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On 22nd May, levy-paying businesses are invited to Allendale House anytime from 9am until 5pm to view and comment on draft proposals before the final 2026-2031 renewal business plan is agreed by the BID Board of Directors. The BID Team will be on hand to answer any questions.
Deputy Chair of the BID, Sam Devlin, said: “This is the next important stage in the renewal ballot process. Since the beginning of this year, we have been talking to as many town businesses as possible, through drop-ins and groups as well as hosting over 60 one to ones. We’ve also been asking business owners to complete an online survey so we can collate as much feedback as possible on what they want to see maintained, improved and introduced to the town over the next five years.”
Wimborne BID is a business-led initiative to invest money into the local economy of Wimborne Minster. Wimborne BID was established in 2011 and has been successfully renewed every five years since. It’s a not-for-profit organisation with 330 levy–paying businesses in the town.
These businesses contribute an annual, mandatory fee which goes towards helping to provide and sustain a multitude of services and projects tailored for Wimborne.
Callum Brookes, Oddfellows Arms licensee and BID levy payer says Wimborne BID has helped him to “tap into the right knowledge at the right time.”
“I’ve got to know BID staff at a personal level, in particular BID Manager Tammy Sleet who has been of great help to me as I’ve felt my way into the local business scene. Tammy knows my core values and ambitions for the pub, has explained to me where the BID can support, and helped me on several occasions to complete tasks that I’ve never done before.
As a business owner, I’m regularly paying for things that have no benefit to the pub, and with some organisations, I’ve never seen any substance behind the invoice and once paid I hear nothing until the next bill. With the BID, my experience has been the opposite.”
Chair of Wimborne BID Fiona Harwood said: “Over the past four years, Wimborne BID has significantly enhanced the local business environment. Town centres are struggling but in Wimborne we are punching above our weight, and I believe that is partly because of a strong and active BID.
Our motto is ‘making it happen’ and by investing in events, festivals and marketing, the BID has attracted more visitors, boosting footfall and revenue. It has also funded additional litter picking and street cleaning. We’ve also worked closely with the authorities and police to improve safety and tackle business crime. Collaboration with businesses has provided training, networking and support, strengthening Wimborne’s economy.”
She urged businesses to take this opportunity to have their say. “It’s your BID and your future.”
The final business plan is completed in July and businesses will then vote on whether they would like the BID to continue to deliver the business plan in a ballot which takes place this October.
