Decision details

This project will broadly run across two phases. Phase 1 will initially focus on determining whether or not CDC wishes to support renewing Chichester BID for a further term of five years. The subsequent work to be undertaken in Phase 2 of the project will depend on the outcome of Phase 1.

Expected outcome:

-        A decision regarding the future of the BID;

-        The completion of the BID ballot process; and

-        Alternative delivery mechanism if the BID is not successful.

(Recommendation from Special Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

Mr Oates explained that the BID had been established four years ago and had achieved success in a number of areas. The BID acknowledges that some aspects of the first term did not go to plan but this was common around the country.

Regulations require the Council to request a renewal ballot for the BID every five years. All BID levy payers are invited to take part.

Mr Oates introduced Mr Finnamore the outgoing Chairman of Chichester BID and Mr Colin Hicks the proposed incoming Chairman.

Mr Hicks outlined some of the areas the BID had seen first term success:

·       Public realm

·       Access

·       Christmas lights

·       ChiBac – businesses against crime

Mr Hicks acknowledged the importance of the BID’s relationship with Chichester District Council (CDC), Chamber of Commerce and other local authorities.

Eight focus groups have been established since April 2016 to establish the opinion of a variety of business owners. Feedback suggests a need for greater marketing of the city promoting a clearer understanding of what the city has to offer in order to raise Chichester’s profile.

The BID propose a 25% levy increase with the increase ring-fenced for promotion of the city centre. To date around £250,000-£270,000 levy monies has been raised. The BID aims to increase this to £340,000-£350,000. BID levy payers will receive a detailed proposal.

Mr Finnamore explained that the city has fared well during economic uncertainty with most shop sites full. The BID would like to focus on other aspects of the city to draw visitors. To help with this Visit Chichester could be moved into the BID offices to work alongside the BID and the Chamber of Commerce. The BID is encouraging of a joined up approach. Mrs Wickens explained that a second term needs a greater strategic focus to create a brand for Chichester.

Members asked the following questions:

·       Have the BID established the future availability of PSCO’s from Sussex Police? Conversations have taken place and a contract is being reviewed. Funding is provided to ChiBac for business owners to receive handheld devices with a direct line to report problems. ChiBac has a proactive rather than reactive approach.

·       What is the BID’s view on car parking in the city? The BID sends a representative to CDC’s Parking Forum. BID would like greater pay on foot facilities in Northgate and the Cattle Market car parks. The BID would encourage a regular late night shopping evening although acknowledge this would require changes to car park payment machines. Chichester is an appropriate size for a walk and ride scheme or a BID electric shuttle bus. Other BID’s have electric shuttle buses. Visitors have commented that they would stay longer if car park pre-payment is not a problem.

·       Is there a lack of cultural events? There is a lack of transparency of events to businesses. Many businesses work off an Intranet rather than the Internet and therefore only see flyers or articles in the local paper. Many shop staff are unaware of events until they have happened. The recent window competition for the Festival of Flowers was an example of how the BID facilitates businesses getting together and involved in local events.

·       What will the BID do to address its four main lessons (stated below)?

o   City Licensing would work better under one central roof.

o   The timescale required to achieve CDC Planning and WSCC Highways permissions should be shortened.

o   The best way to engage and share information with BID members is through face to face meetings rather than corporate communications.

o   The loss of small incubator spaces for independents and offices is having a negative impact on young entrepreneurs and business development in Chichester.

The BID only has just over two full time staff who have to provide an element of signposting to relevant organisation. The loss of small independent shopping hubs such as the Cattle Market, Boardwalk and Little London was due to difficulties through the recession. Many landlords took the option of one rent from a larger company. There are proposals to enhance the environment in parts of the city centre. It is important that the BID helps to make planning and licensing processes as easy as possible for small businesses.

·       Why is Chichester City Council not listed as a BID partner? It is only possible to have one local authority which is CDC.

·       It is fundamental that the city is promoted and that BID and other partners influence relevant bodies to create a stronger offering. How will a strong Visit Chichester work in the future? Promotion of the city, with the city at the heart of the visitor economy is a key focus. Central to the BID’s work is providing funding to the visitor economy and working with a strong destination management authority. Visitors need to want to visit 52 weeks of the year.

·       Should Visit Chichester be centralised with the BID? It would make sense to have both organisations under one roof as the city is at the heart of both.

·       What other lessons have been learnt from the first term? The lack of BID ownership means that any events require contact with multiple authorities and organisations in order to provide relevant approvals. BID also lacks powers to deal with ‘A’ boards and buskers. There is a logistic problem with some events due to the timescales required for licenses and agreements. BID have found through measuring footfall from mobile phone usage that good events drives footfall into the city. The recent flags for Roman week brought vibrancy to the centre. The BID is also investing time speaking to Goodwood to find joined up ways to promote the city during its events. 

·       Is there funding to improve the condition of the pedestrianised/pavement areas of the city as these areas can affect visitors returning to a city? The BID can only provide additionality and cannot do the work of the local authorities. In many of these cases the expertise lies within specific local authority departments. WSCC are unlikely to be able to commit a large sum to one specific area. The exception being a planned restoration project following the gas works in South Street. BID have requested work takes place in the new year.

·       How will the BID achieve a greater than 44% responseto their survey? A team will be speaking to businesses ahead of a levy ballot. There will be media coverage including the BBC who will film a short regarding the impact of Brexit.

·       What is the reaction to the increase in levy proposal? Some independent businesses are concerned and the team will be speaking to businesses in greater detail about the proposals.

·       Does the increase in online shopping include groceries? Figures include all types of shopping.

Members also made the following comments:

·       BID has improved the city centre, environment and safety.

·       Drawing up lessons learnt from the first term is a positive step into a possible second term.

·       In reference to the last words of page 11 of the agenda pack ‘looking marvellous’ - the streets need to have a better surface and access rather than looking good.

·       Terms such as ‘Purple Flag’ and ‘City Ranger’ need explaining earlier in the report.

·       Many members support the renewal of the BID.

·       Southern Gateway offers opportunities for a business incubator in the city.

·       Encourage Goodwood to include the city centre businesses on its database.

RECOMMENDED TO CABINET

1.     To recommend to Cabinet that the Renewal Business Proposal prepared by Chichester Business Improvement District (BID) be agreed and, accordingly, renewal of the BID for a further term of five years be supported.

2.     That the level of support provided by this Council to the BID’s strategic partnership be considered and that a brief report be requested (to Council or this committee) that identifies how our joint objectives can be better delivered.