Chairman’s Latest BID Update - April 2017 3rd Edition
Dear Partner,
Although this is the third edition of our newsletter it is actually the first one since we officially started operating as a Business Improvement District on 1st April. Bills have been sent out to all businesses within the Bid area and we expect the income to be received over the next couple of months. To enable Sidcup Partners to deliver some of its proposals the London Borough of Bexley have agreed to a loan that will be paid back on receipt of the levy.
BID Manager employed
I am pleased to announce that Cheryl Curr has been appointed as the BID Manager for Sidcup. Cheryl will be working part time generally on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but flexibility is expected as part of this role. Cheryl has over 17 years experience in working in Town Centres and more recently specifically on BID development. Prior to working in Town Centres she was a retail store manager for Marks and Spencer. The BID board endorsed this appointment on Monday 20th March.
Cheryl said “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity of working on such an exciting project. I am looking forward to meeting more local businesses and helping to deliver the business plan to make a real difference in Sidcup.”
After discussion the BID board have decided to hold a launch event on Wednesday 3rd May we are hoping as many businesses within the BID area will have time to pop into this event.
This will be the first of many opportunities for Businesses to network with each other. We will be varying the times of the day of future events to encourage as much participation as possible.
If you have any ideas on topics that would be of interest or could provide a venue please get in touch.
Launch Event Invitation
New Website Update
The new Sidcup Partners website is under construction and we are hoping to have a comprehensive business directory to help promote all businesses within the BID area.
Flower Basket Contract
The hanging basket contract has been awarded to Sweet Pea and we are looking forward to seeing Sidcup in bloom.
Parking Update
I have continued to liaise on behalf of businesses with Councillor Alex Sawyer with regard to proposals to change the parking arrangements in Sidcup, Alex visited several businesses in the town to hear for himself the concerns. It is unlikely that any decision will be reached until the end of May but as soon as we know, we will post the result onto the web site.
Anti Social Behaviour
Myself and Cheryl have attended problem solving meetings with the police and senior officers from the council to discuss what actions needed to be taken to help relieve the spike in anti social behaviour. Things seem to have improved but the BID will be keeping a close eye on the situation. Interventions have included home visits to individuals that have been identified and very close liaison with local schools.
An Important Date For Your Diary
The Sidcup Christmas event will be held on Saturday 9th December this may seem a long way of however we are looking to extend the event to include station road and the longer we have to plan the better.
Finally May I Wish You All A Happy Easter!
Chairmans Promise
Please contact me if you have any issues or good news stories.
My contact details are:
Sue Petty
1 Elm Parade
Main Road Sidcup
Kent DA14 6NF
Tel: 0208 302 7711
Mobile: 07946 338 734