Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update on an Ashford Business Improvement District (BID).

The Committee received an update from the Senior Economic Development Officer and the Economic Development Manager on the status of implementing a Business Improvement District in Ashford.

A consultant had been engaged to undertake a feasibility study on a proposed Business Improvement District in Ashford. Engagement was underway with local businesses and stakeholder groups, and a survey was open to gauge local appetite to establish a BID. If there was an appetite from local businesses, a local steering group would be set up to develop a business plan and identify key priorities. Businesses would then vote to decide if they wanted to formally establish a bid. A further report on the progress of the study would be provided to the Committee at their next meeting.

The Committee expressed their support for the project, and noted the support of local stakeholders as well.

The Committee resolved to note the update.