1st February 2019
The three Belfast City Centre Business Improvement Districts have today announced a new service that will deliver cleaner streets, up to 30% potential cost savings for businesses and exciting plans to create an environment that will bring even more people into Belfast.
Belfast One; Destination Cathedral Quarter and Linen Quarter BID have partnered to deliver massive potential cost savings to Businesses throughout the City starting with the appointment of waste management company ISL.
Business Improvement Districts are operating throughout the UK funded by levies from member companies. They use their collective buying power to procure savings and service delivery agreements that previously only the largest companies could achieve.
Representing the main shopping district Belfast One BID Managing Director Clare Maguire explained that this model of working allows the Business Community to take control and make the positive changes it needs to deliver growth, cost savings and advocate for companies large and small.
“This first joint procurement process was designed to create an inviting streetscape for visitors to Belfast while behind the scenes deliver a seamless collection service that meets the needs of hospitality, retail and commercial businesses.”
Gareth Neill, BID Manager of Destination Cathedral Quarter has experience of working in a North of England BID and says it is essential that whether people are coming into Belfast for recreation as families, for festivals, theatre or a night out on the town, they need to be sure they have a safe environment.
“Delivering a service to our members also means being creative and adventurous in delivering an experience to those visiting the City. People are already seeing a vibrant and exciting atmosphere which we will continue to build upon.”
Attracting people to work in Belfast is also a major objective of the Linen Quarter BID and Managing Director Chris McCracken is clear that his members want to be part of delivering a City that competes on a national and international level.
“More and more international businesses are recognising the talent we have in Belfast and are locating here in significant numbers. They want quality buildings as workspaces but also quality hospitality and entertainment to encourage talent to stay or to come into the economy.”
Speaking on behalf of the City Centre Business community (name) (title) (organisation) (BID position) is delighted with the success of the BIDS and says they have proved their worth particularly following the Primark fire, providing an essential voice and action plan for retailers and businesses.
“If anything demonstrated the resilience of our business community the fact that we came back from a heart-stopping blow and created one of the best Christmas experiences ever in Belfast is it.
“However, the work of providing value for money to our business members is only starting and we are determined to deliver many more procurement deals to ease the burden of cost which will make Belfast a world class place to visit and do business.”
L-R Paul McErlean (Destination CQ Chair), Michael McLarnon (ISL), Liz Kerr (Belfast One Chair), Paul Johnson (Linen Quarter Chair)
