BID launches £1m recovery plan for Ballymena

The local BID Board, run by a collective of owners and representatives of local businesses, is encouraging all local traders and stakeholders to come together in support of their recently published BID Business Plan for 2021-2026 which goes to ballot on February 16.

Stephen Reynolds, Chair of Ballymena BID, and proprietor of the award-winning Front-Page Bar, said: “During its first five-year term the BID has been instrumental in helping to build and maintain a clean, safe, accessible and welcoming experience for local shoppers and visitors alike.

“Ballymena BID intends to build on the success of our first term and to assist in the provision of a road-map to recovery on the heels of the current Covid pandemic.”

BID Manager Emma McCrea added: “The past five years have been a huge success story and one which myself and fellow board members are very proud of. The next few weeks will see the commencement of our BID re-ballot process which will be crucial to securing our integral place in the economic recovery of Ballymena.

“Ballymena has always had a reputation as being a popular retail and hospitality destination, and one which we plan to make even better. Over the past few years (pre-Covid) we have increased footfall, with the statistics showing a 6.9 per cent increase, bucking the national trend.

“During Ballymena BID’s first term we have generated an additional £150,000 additional income for the local economy through funding from various local and UK Government grants.The BID Board would remain confident in securing similar funding during the next five-year term.

“We have already secured over £1m of funding to help roll out the five-year plan and over the past six months we have received a £36k boost from the Department of Communities.”

Following extensive consultation with local businesses last year, Ballymena BID has identified three key areas in which to focus its actions to deliver maximum benefit for its investment through to 2026.

These will include a robust and sustained advertising and marketing campaign including the ongoing development of the social media and digital offering and promotional events such as Ballymena’s already well-established, annual Discount Day. Creating a safe, clean and welcoming environment, including enhanced litter management and better street lighting, will also be addressed. Business support, aimed at attracting and encouraging new businesses, as well as supporting existing businesses, will also remain a priority.

BID Chairperson Stephen Reynolds continued: “We need everyone’s support. We need every local business owner to work together in mutual support to help Ballymena rebuild and recover after such challenging economic times. I’ve no doubt that there will be challenges ahead. The success of the reballot in respect of Ballymena BID 2 is more important now than ever. I genuinely can’t see a better way forward than the current BID strategy. For a successful Yes vote, over 50 per cent of eligible businesses must be in favour of the Ballymena BID Renewal Business Plan.

“The closing date for votes is 30th March 2021.”