BUSINESSES across the town are set to consider whether they want to form part of a private sector-led Business Improvement District (BID) to help promote Basingstoke and attract more interest in the area.

The proposal, which is being put together by Basingstoke’s Town Centre Forum in partnership with local businesses and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, would allow businesses and employers to work together to improve the town’s economy, enhance the experience for people who live and work in Basingstoke and entice more customers to come to the area.

Through the payment of a small levy, additional activities could be funded to finance public and business events, environmental improvements, bulk buying between businesses to save money or a more expansive Christmas lights display.

The BID, which would incorporate Basingstoke town centre and Basing View, would enable businesses to buy in extra services above and beyond what they already receive from the local council through the payment of standard business rates.

To establish interest amongst businesses, an initial feasibility study is being carried out by economic development and regeneration specialists, The Means.

They have over 20 years of experience in developing inspiring places for people to live and work and they were commissioned in June 2014 following a Town Centre Summit meeting where Top of The Town businesses expressed an interest in taking the idea forward.

The council’s Cabinet member for housing and regeneration Councillor Terri Reid, who leads the Basingstoke Town Centre Programme, said: “There are currently 187 BIDs in the UK, with more on the way so it is important to explore whether Basingstoke wants to adopt this model in the future.

“They have already proved hugely successful in cities such as Winchester and Chichester so I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.”

In the coming weeks, The Means will be visiting businesses in the proposed areas, inviting them to complete an online survey and holding several workshops to gather people’s views.

A steering group made up of local employers supported by the Town Centre Forum, Basing View businesses and the borough council will then be set up to discuss the results of the study and take appropriate action.

To complete the survey or find out more, visit basingstokebid.co.uk.