West Chester BID

The West Chester Commercial Business Improvement District (BID) will continue for a second term after the majority of members delivered a yes vote from June’s ballot.

75% of businesses voted in favour by number while 76% voted in favour by rateable value, with the result guaranteeing added value investment of over £500,000 over the next five years to further enhance Sealand Road Industrial Estate and Chester West Employment Park.

BID 2 will get underway on Thursday 1st September 2022 the day after the first term comes to an end and will run until Tuesday 31st August 2027.
Since launching in 2017, the West Chester Commercial BID has strived to make the estate a better place for companies to work, grow and do business.

In that time, a range of projects and initiatives have been delivered across a number of themes to not only provide their members with an environment that they can flourish in but the tools, help and guidance needed to make that possible.

This has included mobile security patrols and various crime prevention initiatives, the installation of new signage at the entrance to West Chester Employment Park and Sealand Industrial Estate, various litter picks, support for companies trying to access grants before, during and after Covid and a range of image enhancement schemes.

Development of an important dedicated estate wide CCTV project for the BID area had also got underway, with June’s yes vote now meaning that this can come to fruition. 

Going forward, the BID team will continue to deliver projects under the three themes of ‘A safer more resilient business community,’ ‘Greener and more sustainable’ and ‘A connected and supported business community.’

Crucially, the successful result means the continuation of a raft of services and support measures which businesses can tap in to; the significance of which was underlined throughout the Covid-19 pandemic with companies receiving guidance and advice from the BID on a regular basis.

Groundworks Deputy Director for BIDs and Business Services, who manage the West Chester BID Project said “To know that so many West Chester BID businesses are on board with the project and believe in what we’re trying to achieve is fantastic to see, and we can’t wait to build upon the achievements of the first five years.

“We’re proud of what has been delivered so far but this is only the beginning. Our aim is to make West Chester Commercial BID the best place it can possibly be for our members to do business and prosper and we’re excited for what the future has in store.”

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Economy and Regeneration said: “Congratulations to West Chester Commercial BID, they will now continue to support their local businesses to ensure the area continues as a premier environment to work in. 

“One of our key priorities is to make west Cheshire a great place to do business, and all of our BIDs can help with this priority. The West Chester Commercial BID has produced an exciting plan for the next five years to ensure there is a high-quality business park for companies benefiting from substantial ongoing investment.”

Jordi J Morell, the current Chair of the West Chester Commercial BID Executive Board, added: “This is a great result for our BID businesses and means that the hard work of the last five years isn’t going to be wasted.

“I can’t wait to see outcomes such as the CCTV and ANPR project be realised and look forward to seeing member businesses grow and develop further here on the estate.”

For more information about West Chester Commercial BID, please visit: https://westchesterbid.co.uk