Agenda item

The Spalding Business Improvement District Manager to provide a verbal update.

The Chairman introduced the Business Improvement District (BID) Manager to present a verbal report on the work of the Spalding BID.

The Spalding BID Manager outlined current initiatives, future plans and opportunities for collaboration with councillors and community groups, and highlighted the following key points:

• Spalding in Bloom 2026:
  • Plans were underway to deliver a more impactful floral display across the town, with support from businesses, community groups. Ideas included adopting planters, installing floral displays along the river, and using creative features such as flower-filled boats.
  • The BID Manager emphasised the importance of celebrating Spalding’s heritage as a flower-growing region.
• Town Tidy Weeks:
  • A new initiative aimed at encouraging businesses to take pride in their premises and surrounding areas. This would go beyond litter picking, involving weeding, cleaning, and general upkeep.
  • The BID hoped to work alongside groups such as the Wombles and other volunteers.

• Digital Platform – “Hello Spalding”:
  • A new app was being developed to promote local businesses, events, and services. It would include GPS functionality, event listings, car parking information, and a click-and-collect feature to support local retailers.
  • The app was inspired by the successful “Discover Kings Lynn” platform.
• Crime and Safety:
  • The BID had gathered impact statements from businesses affected by anti-social behaviour, which were shared with Lincolnshire Police and the Council’s Community Safety Team. A “See It, Report It” campaign was being developed to encourage better reporting of incidents.
  • The BID was also exploring a business watch scheme, including the provision of radios to improve communication between traders.

• Events and Footfall:
  • BID was supporting the Council’s Christmas light switch-on and makers market with additional entertainment.
  • Plans were also in development for a food safari, bike nights, folk festivals, and summer events to increase footfall and community engagement.
• Springfields Collaboration:
  • BID had established a positive working relationship with the Springfields Retail Director, who was offering free marketing opportunities to Spalding town centre businesses via their VIP database and social media channels.
  • Discussions were ongoing regarding improved transport links between Springfields and Spalding town centre.

• Business Support:
  • Monthly networking meetings and topic-specific surgery sessions were being introduced to support local businesses. Topics would include commercial waste, planning, and digital marketing.

Member considered the update and made the following comments:

• Members welcomed the BID Manager’s presentation and offered support for future events, particularly those aimed at increasing footfall.
• The BID Manager’s initiative and the idea of radios for town centre businesses was praised. Members asked if the radios would be provided to businesses free of charge.
  • The BID Manager confirmed that radios would be offered at a significantly reduced cost, with bulk purchasing enabling affordability.
• Members highlighted the importance of partnership working and praised the BID’s positive and proactive approach. The link between cleaner streets and safer streets was emphasised, along with the need to attract local visitors and promote Spalding’s unique offer.
• Members asked whether BID had considered encouraging longer opening hours for businesses, particularly during summer evenings.
  • The BID Manager acknowledged the challenge for independent traders and suggested that click-and-collect functionality could help bridge the gap.

• Members expressed initial scepticism about BID’s value but stated that the presentation had won them over.
• Members praised the food safari and business networking ideas and offered to support future initiatives.
  • The BID Manager welcomed the offer and reiterated the importance of quantifiable success and partnership working.

• A concern was raised about the number of gambling establishments in the town centre and asked whether they were involved in BID activities.
  • The BID Manager confirmed that such businesses were levy payers but would not be promoted via the app or marketing channels. However, they had contributed to the impact statements on anti-social behaviour.
• Members stressed the importance of inclusive communication and asked that BID not rely solely on digital platforms.
  • The BID Manager agreed and confirmed that printed materials, press releases, and community engagement were part of the wider strategy.

• Members asked whether BID had considered a shuttle bus between Springfields and the town centre.
  • The BID Manager confirmed that discussions were ongoing, and that signage and marketing materials were being developed to encourage cross-visitation.
• Members raised concerns about the visibility of free parking signage in Vine Street and asked whether the initiative was being adequately promoted.
  • The BID Manager confirmed that a banner had been installed and that the initiative was being trialled until the end of December, with footfall data being monitored.

The Chairman thanked the BID Manager for the detailed presentation.