Key figures urge businesses to continue HullBID success story

Pictured at the HullBID ballot event at The Deep are (from left) Alan Johnson MP, Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, Matthew Grove, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, Victoria Jackson MBE, former HullBID Chair, Jim Harris, current HullBID Chair and Manager of St Stephen’s Shopping Centre.

HullBID secured the backing of key figures from politics, police and business as it embarked on its campaign for a successful second renewal ballot.

Alan Johnson MP for Hull West and Hessle said the loss of HullBID would be “a big, big blow for this city.” Matthew Grove, the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, said BID has given businesses a voice which they have not had in the past.

Jim Harris, Manager of St Stephen’s Shopping Centre in Hull and Chair of HullBID, said BID is “the glue which holds together brand Hull.”

The three spoke as almost 100 people from the city centre business community gathered for a dinner at The Deep to celebrate the achievements of HullBID – the first Business Improvement District in Yorkshire – since it was launched 10 years ago.

The audience, which included representatives from business including the major banks and small independent retailers, also heard about the plans of HullBID City Centre Manager Kathryn Shillito to deliver further improvements.

But BID’s future hinges on businesses voting to continue paying a levy which funds a programme of work including safety and security, cleaning and maintenance, organisation of major festivals and business networking events and liaison on behalf of businesses with Hull City Council, Humberside Police and other public bodies.

Ballot papers will be distributed next month to businesses and must be returned by 5pm on Thursday 17 March with the result likely to be declared the next day. To continue its work HullBID must secure a simple majority of votes cast and majority rateable value of those that have voted. If it fails to achieve more than 50 per cent of votes and rateable value the BID, a not-for-profit organisation, will be wound up.

During the coming weeks the 780 member businesses will receive a prospectus and a link to a video highlighting HullBID’s work. Duties include operating a radio system which gives businesses direct access to Humberside Police, the BID Support Officers and the Civic1 CCTV service.

The levy also funds a cleaning patrol which removes graffiti and gum, discarded needles and other dangerous and offensive waste. BID also works to increase footfall in the city centre with activities including HullBID Fashion Week, the Yum! Festival of Food and Drink and Hull Trinity Festival, a showcase for top local bands.

Kathryn said: “The levy has allowed us to do all this and we want another five-year term to continue improving Hull city centre. With dwindling City Council resources it is vital we bridge the gap. We are seeing cities including York, Sheffield and Leeds establish their own BIDs having seen the success that can be achieved, so there is a need for Hull to be more competitive than ever.”

Alan Johnson said: “City of Culture and the biggest investment anywhere in the world by Siemens has given us a huge opportunity if we can take advantage of it. To lose HullBID, which has been so important in bringing synergy to the city centre, would be a big, big blow for this city.”

Matthew Grove added: “If we reduce crime, business can flourish and if business flourishes crime reduces. The future is very positive but businesses need to be steering and guiding. To that you need a voice and that is where BID is absolutely essential.

“I need HullBID. I can’t knock on the door of every business in the city centre but if HullBID tell me there is a problem I can do something about it.”

Jim Harris said: “We are on the cusp of something really special in Hull and HullBID is the glue which can hold brand Hull together for the next five years. God forbid that we should lose the goodwill and the great work that BID has built up. The only way to make sure BID continues is for businesses to vote yes.”