BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena

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BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
Ballymena

BUSINESS
PLAN
BID TERM
1st April 2021 – 31st March 2026

           Ballymena
           Means Business    BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026 | 1
BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
2020 has, without doubt, been one of the most
                                                  challenging years I have ever encountered in 35 years
                                                  trading in my hometown of Ballymena….and it’s far from
                                                  over yet. I’m sure that many of you are feeling the same.
                                                  “Unprecedented” quickly became one of the cliché words
                                                  of 2020….but there really is no better term to describe
                                                  what we have all endured since the onset of the Covid 19
                                                  pandemic in March 2020.
Ballymena BID                                     It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the sterling
Business Plan 2021 – 2026                         service that continues to be provided by our NHS staff, front
                                                  line workers and essential service providers during such

CONTENTS
                                                  difficult times. Thank you. As we tread carefully into 2021,
                                                  the vaccination programme is well underway. Hopefully we
                                                  can all look forward to a new beginning in sight.

                                                  The true cost of the Covid 19 pandemic, both socially
                                                  and economically, will be immeasurable. As a BID Board
Introduction                             Page 3   we are keen to continue to push forward, plan for the
                                                  future and build upon the firm foundations which have
What is a BID?                           Page 4   already been laid. We must ensure that Ballymena
                                                  recovers from a series of enforced, temporary closures
Covid 19 Support                         Page 5   and restricted trading in order to remain a destination         This business plan belongs to all of us. It’s based on the
                                                  of choice for shoppers and visitors alike going forward.        feedback we have received and we thank all of you that
Ballymena BID Delivers               Page 6 & 7   We can only achieve this with your ongoing support and          have taken part in that process. Whilst our plans to go to
                                                  commitment to Ballymena BID.                                    ballot were postponed due to Covid-19, we believe that
Listening to You                         Page 8                                                                   the Pandemic has served to reinforce the value of the BID
                                                  There are now over 300 successful Business Improvement          to support members… both in prosperous and difficult
So What Will BID 2 Deliver?              Page 9                                                                   times. We know that trading remains really tough for many
                                                  Districts throughout the UK. The BID concept is an
                                                                                                                  businesses, but feel those challenges demonstrate exactly
The BID Area                            Page 12   established and proven business model. There has never
                                                                                                                  why we have greater opportunities by working together.
                                                  been more need for a mechanism such as BID. It provides
The Levy                                Page 12   the opportunity to bring all of the businesses within our
                                                  town together to facilitate a consensus of ideas, create        We were immensely proud that Ballymena led the way by
Budget Forecast                         Page 13   a well-informed business plan and implement that same           becoming the first BID in Northern Ireland. We want you
                                                  plan alongside a variety of stakeholders…. including our        to support us in order to renew the ballot and be able to
BID Governance & Management             Page 14   colleagues at MEABCouncil. We simply cannot afford to           continue our good work whilst learning lessons from our
                                                  lose our BID. We will continue to work alongside Ballymena      first term. Please support us in our collective endeavour
FAQs                                    Page 15   Retailers Against Crime (BRAC) and PSNI to ensure that          to continue to make Ballymena an even better place to do
                                                  Ballymena remains a clean, safe, attractive and welcoming       business and we will have over £1m to invest in the BID area.
BID Rules & Ballot                      Page 16
                                                  location. We will continue to support businesses with
                                                  business related training and business networking               I’m a huge supporter of the BID model… including the
Measuring Results                       Page 17                                                                   principle of everyone working together for the greater
                                                  opportunities as required.
                                                                                                                  good of the local economy. There will continue to be
What Happens Next?                      Page 17                                                                   challenges ahead. However, I would urge all of you,
Testimonials                            Page 18                                                                   as local business owners, to VOTE YES in favour of
                                                                                                                  Ballymena BID 2 as we enter a new era in 2021. Together
Get in Touch                           Page 20                                                                    everyone achieves more. The success of the re-ballot in
                                                                                                                  respect of Ballymena BID is more important than ever
                                                                                                                  at this challenging time. I genuinely can’t see any better
                                                                                                                  alternative than the BID model.

                                                                                                                  Voting papers will be with you in due course. It is
                                                                                                                  important that you show your support for Ballymena
                                                                                                                  BID 2 by voting YES!

                                                                                                                  Thank you.

                                                                                                                  Chairman, Stephen Reynolds
                                                                                                                  on behalf of the Ballymena BID Board

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BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
A BID is a formal arrangement              majority vote YES then a BID comes         YES must also represent a greater total
   where the businesses in an area            into being and everybody pays a small      rateable value than those that vote
   come together to fund, manage and          levy to assist with the implementation     NO. Turnout needs to be a minimum of
   implement an agreed programme              of the BID Business Plan. A BID can last   25% by number and by rateable value.
   of actions designed to improve the         for a maximum of five years before it
   trading environment of the area to the     is required to go for a renewal ballot     There are currently over 300 BIDs in
   benefit of all the businesses within it.   in order for it to continue.               operation across the UK supporting
   The actions are set out in a business                                                 our towns and cities, with 8 operating in   The Ballymena BID has been instrumental        concerns, etc. during phased reopening     future positive Ballymena news and
   plan that is voted on by all eligible      For a successful YES vote, over 50%        Northern Ireland. It’s a tried and tested   in co-ordinating support for businesses        of our town centre… and following the       campaigns.
   businesses in the BID area and are         of businesses that vote must vote in       business model. Ballymena BID was the       during the COVID crisis and will continue      Covid-19 lockdown.                       • S hop local “influencer” campaign
   in addition to those services already      favour of the Ballymena BID Renewal        first BID in Northern Ireland and has a     to do so. Activities have included          • S ocial media updates promoting             encouraging Ballymena to support local
   provided by the local Council. If the      Business Plan. The businesses voting       led the way in many aspects.                                                               local businesses as they reopened in        retail and find their Amazon shopping
                                                                                                                                     • R egular email updates on grants            Ballymena.                                  basket in Ballymena town.
                                                                                                                                        and news relevant to Ballymena           • Launch of a new website in October       • Leveraging grants from DFC & MEABC
                                                                                                                                        businesses.                                 2020 to further support businesses.         in order that the BID could extend
                                                                                                                                     • Regular meetings with MEABC to allow     • L aunch of Shop to Win Ballymena            and continue to support Ballymena
                                                                                                                                        us to share updates with businesses.        campaign, to increase spend, steady         businesses during the Pandemic.
                                                                                                                                     • R adio, social media and billboard          footfall and give back to businesses     • Ballymena BID is also part of the Town
                                                                                                                                        campaign to promote “Shop Safe, Shop        within the BID area by purchasing           Centre Recovery Sub Group & Town
                                                                                                                                        Local, Shop Ballymena.”                     £20,000 worth of Gift Cards. This           Centre Revitalise Sub Group led by
                                                                                                                                     • Support for business owners and store       campaign has also strengthened our          MEABC to lobby for Ballymena Town
                                                                                                                                        managers who needed a sounding board        consumer database by 4,000+ local           Centre to aid recovery and revitalisation
                                                                                                                                        about decision making, safety, staff        people that we can reach out to with        of our town following the Covid crisis.

   What Happens if it is a “NO” Vote?
   If you do not vote “YES”        Key work that will be lost        on cleansing and               •B u s i n e s s support
   then Ballymena BID will         includes...                       enhancement       of             activities, including
   simply cease to exist on                                          Ballymena town centre            training and networking
                                   • Over £1m of professional       will disappear.                  opportunities will cease.
   31 March 2021. All of
                                      marketing & promotion.
   the services such as the
                                   • Car parking and wayfinding
   marketing, events and              initiatives.
                                                                            There is NO replacement
   promotional activities          • Reduction in safety and               body that will deliver these
   that are funded by the BID         security initiatives.           services. THERE IS NO “PLAN B.”
   will also cease at that time.   • A dditional spending

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BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
Ballymena BID has operated in a very           1) Marketing, Promotion and Events                town centre, at the People’s Park.          • T he ballymenameans.com website                 make the town centre safer and
tough economic climate during its              • T he ‘Ballymena Bear’ marketing              • The Discount Day has been an annual           continues to be popular and provides            more welcoming.
first 5 years. According to the Office            campaign was a huge success in                  event and now includes all of Ballymena.      regular news, updates and events             • T h e R a d i o L i n k S c h e m e
for National Statistics, the Northern             conveying the message that ‘Ballymena           Additionally, there have been other           information. The BID now has over               has helped keep businesses
Ireland economy reduced by 5% and                 means Christmas’ with an effective              events and campaigns including                8,500 followers across Social Media             connected thereby helping to
the Mid & East Antrim area economic               series of Christmas videos which were           Midtown Sounds, Christmas Campaigns           including Facebook, Instagram and               reduce business crime.
output reduced by 10%. This was                   specifically designed for social media and      and competitions, Spring Bank Holiday         Twitter accounts.                            • 4000 cigarette disposal pouches
compounded by major job losses in                 were picked up by local television news         Events and Summer Sounds @The HUB                                                             were distributed via retailers.
the area, together with the ongoing               stations and local and national press.          which have all added to the customer       2) Accessibility                                • A Crime Reduction guide was
challenges facing national retailers and       • The BID liaised with Mid and East Antrim        experience. Over the last 5 years our      • A ccess to Ballymena was improved               compiled, printed and distributed to
the economic impact of the Covid 19               Borough Council (MEABC) to see the All          schedule of events has attracted over         though the Car Parking initiative.              all businesses.
Pandemic during most of the last year.            Ireland Pipe Band Championships hosted          50,000 more people into Ballymena             Working closely with the MEABC, the          •2  50 personal alarms were distributed
                                                  in Ballymena. More than 10,000 visitors         town centre.                                  BID has helped deliver initiatives such as      to retail staff.
However, what the above has demonstrated          made up of pipers, drummers, highland        • The BID also created the “Ballymena           5 hours parking for £1.                      • 2 50 UV light, counterfeit note
is the benefit of everyone working together,      dancers, drum majors and their families         Means” brand aimed at the consumer.                                                           detectors distributed to retailers.
adapting and changing. Ballymena led the          and supporters descended on Ballymena           This has worked well across all social     3) Supporting the Town Businesses
way in becoming the first BID.                    for a day in the summer of 2019.                media platforms which are now well         • The BID has helped you save money and        5) Improving the Physical Environment
                                               • Our collaboration with MEABC in Oct             established and working efficiently for       delivered a return on your investment        During the first five year term of
Below we look back at some key                    2019 saw the Annual Fireworks Display           the town’s traders…. showcasing offers,       through access to the Bank of Ireland        Ballymena BID we have improved the
achievements during our first term.               relocate to a new location, closer to the       promotions, updates and events.               Smart Card and renewable energy saving       physical environment by providing;
                                                                                                                                                schemes.                                     • 24 poster frames which have been
                                                                                                                                             • Free Business Breakfasts were delivered,        introduced at various locations in the
                                                                                                                                                in conjunction with the Chamber of              town centre.
         1% of                                                                                                                                  Commerce, providing levy payers with         • A street orderly trolley was introduced
         100                                                                                                                                    information, training and networking
                                                                                                                                                opportunities. These included skills
                                                                                                                                                                                                for improved day to day street cleaning.
                                                                                                                                                                                             • A Vanguard street cleaner purchased for
   people’s                                                                                                                                     training programmes in customer                 additional deeper cleansing.
   efforts is                                                                                                                                   service, World Host training and bespoke
                                                                                                                                                business mentoring opportunities.
                                                                                                                                                                                             • O ver 75 seasonal lighting wraps
                                                                                                                                                                                                purchased and installed throughout the
   greater than                                                                                                                                                                                 town centre.
                                                                                                                                             4) Safety and Security                          • 1 6 planters purchased for use throughout
   100% of one                                                                                                                               In partnership with BRAC the following             the town centre.
   person’s                                                                                                                                  have been provided:
                                                                                                                                             • P ersonnel on the ground including
                                                                                                                                                                                             • 3 large Bear planters purchased to
                                                                                                                                                                                                enhance the town centre.
   efforts!                                                                                                                                     “meeters and greeters”, Wardens and an       • Hoardings erected to camouflage blank
                                                                                                                                                additional Police presence has helped to        sites and derelict properties
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026 | 7
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BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
MARKETING &
                                                                                                                                                         PROMOTION

                                                                                                                                                         75%
                                                                                                                                                         SAFE, CLEAN &
                                                                                                                                                          WELCOMING

                                                                                            consultation with local businesses.
                                                                                         • November – December 2020- “Shop to
                                                                                            Win” Ballymena…. our £20,000 Giveaway
                                                                                                                                                         15%
                                                                                            Campaign.
                                                                                         • April 2020 – January 2021 - Ongoing
                                                                                            discussions with the Board. The BID                             BUSINESS
                                                                                            Board is made up of Directors from BID
                                                                                            levy-paying businesses and the public                           SUPPORT

                                                                                                                                                         10%
                                                                                            agencies.
                                                                                         • January – February 2021-Full Business
                                                                                            Plan produced and distributed

                                                                                         Primarily, you have told us to concentrate
                                                                                         most of the BIDS’s resources on the
                                                                                         marketing and promotion of the town
We have considered carefully all of your       support and recovery work in relation     and your respective businesses. We
comments, suggestions and feedback             to COVID. The BID renewal process is      will do this by investing 75% of the
going forward for a second term. In            subsequently delayed.                     budget in this area over the next five
addition to our usual newsletters and       • June/July – BID staff on the ground       years. The events programme is likely
regular contact with businesses we have        working closely with MEABC staff to       to be be reduced in line with ongoing
undertaken specific consultation and           welcome traders and shoppers alike back   Covid-19 restrictions. However, as
engagement with regard to renewing             in to Ballymena town centre following     restrictions ease, marketing and event
the BID that has included:                     prolonged lockdown for many. £24,000      planning will recommence stronger than
                                               additional funding secured by Ballymena   ever. We will retain and build upon our
• F ebruary 2020 – Achievements               BID from Dept. for Communities (DFC)      Annual Discount Day which continues to
  Newsletter & Renewal Survey sent to all      to assist with Ballymena’s Economic       successfully deliver strong footfall into
  businesses.                                  Recovery Plan.                            the town. The marketing function will
• E arly March 2020 – Face to face         • August 2020 - Renewal Newsletter sent     be professionalised and we will ensure
  consultation with businesses.                to all businesses.                        the team have the skills set that is needed
• Late March 2020 - UK hit by COVID        • September 2020 – Three draft business     to deliver a marketing plan with clear
   19 pandemic and subsequently goes           plan workshops held.                      objectives and constructive evaluation to
  into lockdown. Ballymena BID delivers     • October 2020-Further face to face         ensure that we are delivering real value.

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BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
It’s not
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      what
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               happens to our
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               local economy…
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               it’s how we
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               respond to what
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               happens!

                                                                                                                                                 SAFE & WELCOMING
MARKETING
                                                                                              • We will utilise Influencer Marketing
                                                                                                 by partnering with local agents to aid
                                                                                                 campaigns and promote the town as               Your feedback indicates that there
                                                                                                 a whole. By working with partners we

& PROMOTION
                                                                                                                                                 are aspects of our work, in making
                                                                                                 will be able to create engaging content         Ballymena a safe and welcoming place
                                                                                                 which will appeal to a local following.         to be, that you wish to see us continue.
                                                                                              • Where appropriate, and cost effective,          • By working with the local Police
                                                                                                 we will use strategic outdoor advertising          Service of Northern Ireland, and
                                                                                                 including adshels and billboards to                individual businesses, we will promote
                                                                                                 capture a wider audience and promote               safety and reduce crime. This will be
Your feedback had indicated that you want     •T here will be a further upgrade to the new      Ballymena….including events like our               detailed in a Crime Strategy that will
BID to concentrate most of the BIDS’s           website to include a comprehensive and           annual Discount Day.                               be developed with relevant partners.
resources on the Marketing and Promotion        categorised Business Directory including      • O ur PR work will be enhanced by                • Work towards a cleaner environment
of the town and your businesses. We will        direct links to individual businesses.           working with local press, television and           for shoppers and workers to enjoy. This
do this by investing 75% of the budget in       There will be a strong focus on Search           radio stations to promote all that we do.          will be achieved through enhanced
this project over the next five years. And      Engine Optimisation to ensure that we         • Discount Day will continue with a focus            litter and waste management by
                                                are as effective as we can possibly be           on increasing footfall and improving               working with partners and continuing
of course, we look forward to the return of
                                                with the opportunity for sign-ups and            dwell time….thereby increasing spend               to use the Vanguard street cleaning
Ballymena’s Annual Discount Day in 2021
                                                email marketing.                                 per visit.                                         machine that was purchased during
alongside many other campaigns and
                                              • Social Media, particularly Facebook and                                                            the first term of the BID.
events to promote our town.
                                                Instagram, have shown the strongest           All of our marketing will be measured using        • There are areas in the town centre
                                                growth and engagement over the last           the online resources available to us and              where lighting could be used more
The marketing function will be                  couple of years. It will be expanded          we will report the results back to you on a           effectively to create ambience
professionalised and we will ensure the         and used alongside any other relevant         regular basis. Examples of the online tools           or to enhance security. We will
team have the skills set that is needed         platform to promote Ballymena as the          that we will use to monitor and measure               develop a plan and install lighting as
to deliver a marketing plan with clear          ‘go to’ destination to shop and spend         success will include; social media insights,          appropriate.
objectives and constructive evaluation to       leisure time. We will also promote            Google analytics, listener and viewer
ensure that we are delivering real value.       individual businesses, their offering,        numbers provided by media outlets and
                                                events and news stories. Levy payers will     customer and business feedback. We will
We will develop a strong and more               be able to advertise via all social media     also continue to monitor footfall figures
comprehensive digital offering.                 platforms free of charge.                     and introduce a spend analysis measure.
                                                                                                                                             BUSINESS SUPPORT
                                                                                                                                             Business Support still remains an important      and effective relationships with partners,
                                                                                                                                             function of the BID. We will support you, the    including Mid and East Antrim Borough
                                                                                                                                             businesses, by lobbying for the changes you      Council, central government bodies, the
                                                                                                                                             request, investment and support. This will       Chamber of Commerce, PSNI and Translink.
                                                                                                                                             be achieved through maintaining strong           Communication is key and we will ensure
                                                                                                                                                                                              you receive business information, updates,
                                                                                                                                                                                              news and support in a frequent, focused and
                                                                                                                                                                                              effective manner. Our key objectives are:

                                                                                                                                                                                              • To act as a powerful voice for business
                                                                                                                                                                                                 on operational matters.
                                                                                                                                                                                              •L  ever any additional funding related to
                                                                                                                                                                                                 COVID 19 recovery.
                                                                                                                                                                                              • Influence strategy and policies in relation
                                                                                                                                                                                                 to the changing nature of Ballymena
                                                                                                                                                                                                 town centre.
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BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
BALLYMENA BID: INCOME
                                                                                                                                         & EXPENDITURE FORECAST
                                                                                                                                          PROJECTED                           2021/2022           2022/2023            2023/2024       2024/2025          2025/2026

                                                                                                                                          Income/Levy                          £200,000            £200,000             £200,000       £200,000            £200,000

   THE BID AREA
                                                                                             The Bid area will be stronger, with          Additional Income                    £15,000              £15,000              £15,000        £15,000             £15,000
                                                                                             direct links to our transportation
                                                                                             network, which will help to improve
                                                                                                                                          TOTAL                                £215,000            £215,000             £215,000       £215,000            £215,000
                                                                                             our destination marketing.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Projected Income: £1,075,000
   The map shows
   the proposed
   Ballymena BID                                                                                                                          EXPENDITURE                            Year 1              Year 2               Year 3         Year 4              Year 5
   area.
   Streets                                                                                                                                Marketing, Promotions
                                                                                                                                                                               £112,500            £112,500             £112,500        £112,500           £112,500
                                                                                                                                          & Events
   included within
   the BID area:
                                                                                                                                          *Safety, Cleaning,
   Alexander Street                                                                                                                       Welcoming & Business                  £37,500             £37,500              £37,500        £37,500             £37,500
   Ballymoney Street                                                                                                                      Support
   Bridge Street
                                                                                                                                          * This fund will be prioritised on what will be most beneficial to businesses at the time.
   Broadway Avenue
   Broughshane Street                                                                                                                     Staff                                £45,000              £45,000             £45,000         £45,000             £45,000
   Bryan Street
   Castle Street                                                                                                                          Office & IT Support                   £5,500               £5,500              £5,500          £5,500              £5,500
   (part of)
   Church Street                                                                                                                          Insurance                             £1,200               £1,200              £1,200          £1,200              £1,200
   Church Street
   Arcade                                                                                                                                 Levy Collection                       £6,600               £6,600              £6,600          £6,600              £6,600
   Duke Street
   Fairhill Lane                                                                                                                          Professional Fees                     £1,300               £1,300              £1,300          £1,300              £1,300
   Fountain Place
   Galgorm Road                                                                                                                           Bank Charges                           £400                 £400                £400            £400                £400
   Galgorm Street
   Garfeld Place                                                                                                                          Contingency                           £5,000               £5,000              £5,000          £5,000              £5,000
   George Street
                                                                                                                                          SUB TOTAL                            £65,000              £65,000             £65,000         £65,000             £65,000
   Greenvale Street         John Street                Mount Street               Pentagon Retail Park       Thomas Street
   High Street              Linenhall Street           Parkway                    Springwell Street          Wellington Court            NOTE: Additional income is estimated based on a current agreement with Mid & East Antrim Borough Council and is subject to
   Hill Street              Mill Street                Pats Brae                  Suffolk Street             Wellington Street           change. The BID will lobby for additional funding as opportunities arise, throughout BID 1 over £150,000 of additional funding was
                                                                                                                                         secured for Ballymena Town Centre. Income is a projection and could be a higher or lower amount.
   THE BID LEVY                                 The BID company will be accountable         membership scheme for businesses in
                                                for every pound it receives or generates.   the BID area with a rateable value of
   Ballymena BID will be financed through                                                   less than £5,000. This will enable them
                                                                                            to invest and share in the benefits of the
   a 1.75% annual levy based on the
   rateable value of your business. The
                                                ADDITIONAL INCOME                           BID. A board position can be allocated
   levy will apply to all business rates                                                    for voluntary contributors who are
                                                In its first term from 2015–2020,           members of the BID Company.
   payers with a rateable value of £5,000
                                                Ballymena BID generated £150,000
   or more.
                                                in additional income through outside        The BID can also seek additional
   Over the five-year term, it will therefore   grants from Mid and East Antrim             income, grants and project match
   result in an investment of over £1M          Borough Council and UK Government.          funding to deliver further value for
   into business in Ballymena. The levy         We expect to raise a similar amount for     money. In addition, the BID potentially
   is an investment. In return for your         this 5year term.                            has the power to run commercial
   investment your business benefits from                                                   services or other income generating
   additional projects and services.            The BID will also run a voluntary           activities.

12 | BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026                                                                                                                                                                  BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026 | 13
BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
BID GOVERNANCE
 Stephen
                      & MANAGEMENT
                      MEET THE BID BOARD
 Reynolds
 Chair
 Front Page Bar

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Is this just another tax

                                                                                                                                                                                Q
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How much will I pay?

                                                                                                                                                                               A
 Andy               Hugh               Ken Crawford          Emma                     Natalie                  Stephen             Audrey               Richard                                                               and will it substitute

                                                                                                                                                                              F
 Storey             Black              Treasurer             McCrea                   Jackson                  Glasgow             Wales MBE            McLoughlin                                                           for those services that
 Vice Chair         Secretary                                BID Manager
 Boots              Tower Centre
                                       McCartney &
                                       Crawford              Consultant
                                                                                      Fairhill Shopping
                                                                                      Centre
                                                                                                               Camerons            MEABC                Wyse Byse
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             MEABC is responsible
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  for providing?                 MEABC will collect a levy, on behalf of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Ballymena BID, from each BID business
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 within the Bid area. That revenue will
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 be transferred to the BID Company
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         A BID cannot replace or substitute      and used to implement the projects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         public agency services i.e. those       laid out in this plan. BID businesses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         covered by your business rates.         will pay 1.75% of their rateable value.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         MEABC, along with the PSNI, have        This is collected annually. Those
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         provided baseline agreements as         below £5,000 in rateable value will
 Thomas             Killian            Roy                   Carole                   Agnes                    Tom Wiggins         Gail                 Trevor Parker
 McKillen           Connolly           Smyth                 McKenna                  Doyle                                        Kelly                BRAC                                                             part of the BID renewal for both its    be formally exempt.
                                                                                                               Ballymena
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         statutory and discretionary services.
 McKillen’s Shoes   Marks & Spencers   Outdoor               The Grouse               Menarys                  Chamber of
                                                                                                               Commerce            MEABC                Ballymena Retailers     The BID has been running
                                       Adventure                                                                                                        Against Crime                                                    These can be viewed on request and
                                                                                                                                                                                 for 5 years. Why can’t it               include the following:
                                                                                                                                                                                      just continue?                                                                   My business is not a
The Ballymena BID Board is a private                 THE BID BOARD                                                                                                                                                       • Cleansing and maintenance                  part of the BID area.
sector led, not-for profit company, limited
by guarantee and has, for the last 5 years,          The BID Board is currently comprised of the following members:                                                                                                      • Car Parking                                Can I still take part?
been governed by a board comprising of                                                                                                                                                                                   • CCTV
                                                      BOARD MEMBERS                                                                                                           BID terms last for a maximum of 5          • Tourism
BID levy payers or equivalent voluntary
financial contributors, local authority               Stephen Reynolds                           Chair                                 The Front Page                         years. Once that term is over the          • Markets
members and co-opted members.                                                                                                                                                 BID is legally required to review its      • Festivals and Events                 Yes. Any businesses that are formally
                                                      Andy Storey                                Vice Chair                            Boots
                                                                                                                                                                              projects, produce a new Business           • Street Furniture                     exempt from paying the BID levy, or
                                                      Hugh Black                                 Secretary                             Tower Centre                           Plan stating its objectives for the next   • Street Lighting
BID Board positions are voluntary and                                                                                                                                                                                                                            not in the BID area, can contribute
unpaid. The Board includes a mix of all               Ken Crawford                               Treasurer                             McCartney & Crawford                   5 years. The plan is then voted on by      • Planting and Landscaping             voluntarily. If you choose to support
sectors of business that operate within the                                                                                                                                   BID businesses that will be required to    • Public Conveniences                  the BID in this way, you have
                                                      Killian Connolly                                                                 M&S
BID area which brings all the necessary                                                                                                                                       pay the levy. This procedure is known      • Highways and Roads                   exactly the same rights, in terms of
                                                      Natalie Jackson                                                                  Fairhill Shopping Centre               as a renewal ballot.                       • Policing
skills required to navigate the BID through                                                                                                                                                                                                                      governance and management of
its second term.                                      Richard McLoughlin                                                               WyseByse                                                                                                                  the company as any other business.
                                                      Roy Smith                                                                        Outdoor Adventure                                                                                                         To discuss voluntary contributions
All Board positions will be voted on                  Stephen Glasgow                                                                  Camerons                                                                                                                  please contact the BID Team using the
through an election process in Year 1 of a                                                                                                                                                                                                                       contact details on the last page.
second BID term. Invitations will go out to           Thomas McKillen                                                                  McKillens Shoes
all BID businesses and voluntary financial            Audrey Wales                                                                     MEABC
contributors to become members of                     Agnes Doyle                                                                      Menarys
the Ballymena BID Company (a legal                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   When will the second
                                                      Carole McKenna                                                                   The Grouse                                                                                                                   mandate projects begin
requirement). This entitles levy payers
to stand for board positions and vote on
                                                      ADVISORS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       to be delivered?
company business.
                                                      Tom Wiggins                                                                      Chamber
A vote will take place of all Company                 Trevor Parker                                                                    BRAC
members to then determine the new                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The first term of the BID is due to
                                                      Gail Kelly                                                                       MEABC
BID Board. Directors will be required                                                                                                                                                                                                                            end on 31 March 2021 The new term
to commit to attend meetings and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 will then start to be rolled-out from
contribute to the running of the BID. The            Ballymena BID will, where possible, have the following Board composition:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 1st April 2021. If the renewal ballot
Board membership will be reviewed once               National and Independent Retail .......... 9                     Commercial and Office ........................... 1                                                                                        is unsuccessful, then all BID services
a year. However, applications of interest                                                                              Pubs and Restaurants ............................. 1                                                                                      will be cease immediately at the end
                                                     Entertainment, Hospitality
can be received, and new Directors                                                                                                                                                                                                                               of the first term.
appointed by the Board, at any time                  and Leisure ................................................ 1   Education, Health and Third Sector ..... 1
during the BID term.                                 Public Sector ............................................. 1    Voluntary Contributors .......................... 1
14 | BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026                                                                                                                                                                                                BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026 | 15
BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
BID RULES & BALLOT
The BID legislation regulates BID ballots
and the framework under which BIDs
                                                       rateable value, at the time they enter the
                                                       rating list.
                                                                                                                                                       MEASURING RESULTS
must operate.                                       • If a business ratepayer occupies the
                                                       premises for less than one year, then
The BID Ballot                                         the BID levy due will be calculated on a
• Each business ratepayer that would be               pro-rata basis.
   liable for the BID levy will have one vote for   • Vacant properties, or those undergoing
   each of their eligible properties, provided         refurbishment or being demolished,
   they are listed on the non-domestic rates           will be liable to pay the BID levy by the
   list as provided by Land and Property               property owner or registered business
   Services on 15th January 2021.                      ratepayer.
• None of the costs incurred through the           • The BID levy will not be affected by
   development of the BID and before the               the small business rate relief scheme,
   formal ballot will be paid for by the BID           exemptions, reliefs or discount periods
   levy.                                               provided for in the Rates (Northern
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           until 5pm on 30th March 2021 to
• The BID levy rate will be fixed for the full        Ireland) Order 1977 and subsequent
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           vote. The ballot will be carried out
   term of the BID, which is five years, and will      secondary legislation thereunder.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           independently by the Returning Officer,
   not be subject to inflation or alterations.      • The BID Levy will not be affected by
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           via Civica Election Services. Businesses
                                                       service charges paid to landlords.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           occupying more than one eligible
The BID Levy….and who pays?                         • VAT will not be charged on the BID levy.                                                                                                                                            property will be sent one ballot paper
• T he BID levy will be applied to all                                                                                                                                                                                                    per property. If you receive multiple
   businesses within the defined area with          BID Operations and Management                                                                      Throughout its first term, Ballymena        • New Business Activity                ballot papers please complete all of
   a rateable value of or exceeding £5,000,         • The Billing Body is authorised to collect                                                       BID has kept BID businesses up to date      • Annual Surveys                       them. The ballot will be carried out via
   provided they are listed on the non-                the BID levy on behalf of the BID                                                               with all BID activity on a regular basis    • Business Feedback                    post. Voting by proxy is available. Full
   domestic rates schedule as provided                 Company.                                                                                        by way of emails, newsletters, face-to-     • Consumer Feedback                    details will be sent out in due course.
   by Land and Property Services. The               •C  ollection and enforcement regulations                                                         face meetings, annual meetings and          • Media Coverage
   following will be exempt from paying                will be in line with those applied to non-   • The BID Company will produce a set              surveys. As a BID business, you will        • Website/Social Media Interactions.   • Notice of Ballot – 9th February 2021
   the levy:                                           domestic business rates, with the BID           of annual accounts which will be made           be kept up to date on all the projects                                              • Renewal Business Plan – Distributed
                                                       Board of Directors responsible for any          available to all company members.               that the BID will implement in its          WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?                         by 1st February 2021
	1. Organisations with a rateable value of           debt write-off.                              • BID staff will be appointed, will be based      second term in order to demonstrate
                                                                                                                                                                                                   The BID ballot will take place from     • Postal Ballot Commences – 16th
      below £5,000.                                 • The BID funding will be kept in a separate      in Ballymena town centre and will work          to you that BID is delivering against
                                                                                                                                                                                                   16th February 2021 and you will have       February 2021
   2. Religious organisations, with non-              BID Revenue Account and transferred to          with the appropriate agencies to deliver        its objectives.                                                                     • Ballot Closes – 30th March 2021
       trading operations, will be exempt              the BID Company.                                the programme of projects.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           • Declaration of Ballot Results – 31st
       from paying the BID levy.                    • BID projects, costs and timescales may       • The BID will last for a duration of five        The board will set the key performance
   3. Non-retail charities with no trading            be altered by the BID Board of Directors,       years. At the end of the five years, a ballot   indicators (KPIs) and criteria upon which
                                                                                                                                                                                                           DON’T                              March 2021

       income, arm or facilities will be               provided they remain in line with the           must be held if businesses wish for the         to measure the BID’s performance.                   ALLOW THIS                      If the result of the ballot is NO, then
      exempt from paying the BID levy.                 overall BID objectives.                         BID to continue.                                Examples of the criteria the BID will         TO HAPPEN. Ensure                     all activity provided by the Ballymena
   4. Entirely subscription and volunteer-         • The BID Board of Directors                                                                      use include:
       based organisations will be exempt              will meet at least six times
                                                                                                                                                                                                     that Ballymena                        BID will cease on 31 March 2021.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           There will be no marketing, no
       from paying the BID levy.                       a year. Every levy paying                                                                       • Footfall Figures                           Means Business and                    website, no social media, no
• The minimum BID Levy amount will be                 business will be eligible to                                                                    • Vacancy Levels                             please vote YES!                      business support, no enhanced
   £87.50 per annum.                                   be a member of the BID                                                                          • Car Park Usage                                                                   cleaning and there will be reduced
• New businesses will be charged from                 Company and to vote at                                                                                                                                                              safety and crime reduction activity.
   the point of occupation, based upon the             annual general meetings.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           There will be no single organisation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           in Ballymena town centre which is
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           championing and representing all
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           businesses. As local businesses you will
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           lose your collective voice. Ballymena
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           businesses will immediately stand to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           lose over £1m of investment to be
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           spent on projects identified by you over
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           the period 2021 – 2026.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              GET IN TOUCH
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For more information about the Ballymena BID
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              please contact us using the following details:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Emma McCrea – Interim Manager, Ballymena BID
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              E: bidsmanager@ballymenabid.com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               M: 078 8544 0296 or 078 5413 3310
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Or visit our website: wwwballymenameans.com

16 | BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026                                                                                                                                                                            BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026 | 17
BUSINESS PLAN - Ballymena
BALLYMENA BID                                                                                                                                                           Having a BID in Ballymena in these challenging times gives us a much greater edge over
                                                                                                                                                                        other towns to drive footfall and sales to the town.

RUN BY LOCAL BUSINESSES                                                                                                                                                 The focus of BID 2 will be to reinvigorate the town centre in the months and years
                                                                                                                                                                        to come and it’s substantial marketing and promotions budget will be great catalyst

FOR THE BENEFIT OF                                                                                                                                                      to help this.

LOCAL BUSINESSES
                                                                                                                                                                        BID also is a fantastic forum representing the town centre businesses when working in
                                                                                                                                                                        partnership with MAEAC, PSNI and other stakeholders.

                                                                                                                                                                        If BID2 is not successful in getting through its re-ballot none of the above will happen
                                                                                                                                                                        so please make sure you make your vote a YES!
                                        Working in Ballymena town centre for
                                        the past two years has really opened my                                                                                         HUGH BLACK | Tower Centre
                                        eyes. Ballymena is unlike any other town
                                        I’ve previously worked in across Northern
                                        Ireland. The people, the unique mix of
                                        familiar High Street names, combined
                                        with long established independent retailers                                                                                           As President of Ballymena Chamber
                                        and the strong local business community                                                                                               of Commerce I have worked closely
                                        makes Ballymena a very special place                                                                                                  with the BID team and have seen, first
                                        to visit, to work and to shop. There’s no                                                                                             hand, how they are doing a great job…
                                        doubt the past year has been a struggle for                                                                                           working with traders and stakeholders
                                                                                          As a Ballymena trader of 35 years,                                                  alike in an effort to support businesses
                                        all of us, both personally and in business.
                                                                                          i believe that the Ballymena BID                                                    and boost Ballymena town centre as a
                                        The role of the Ballymena BID is more
                                                                                          will play a more important role                                                     retail and hospitality destination. I fully
                                        important now than ever during such
                                                                                          than ever in assisting with the                                                     support Ballymena BID 2. As a town, we
                                        challenging times. We need to work hard
                                                                                          ongoing recovery process for                                                        all need to work together, even more
                                        to reach out and open everyone’s eyes to
                                                                                          our town centre during these                                                        so during these challenging times, to
  our amazing town and unique offering. The plans in place for the next 5 years
                                                                                          challenging times.                                                                  ensure that plans are in place for the
  are strong, with a great focus on marketing to boost local business. Let’s recover
  together, work together and remind everyone that Ballymena is still the No. 1                                                                                               success of our future.
  destination for shopping in Northern Ireland.                                           STEPHEN REYNOLDS
                                                                                          Front Page Bar                        Ballymena BID has been one of                 EUGENE REID | Chamber President
  EMMA McCREA | Bid Manager                                                                                                     the success stories of the past 5
                                                                                                                                years for our business community.
                                                                                                                                If we are to make any headway in
                                                                                                                                attracting both customers and                                                         If you believe that it is the traders of
                                                                                                                                new businesses to Ballymena, we
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Ballymena that know what is the best for
                                                                                                                                need the cohesive approach that
      WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BE                                                                                                    the BID brings. Working together in
                                                                                                                                partnership we will always achieve
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      our town then you need to support a 2nd
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Ballymena Business Improvement District.
      LEFT BEHIND AS OTHER BID’S                                                                                                more success. It is true that the sum
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A BID gives Ballymena a competitive edge
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      over other towns.
  BECOME STRONGER AND PULL                                                                                                      of the whole is greater than the sum
                                                                                                                                of the individual parts.
  TRADE AWAY FROM BALLYMENA!                                                                                                    We cannot afford to pull out and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It allows the traders of Ballymena
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      to promote the town centre and its
                                                                                                                                be left behind as other and more                                                      businesses driving footfall creating a safe
                                                                                                                                BID’s become stronger and pull                                                        and welcoming environment for shoppers.
                                                                                                                                trade away from Ballymena!                                                            Together we have a greater voice! Take the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      BID away and we are all on our own.
                                         BID continues to allow partnerships with
                                         other Government bodies, council etc to                                                THOMAS McKILLEN
                                         leverage additional funding.                                                           Managing Director                                                                     ANDREW STOREY
                                                                                                                                McKillens of Ballymena                                                                Boots Manager Ballymena
                                         BID helps with access to Ministers and Civil
                                         Servants who normally can’t meet with
                                         private individuals.                             I strongly feel that in these
                                                                                          very difficult trading times the      My experience of BID has been very positive, especially how the businesses have worked
                                         BID ensures direction of travel is inline with   advantages that a further 5-year      together to set local priorities and actions and run high profile, co-ordinated events. Not
                                         what stakeholders require.                       term of BID will bring is extremely   only has this approach helped to improve the look of the town centre, but it has raised
                                                                                          important for the whole town          its profile and contributed significantly to economic growth.
                                       Without BID we have more to lose than              going forward as one unit. We need
                                       ever, we have built up relationships with          a united front to put out a strong    More than ever, BID is crucial to influence strategic planning and investment as well as
                                       main traders and independents and have             marketing strategy to encourage       continue to build on the work that has already been done. The economic benefits of
  gained insights to where we can be of more benefit in the future.                       as many shoppers to Ballymena as      BID to date have been felt across the area and have improved our town… not just the
                                                                                          possible.                             individual businesses. We cannot lose this support and direction at a time when the
  We offer a true voice of Ballymena, and our towns bright future, together stronger.                                           majority of businesses are trying to survive, never mind innovate and develop.
                                                                                          RICHARD McLOUGHLIN
  ROY SMYTH | Outdoor Adventure                                                           Wyse Byse                             CAROLE McKENNA | The Grouse

18 | BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026                                                                                                                                                       BALLYMENA BID | BUSINESS PLAN 2021 - 2026 | 19
The long-standing              Throughout the Covid-19
                          relationship between           pandemic, our retailers in Ballymena
                          Mid and East Antrim            have shown their resilience,
                          Borough Council                determination and passion for
                          and Ballymena BID              their town, despite being faced
                          has never been as              by the most challenging trading
                          important as we look           conditions imaginable.
                          t o w a rd s b u i l d i n g
                          back a sustainable             The key role they play at the heart
                          and successful town            of our communities has never been
                          centre economy.                more apparent.

                          Throughout the                 Not only do our shop owners and business leaders provide essential
                          COVID-19 emergency,            services to our residents, many are our friends, our family – familiar
                          our retailers have             faces and names rooted into the fabric of our town.
                          demonstrated true
resilience and resourcefulness in the face of the        As we look to a brighter future, free from Covid-19, it is critical we
many challenges which have arisen.                       all support our local retailers, as they have supported us, and as a
                                                         Council, we will continue to do everything we can to help them in
With light on the horizon, we at Council will            their recovery and regrowth following these unprecedented times.
continue to do all we can to support Ballymena
BID in their efforts to grow and develop the             As it has been since its inception, the Ballymena Improvement
unique shopping offering the town is famous for.         District will be firmly at the side of our traders, working around the
                                                         clock to build on our proud reputation as Northern Ireland’s best
Our businesses in Ballymena have provided                shopping town.
employment, essential supplies and a sense
of community in spite of the toughest                    I commend the BID for its continued commitment to our businesses,
circumstances, and they can be assured of the            our town and our Borough, and I extend my best wishes ahead of
continued backing of Council in the times ahead.         the forthcoming re-ballot.

COUNCILLOR PETER JOHNSTON                                ANNE DONAGHY OBE
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim                             Chief Executive, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

                                                                                       FOR
                                                           Ballymena BID 2
                                                                Together everyone
                                                                 achieves MORE!

                            Ballymena
                                                                                 GET IN TOUCH
                                                                                 For more information about the Ballymena BID
                                                                                 please contact us using the following details:
                                                                                 Emma McCrea – Interim Manager, Ballymena BID

                            Means Business
                                                                                 E: bidsmanager@ballymenabid.com
                                                                                  M: 078 8544 0296 or 078 5413 3310
                                                                                 Or visit our website: wwwballymenameans.com
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