C Y

D E F I N I T I O N

The term ‘Renewal’ means replacement of the existing BID at the end of its current term (March 2018) with new BID Arrangements covering (the same or an extended) area and subject to the rules and arrangements described herein.

F I N A N C E S

In developing the rules that will apply to the renewed BID, consideration has been given to “The Industry Criteria and Guidance Notes for BIDs” (2017) published by British BIDs annually.

1. The levy rate to be paid by each property or hereditament is to be calculated as 1.69% of its rateable value as at the ‘chargeable day’ (notionally 1st April each year). This reflects no change in the current levy rate being applied (Term 1 – Year 5).

2. Only properties or hereditaments with a rateable value of £15,000 or more will be eligible for payment of the levy. This threshold has changed from £12,000.

3. The number of properties or hereditaments liable for the levy is approximately 336.

4. From Year 2 onwards, the levy rate will be increased by the fixed rate of inflation of 2% per annum, reduced from 3% in the current term.

5. The levy will be charged annually in advance for each chargeable period to be April to March each year, starting in 2018. No refunds will be made.

6. The maximum amount payable for any one hereditament is capped at £17,500 rising by 2% a year.

7. The owners of untenanted properties or hereditaments will be liable for payment of the levy. This includes listed buildings.

8. Occupiers within The Royals and The Victoria Shopping Centres that are subject to a service charge will pay 75% of the levy that would otherwise apply.

9. Charitable organisations that are subject to relief on their business rates liability will pay 20% of the levy that would otherwise apply.

10. The Council will be responsible for collection of the levy. The collection charge will be £35 per hereditament.

T H E L E V Y

B I D R U L E S T H E B A L L O T

GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE

OPPORTUNITYN O T T O B E M I S S E D

An

I T ’ S T I M E T O B U I L D O N S U C C E S S .

YESVote

RENEWAL OF THE BID CAN

TAKE SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

CONFIDENTLY INTO THE

FUTURE. BUT YOUR SUPPORT

IS VITAL. WITHOUT IT, ALL

OUR EXCITING PLANS WILL

NOT BE POSSIBLE .

Ballot papers will arrive to all BID zone businesses by Friday 6 October, giving you the chance to vote on the future of our town.

Voting ‘YES’ will retain the BID for a further five years.

Ballot papers must be returned by 5pm on Thursday 2 November.

If a majority are in favour, services will continue and the additional commitments will be delivered. The new term would commence in April 2018.

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hello@southendbid.com

www.southendbid.com

Alison Dewey, BID Manager