Businesses in Slough delivered a positive “yes” vote for the development of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Slough.

The BID will deliver more than £2 million of investment over it’s five-year term, which begins on 1^st April 2020, and will see the delivery of projects aimed at improving the environment to do business in Slough town centre. The investment comes from a small levy on the rateable value of business properties, and it is expected that the BID is able to attract additional funding from other sources.

The projects in Slough fall into five categories: Safe and Secure; Environment; Marketing and Events; Business Support and Representation. The package of improvements should see an increase in customer footfall, dwell time and spend in the town centre, and give businesses a better opportunity to be involved in strategic planning.

A steering group of the town’s businesses working with Slough Borough Council and others has driven the BID project. Chairman of the steering group, Andrew Wright, from Kingdom Property Services said, “we are delighted that businesses have recognised the difference that a BID can make to Slough Town Centre. Slough has such a lot going for it and we hope the BID can be an essential part of the growth and prosperity of the town centre.”

Matt Powell, director of Revive & Thrive, the organisation which worked with businesses in the town to develop the BID, said, “ having seen the positive impact that BIDs are having all across the country, this is great news for all those who runs businesses in, live, work or visit Slough. This vote means that Slough businesses now have the chance to put their town back on the map.”

The BID will be governed by a board of Directors, made up of business representatives in the town centre, and a recruitment event will be taking place later in the year. To get involved and find out more about Slough BID, visit www.sloughbid.co.uk or email info@sloughbid.co.uk.