Business plan - British Bids

Business plan
1st June 2015 - 31st May 2020
February 2015
Contents
3
4
5
6
7
8
14
18
19
20
22
24
25
26
27
What is a Business Improvement District?
Why does Penzance need a BID?
What benefits would a BID offer?
Is Cornwall Council involved in the
Penzance BID?
The Penzance BID area
The Consultation process
What will Penzance BID deliver?
Funding
Summary Public Sector Baseline information
BID Management and Operation
Performance and Monitoring
The Ballot
Demonstration Projects
What if I vote 'no'?
Further information
So, at long last, here it is - YOUR business
plan for what YOU have told us you want to
see happening in Penzance.
This document is the culmination of nearly 18 months’ work by many people
who have committed their time and energy to shaping the future of our town.
It may not be perfect in everyone's eyes, it may not reflect your exact priorities
but it is a genuine attempt to bring together the many opinions and ideas that
have emerged from the consultation process that has been going on for the
last year into one comprehensive, realistic, business driven plan for the
future of our town.
The future of the BID proposal will shortly by passed into YOUR hands.
YOU will decide whether what is being proposed is in the interests of
your business and the wider town. I would urge you to take time to
consider what is being proposed and think very carefully about your
decision. This is a one-off opportunity for the business community to
get directly involved in and shape the future direction of Penzance.
Be under no illusions - there will not be another such opportunity in the
foreseeable future. We are not in a position to "tweak" the proposals and
resubmit them to you again. The alternative is to leave things as they are and
trust that the town muddles through in what are increasingly competitive
and uncertain times. There is no ‘white knight’ waiting in the wings.
The future is in your hands...
Marcus Wilkinson
Director, Alfred-Smith & Son and Chairman Penzance BID Steering Group
2 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
Marcus Wilkinson
What is a BID
...and how will it work in Penzance?
About Business Improvement Districts
What do we mean by a Business Improvement District (BID)?
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a geographically defined area where
businesses have agreed to invest collectively to improve the trading environment over
a fixed period of time. BIDs are underpinned by government legislation.
How is a BID funded?
Non-domestic rate payers, including organisations in the public or voluntary sector,
agree to pay a levy to invest in projects and initiatives which are additional to
statutory services provided by the Local Authority. The fairest way for this to happen
is through a levy on non-domestic rateable values of premises.
Are any other funds available?
A BID Company should always try to enhance budgets by sourcing additional funding.
What does a BID company spend its money on?
Projects and initiatives which have been developed in consultation with businesses,
detailed in a Business Plan, and approved by the levy payers.
How does a BID become operational?
BIDs become operational following a successful formal ballot process. Every eligible
person will be encouraged to vote in the postal ballot to say “yes” or “no” to the
Business Plan.
How do we distinguish between Local Authority services and BID company projects?
Baseline statements of services currently provided by the public sector in a BID area
are made publicly available.
How is the levy collected?
Levy payers are invoiced annually for their levy contribution.
How it will work in Penzance
The BID area in Penzance is the town centre. See detailed map of the BID area on page 7
The BID will run for a period of 5 years after which time businesses will have the
opportunity to decide, through a renewal ballot based on a new proposal, whether the BID
will continue for a second five year term.
The Penzance BID Steering Group has decided on a levy rate of 2% of a premise's rateable value in
order to deliver the projects the businesses have said they want. The levy will be payable each year
for five years if the BID proceeds following a successful ballot. The BID levy is not a new tax; it is
an investment. Unlike your business rates, the money doesn't go to Central Government.
It all remains in Penzance to be spent on the things that businesses have identified as priorities.
Sponsorship, donations and voluntary contributions will be sought from businesses and
organisations outside the BID boundary. Additionally funds will also be sought from the European
Union and Central Government where the BID is eligible.
This Business Plan details proposed projects and initiatives resulting from consultation carried out during
2014. The resulting budgets have been developed: • Events & Marketing • Physical Improvements
• Parking & Access Improvements • Security & Business Support. Further details on pages 14-17.
Voting papers will be sent out on 19th February 2015. There will be a five week period in
which to vote. See full details on page 24.
The public sector baseline statements for Penzance BID area are summarised on page 19
with full details on the BID website: www.penzancebid.co.uk
Cornwall Council's Income Team will invoice levy payers in May of the first year of the BID (2015)
and March in successive years. See page 22 for full details of levy collection arrangements.
How will the BID company operate and be managed?
BIDs are usually set up as a not for profit company limited by guarantee
and managed by a Board of Directors from the business community.
Penzance BID will be setting up a company limited by guarantee, run and managed by a Board of
Directors from the local businesses. They will be responsible for the strategic direction of the
company and will accountable to the levy payers.
Why does Penzance need a BID?
•
Is the town marketed enough on a national and county scale?
Retail
46%
•
Does the town look increasingly uncared for and unattractive?
Professional services
25%
•
Are the streets conducive to spending time in the town?
•
Do visitors find it easy to find their way around?
Restaurant/Cafe/Pub
14%
•
Do shoppers need more flexible parking arrangements?
•
Is enough made of Penzance's unique location and natural resources?
•
Could businesses benefit from working together more?
All of these issues, and more, can be addressed through a Business Improvement
District. The mission of the BID is to improve the trading environment for businesses by investing in a programme of projects and activities businesses have said they want
to see happen and controlled and monitored by them. If the ballot is successful
Penzance BID will deliver a five year programme of actions aimed to increase footfall
amongst locals and visitors and increase the amount of time they spend in the town.
In addition to marketing the town and delivering events the BID will improve the
town's appearance and provide benefits for businesses through collaborative
arrangements.
It will be the first time that a significant budget - £800,000 over 5 years - will have
been created for businesses to spend on what really matters to help improve
Penzance and boost business. The new BID company will be run exclusively by
Penzance businesses for Penzance businesses and will have some executive
resource, vital for all businesses, to deliver the BID programme effectively.
A Penzance BID will also be a vehicle to hold the public sector service providers to
account for the services they deliver as well as being a powerful force in lobbying for
better parking, crime reduction and other key issues. Whilst the BID can police the
delivery of statutory duties by public bodies it is unrealistic in the current climate of
austerity to expect public funding for new initiatives to improve the trading
environment in Penzance and other towns. If there are worthwhile opportunities to
improve the Penzance trading environment, and most businesses believe there are,
then the BID needs to pursue them because nobody else will. In doing so the business
community will take more control of its destiny than in the past and overall this has to
be good for business in Penzance.
4 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
Not for profit
6%
Gallery
4%
Accommodation
3%
Other
1%
What benefits would a BID offer?
There are a diverse range of business types in Penzance. Retail shops
occupy 46% of the premises within the BID boundary area with the
remainder being made up of offices, leisure and other types of premises.
The benefits of a BID to the Retail Sector:
• Sustained investment over a five-year period
• An increase in footfall as a direct result of an improved business
•
•
environment and marketing
A reduction in retail crime and stock loss through additional focus on
safety and security
A safer and more attractive shopping environment in Penzance
The benefits of a BID to the Leisure Sector:
• A more accessible location as marketing and promotion projects
gather momentum
• A co-ordinated events programme to ensure there is regularly
something to see and do in Penzance
The benefits of a BID to the Office Sector:
• An improved working environment, which will increase ability to
recruit and retain quality staff and in turn minimise loss of expertise
• A reduction in staff turnover
• A reduction in business crime
• Improved perception by clients of business, due to a more positive
•
experience in, and perception of Penzance
A strong voice on issues that matter to businesses
“I believe the BID is essential
for the future of Penzance as
both a working and a tourist
town. A successful BID will
unite the businesses of the
town and give them the
means to achieve their goals
whilst helping the town
realise its potential.”
James Pulford,
Centre Manager,
Wharfside Shopping Centre
Is Cornwall Council involved
with Penzance BID?
Penzance BID will be a business led initiative and not a Council scheme. Under the BID
legislation Cornwall Council will be responsible for collecting the BID levy and will keep
it in a ring-fenced account for transfer to the BID company at regular intervals in
accordance with an Operating Agreement signed by the BID and the Council. The BID
levy will be spent on the projects detailed in this Business Plan and will not pay for
services currently provided by the public sector.
Part of the role of Penzance BID will be to provide clarity on the services and standards
you can expect from the public sector and to help ensure standards are maintained.
Details of public sector service baselines are given in this document. Cornwall Council
has supported the Penzance BID Steering Group in the development of the BID through
staff time. Funding for its development has, however, come from Sainsbury's S106
Planning Gain which has financed, for example, the cost of producing this Business Plan.
The costs incurred in developing the BID have already been met and will not be recouped
through the levy. The Council is also the largest levy payer in the Penzance BID.
“The BID model is making a real difference in towns across Cornwall with seven
now up and running; two of which have been successfully renewed at ballot for
a second 5 year term! BIDs' ability to adapt to the uniqueness of towns,
together with decisions and control from local businesses, puts them in the best
position to deliver huge benefits as well as insure them for their future. There is
great optimism for what a BID could do for Penzance and I wish it every success
at the ballot and for the town's future”.
Jeremy Rowe, Cabinet Member for Communities and Devolution Deputy Leader of
the Council, Cornwall Council
“I am really pleased the BID process so far has encouraged local
businesses to talk to each other about how they can work together to
improve business for all - because no one is going to do it for them.
If the BID is approved, which I really hope it will be, I am sure it will
undertake many initiatives over the next five years which will involve
and help local businesses succeed and also make Penzance a more
vibrant busy and attractive place to live and work.”
Janet Mogford, Business Relationship Manager, NatWest Penzance
6 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
The Penzance BID Area
Businesses that are situated in the roads listed below described by the area shown on the map are in the BID area.
All businesses will be entitled to vote and will have to contribute if the BID is voted in. If you are unsure whether your
business falls within the boundary or want to know how much you will have to pay, please contact us. Contact details
are at the back of this document.
The following streets are included, either in whole or in part.
This list of streets is not definitive; please refer to the map to check whether you are within the Penzance BID area.
Abbey Court
Abbey Street
Adelaide Street
Albert Pier
Albert Street
Alverton Road
Alverton Street
AlvertonTerrace
Barbican Lane
Battery Road
Bread Street
Buriton Row
Camelot Court
Carne's Buildings
Causewayhead
Chancery Lane
Chapel Street
Cherry Gardens
Chirgwin Court
Carminowe Crescent
Clarence Street
Coinagehall Place
Coinagehall Street
Coulson's Buildings
Coulson's Place
Coulson's Terrace
Custom House Court
Custom House Lane
Daniel Place
Dock Lane
East Terrace
Green Street
Guildhall
Hanover Court
Harbour Court
Jennings Street
Kitts Court
Leskinnick Place
Marine Terrace
Market Jew Street
Market Place
Morrab Park
Morrab Place
Morrab Road
Morrab Terrace
New Street
New Town Lane
North Parade
North Pier
Old Brewery Yard
Old Bakehouse Flats
Parade Pass
Parade Street
Park Corner
Park Court
Penalverne Drive
Penlee Park
Princes Street
Princess Court
Quay Street
Queen Street
Queen's Court
Queen's Square
Regent Buildings
Regent Square
Regent Terrace
Simpsons Court
South Park
South Pier
South Terrace
St John's Court
St Mary's Terrace
St Michael's Cotts
St Michaels Court
St Pirans Court
Station Road
Tencreek Avenue
The Arcade
The Greenmarket
The Harbour
The Mission
The Quay
Trendeal Gardens
Trevean Gardens
Under Chapel Yard
Union Street
Victoria Place
Voundervour Lane
Wellington Place
Western Promenade Rd
Wharf Road
Wharfside
Wharfside Village
BID boundary
The Consultation Process
Overview
Steering Group Meetings
The development of this Business Plan has been
informed by a comprehensive programme of business
community consultation and involvement over a period
of 14 months. In addition wider community consultation
has also been incorporated including the views of young
people. The consultation has been driven by the BID
Steering Group supported by Cornwall Council.
The Steering Group identified the importance of
consulting not just the businesses but also local
residents who form the important customer base on
whom the future depends. In addition to regular
Steering Group meetings there have been 6 main
elements of consultation and engagement.
These were:
• Database Preparation
• Presentations to Business Groups
• Town wide information events
• 'Postcard to Penzance' Survey
• Business Survey
• Workshops
The Steering Group comprises a
range of businesses and
stakeholders:
• Retail 4
• Professional Services 3
• Leisure 2
• Business Groups 1
• Wharfside Shopping Centre 1
• Not For Profit Organisations 1
• Public Sector 1
The various elements of consultation have been
designed and conducted in such a way as to ensure that
each stage not only informed the next but that
appropriate projects could be developed by the BID.
This was overseen and drawn together by the Steering
Group.
8 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
The group has met monthly since
September 2013 and has been
chaired by Marcus Wilkinson, the
proprietor of Alfred Smith & Son.
Meetings have been focussed on the
development of the BID set up
(including BID boundary, levy rate,
exemptions and lower threshold),
the involvement and consultation of
businesses, consideration of the
research findings and the
development of the business plan.
Database
Preparation
Presentations to
Business Groups
Town Wide
Information Events
The database has been
designed and
maintained to track
business inclusion in
the development of the
BID. This not only
allowed the Steering
Group to monitor and
assess the commitment
to the BID but to
ensure all businesses
have been kept
informed of the
development process.
Maintenance of the
database has shown
that approximately
50% of businesses
have engaged with the
BID development
process in some way.
The Steering Group wished to
maximise consultation with
businesses so took the opportunity
of giving presentations at various
business group meetings taking
place in the town.
Two information events at
key stages of the BID
development process were
held. A Launch Event was
held on 12th February 2014
at Penwith College to let
everyone know about the
plans for a BID for Penzance,
what the BID might deliver
and how it might operate.
The survey was launched at
the event. A total of 96
people attended the Launch
Event. An event to present
the findings of the survey
was held on 22nd October
2014. Attendees were also
recruited to attend a series
of workshops aimed to
develop projects from the
survey results. A total of 77
people attended the event.
The following groups received a
presentation about the BID:
• Penzance Chamber of
Commerce,
5th November 2013
• Causewayhead Traders,
16th January 2014
• Pub Watch,
4th June 2014
• Penzance Rotary Club,
12th September 2014
Approximately 100 business
representatives attended these
events.
W
Business Survey
The Steering Group's aim was to generate an informed and
objective view. In drawing up the survey the group tried to
achieve this whilst basing it on their thoughts and
experiences of trading in the town themselves. They also
considered experience from other BIDs. Details of the
survey findings were published in the Survey Results
document distributed in October. The response rate for the
survey was high for a BID consultation; out of 345
businesses there were 156 responses. These responses
broadly reflected the sector split of businesses in the town.
Responses by business sector:
A summary of the survey findings are
given on the following pages.
W
Retail
46%
Professional services
22%
Restaurant/Cafe/Pub
13%
Other (inc Not for profit)
8%
Gallery
7%
Accommodation
3%
The Consultation Process
Events & Marketing:
Physical Improvements:
Events and Marketing were thought to be very important
for Penzance with all suggested projects being relatively
highly prioritised.
Vacant premises were thought to be the most important
aspect of physical improvements needed in the town with less
importance placed on public realm improvements.
Responses
Responses
160
160
140
140
120
120
100
100
80
80
60
60
40
40
20
20
0
0
Year-round
events
Useful
10 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
Marketing
campaigns
Website
Very important
Digital
marketing
Visitor
initiatives
Vacant
premises
Seating
and Bins
Planting
and Flags
Street
cleaning
Security & Business Support:
Parking & Access Improvements:
Training and joint procurement was not felt to be high in
importance but dealing with anti-social behaviour was.
Parking initiatives were seen as being the most important
access improvement for the town.
Responses
Responses
160
160
140
140
120
120
100
100
80
80
60
60
40
40
20
20
0
0
Parking
initiatives
Branded
signage
Cycle &
pedestrian
routes
Address
anti-social
behaviour
Address
shoplifting
Joint
procurement
Training
The Consultation Process
'Postcard to
Penzance'
Community Consultation
In addition to consulting businesses and
stakeholders the Steering Group drew on the
public consultation 'Postcard to Penzance'.
The 'Postcard to Penzance' was an initiative
created by Newlyn Art Gallery and The
Exchange to gather views about the town and
provide a means where residents could help
shape its future. The survey received a good
response rate with approximately 250
responses concerning town centre issues.
Of these issues the BID plans to get involved in
those which will positively impact on
businesses' trading environment such as better
signage, marketing, improvements to the
appearance of vacant premises and public
areas, and better use of open spaces,
especially the Promenade.
12 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
The Consultation Process
Workshops
The workshops were
geared towards
examining issues
raised in the survey
to greater depth and
to develop
meaningful projects
to form the basis of
the business plan.
The Steering Group
wished to ensure as
many people as
possible had an input
to the projects the
BID should deliver.
In all 46 people
attended 4
workshops. Details of
the outcomes of the
workshops were
published in the Draft
Proposal document
distributed in
December.
Events & Marketing
(29th October 2014):
This workshop was very popular
with lots of project suggestions
coming forward including:
• A range of small and large events
• Art, cultural, & sports events
• Street entertainment
Physical
Improvements
Security and
Business Support
Parking & Access
Improvements
(4th November 2014):
(11th November 2014):
(12th November 2014):
Attendees at this
workshop suggested:
This workshop raised the
importance of dealing with
drunkenness and homeless
people. Suggested
improvements included:
Attendees agreed the
following improvements:
• Working with landlords
and agents to improve
the appearance of empty
properties and encourage
uptake by new tenants
• Re-locating the taxi rank
• Improving lighting
It was noted that marketing of the
town should include:
• Projects building on Penzance's
uniqueness
• Developing unexplored
opportunities eg. the surrounding
natural resources
• Collaboration with transport
operators
• Guides for visitors including trails
and business sector guides
• A comprehensive town website
• A town app.
• Encouraging Pop up
Shops and advertising in
empty units
• The creation of focal
points/dwell spaces
• Unique planting and
sculpture and involve
young people in
developing these.
• More flexible parking
charging structures, such
as pay on exit
• Greater adoption of
Storenet
• Building on new CCTV
upgrade to be operational
in April
• Consideration of an
additional mobile CCTV for
trouble spots
With regard to business
support collaborative
activities were suggested
such as:
• Networking events
• Waste cardboard
disposal
• Business start-up packs
• The evening charging rate
should commence from 4pm
• Access should be made
easier for those arriving by
rail, road or sea with maps,
signage and guides being
available
• Better signage for links to
footpaths and cycle routes
• Additional visitor
information provision was
needed in the centre of the
town
What will the Penzance BID deliver?
Based on the research carried out, the proposed activities, timescales and allocated budgets over the 5 years are outlined in the tables on the following four pages.
Key:
A High achievability and relevance
B Good achievability and relevance
C Moderate achievability and relevance
Events & Marketing Allocated levy income budget £247,400 (30% over 5 yrs)
Create an identity for Penzance to differentiate it from other towns. Increase the frequency of visits and prolong peoples' stay. Build on Cornish Riviera, Love Penzance & Pirate 'brands'
and themes. Market the town to the whole of Cornwall and the UK. Target locals, young people, visitors (including those in transit), and people wishing to relocate.
Run a series of large and small art, cultural and sports
events throughout the year including markets and street
entertainment. Collaborate with existing event
organisers
1 2 3 4
Theme 1
Theme 2
Theme 3
Theme 4
Events and
Marketing
Physical
Improvements
Access
Improvements
Security and
Business Support
X
Overall
Priority
Short and Medium term
A
Medium term
B
Immediate
A
Create a series of local trails based on surrounding
gardens, beaches, prehistory, art etc
X
Market Penzance's marine sports offer
X
Develop collaborative schemes with First Great Western,
bus companies, coach tour operators and cruise ships
X
X
X
Immediate
B
Develop a town website based on the Love Penzance
brand as a single point of reference for all events,
activities, attractions, shops, services & relocation
opportunities
X
X
X
Immediate
A
Develop a town app “PZApp”
X
X
X
Immediate
A
Produce a range of guides and maps for visitors, coach
drivers, guides, cruise ship passengers
X
X
Immediate
A
14 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
X
Timescale
What will the Penzance BID deliver?
Key:
A High achievability and relevance
B Good achievability and relevance
C Moderate achievability and relevance
Physical Improvements Allocated levy income budget £197,720 (24% over 5 yrs)
Help increase the number of visitors and length of dwell time by improving the town's appearance, encouraging people to spend more time in the town and enabling
diverse uses of the town centre.
Work with landlords and agents to encourage them to
offer flexible deals to fill empty units
1 2 3 4
Theme 1
Theme 2
Theme 3
Theme 4
Events and
Marketing
Physical
Improvements
Access
Improvements
Security and
Business Support
Timescale
Overall
Priority
X
Medium term
A
Develop incentives for landlords providing external
make overs for empty units
X
Immediate
A
Provide promotional packs for empty units
X
Immediate
A
Use empty shop windows for temporary advertising and
'Pop Up Shops'
X
Immediate
A
Work with public sector partners to create dwell spaces
at the following locations:
Humphry Davy Quarter /Market House
St John's Hall
Top of Causewayhead
Queen's Square
Top of Chapel Street
Galleries, Gardens/parks
Harbour-side
The Promenade and Jubilee Pool Albert Street
X
X
Long term
B
Provide consistent visual branding for signage and
street furniture
X
X
Medium term
A
Provide alternative planting schemes eg sub-tropical
plants and alternatives to hanging baskets. Involve
creative community and young people in their design
X
Medium term
A
What will the Penzance BID deliver?
Key:
A High achievability and relevance
B Good achievability and relevance
C Moderate achievability and relevance
Parking & Access Improvements Allocated levy income budget £73,520 (9% over 5 yrs)
Make it easier for visitors and locals to come into the town, find their way around, discover points of interest, spend longer in the town and use its facilities.
Work with public sector to create a 'pay on exit'
charging system at the Harbour car park
1 2 3 4
Theme 1
Theme 2
Theme 3
Theme 4
Events and
Marketing
Physical
Improvements
Access
Improvements
Security and
Business Support
Negotiate with car park owners for more flexible parking
rates
Timescale
Overall
Priority
X
Immediate
B
X
Medium term
B
Provide a range of guides and maps in paper and digital
formats for coach parties
X
X
Immediate
A
Develop links with tour operators, cruise operators and
bus companies
X
X
Medium term
B
Rationalise and co-ordinate signage to guide people to
and from car parks and around the town. Also improve
signage to footpaths and cycle routes
X
X
Long term
B
Provide visitor information in the town centre and
support continued provision of service near station
X
X
Immediate
A
16 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
What will the Penzance BID deliver?
Key:
A High achievability and relevance
Security and Business Support
B Good achievability and relevance
C Moderate achievability and relevance
Allocated levy income budget £114,920 (14% over 5 yrs)
Adopt measures to make the town a safer and more hospitable place to visit and spend time both during the day and evening. Support businesses to prevent shop lifting.
Provide opportunities for businesses to work together and be better informed.
1 2 3 4
Timescale
Overall
Priority
X
Medium term
A
Provide incentive to expand Storenet usage when new
CCTV system is operational
X
Medium term
A
Explore procurement of additional relocateable CCTV for
temporary use in trouble spots
X
Medium term
C
Develop effective links with agencies and the public sector
to increase policing presence at key times
Theme 1
Theme 2
Theme 3
Theme 4
Events and
Marketing
Physical
Improvements
Access
Improvements
Security and
Business Support
Work with public sector to improve night time lighting in
key areas
X
X
Long term
C
Work with taxi companies and the public sector to improve
location of taxi ranks and trialling of taxi marshals
X
X
Medium term
C
Work with licensees and the public sector to develop safe
schemes and/or accreditation for clubs and pubs
X
Immediate
A
Provide business starter packs for new businesses &
business relocations
X
Immediate
A
Arrange quarterly networking meetings of BID members
X
Immediate
A
Provide a cost effective cardboard collection service
X
Immediate
A
Funding
Overview
The funding for the Penzance BID will
primarily come from the BID levy. However,
sponsorship, donations and voluntary
contributions will also be sought from
businesses and organisations outside the
BID boundary. Additional funding from any
of these sources will allow delivery of more
services and enhancement of the quality of
the proposed activities, however, this has not
been included in the financial details at this
stage.
External funds will also be sought from the
European Union and Central Government
where the BID is eligible. In the long term
the BID may seek to commercialise certain
activities where an income could be
generated at no expense to the levy payers.
At the moment it is only possible to estimate
likely amounts from the BID levy as most
other funds will be sought on a project by
project basis. On this basis the estimated
core annual budget for the BID is in the
region of £160,000. Once the BID is
operational variations within budgets will be
reported to the Penzance BID Ltd board for
agreement. The board will agree on an
annual basis how funds for subsequent
years will be allocated. This will be based
on business feedback during the previous
year and priorities for the coming year which
gives the BID the flexibility to respond to
changing business needs and requirements.
Funding may be transferred between
projects according to the needs of Penzance
BID Ltd on the instruction of the board
without resorting to an alteration ballot.
The BID Levy Rules
These rules explain who is entitled to vote in the BID ballot, who is liable for the BID levy, when levy payments
should be made, and the circumstances of any exemptions or refunds.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
18 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
Each eligible business ratepayer will have a vote provided they are listed on the National Non-Domestic
Ratings List within the boundary, defined by the list of streets and the map in this document, on the day the
notice of ballot is given by The Returning Officer of Cornwall Council.
Each business ratepayer entitled to vote will be liable for the levy.
The levy rate to be paid by each property or hereditament is to be calculated as 2% of its rateable value as at
31st May 2015.
A discount of 15% of the levy payable will apply to hereditaments currently paying a service charge to
Charville Estates (Penzance) Ltd for security services. Any other businesses which pay service charges to
landlords will not receive any discount.
Each person entitled to vote will have one vote in respect of each rateable property within the boundary with a
rateable value of £6,000 or more. A proxy vote is available and details will be sent out with the ballot papers.
The number of properties or hereditaments liable for the levy is estimated at 405.
The levy will be charged in full from 1st June 2015 to 31st March 2016 in the first year, annually from 1st April
2016 to 31st March 2020, and from 1st April to 31st May 2020 in the final year. The levy must be paid by one
payment in each year. An instalment option is not available.
Collection of the BID levy carries the same enforcement weight as collection of the non-domestic rates.
If a business ratepayer occupies premises for less than one year, the amount of BID levy payable will be
calculated on the number of days they occupy the property.
Exemptions, relief or discounts prescribed in the Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement)
(Local Lists) Regulations 1989 made under the Local Government Finance Act 1988, will not apply.
The owners of untenanted or part-occupied properties or hereditaments will be liable for the payment of the
full levy.
Where a property is vacant, undergoing refurbishment or being demolished, the property owner will be entitled
to vote and also obliged to pay the levy with no void period.
Premises occupied by charities or non-profit making organisations, will be liable for the full BID levy. The
exception to this will be voluntary groups and charities with no commercial activities and schools; these
organisations will not be liable for the levy.
The BID levy will not be affected by the small business rate relief scheme.
The ratings list will be updated for any changes in ratepayer, additions or removals and liability will be adjusted
accordingly.
The BID levy will have to be paid by any new ratepayer occupying an existing rateable property within the BID
area up until the end of the five year term on 31st May 2020 even though they did not vote on the initial
proposal.
Any new rateable property created during the lifetime of the BID will be obliged to pay the levy calculated
using the 2010 Non-Domestic Rating List.
The BID levy will be calculated using the 2010 Non-Domestic Rating List for the duration of the BID. The rating
revaluation proposed for 2017 will be ignored for the purposes of calculating the levy.
The exception to this will be any change of use or a physical change to a property or hereditament including
inter alia; new construction, merger, subdivision, extension and refurbishment where the hereditament has no
entry in the 2010 rating list. Where a hereditament is entered into the rating list after 31st March 2017 the
BID levy will be calculated using the entry in the 2017 rating list.
The BID area and the levy percentage cannot be altered without an alteration ballot.
How the Levy will be Collected
Under the BID Regulations 2004, Cornwall Council will be responsible for collection of the levy on behalf
of Penzance BID Ltd. The levy income will be kept in a separate ring-fenced account and transferred to
Penzance BID Ltd on a regular basis.
The Council will charge an annual budgeted levy collection fee of 1.25% of the total levy. The arrangement
will be formalised in an Operating Agreement signed by both the BID company and the Council.
Following a successful 'Yes' vote, invoices for the levy will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to the
due date of 1st June 2015. As quoted above in point 7) payment will be due for the whole financial year
in one lump sum with no instalment options. This is to keep the Cornwall Council collection fee at a
minimum (1.25% of total levy).
Indicative Levy Contributions
BID levies are calculated by applying a percentage to a property's rateable value. Rateable values are
calculated by the Valuation Agency and based on the likely annual open market rent for the premises at a
particular date. To assess the rateable value, factors such as the size of premises and how premises are
used are taken into account. The chart below shows indicative levy contributions:
Rateable value
£6,000 £10,000 £25,000 £50,000 £100,000 £250,000
Proposed annual levy
£120
£200
£500
£1,000 £2,000 £5,000
Equivalent weekly cost
£2.30
£3.85
£9.62
£19.23 £38.46 £96.15
If you don't know your rateable value, then please go to www.2010.voa.gov.uk/rli/ to find out.
How the Funding will be Spent - Estimated Costs and Expenditure
The chart below shows the estimated costs and expenditure over the term of the BID.
THEMES & OPERATIONAL COSTS
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Total
Events & Marketing 30%
Physical Improvements 24%
Parking & Access Improvements 9%
Security & Business Support 14%
Operational costs 20%
47,180
37,544
13,454
21,480
36,124
48,180
38,544
15,454
22,485
31,119
49,180
38,544
14,454
22,485
31,119
48,180
39,544
14,454
22,485
31,119
48,180
38,544
14,454
23,485
31,119
240,900
192,720
72,270
112,420
160,600
4,818
4,818
4,818
4,818
4,818
24,090
160,600 160,600 160,600 160,600 160,600
803,000
(inc. staffing, office, insurance, legal)
Contingency 3%
TOTAL
Summary Public Sector Baseline Information
The public sector is already providing a range of services to the town centre. To ensure that any investments by a BID are additional to existing services, baseline statements of services have been
drawn up. They are published in full on the BID website at www.penzancebid.co.uk Some services may change during the course of the BID. The BID will review these services to ensure that
standards and quality of service are maintained throughout the term of the BID. Meetings will be held with the public bodies where issues and areas of concern are raised by the levy payers.
Street Cleaning
Public Conveniences
CCTV
Cornwall Council, through its contractors, provides a regular
programme of street cleaning including:
Cornwall Council cleans the following public conveniences:
• Superloo, Wharf Road
• South Pier, Wharf Road
• Penalverne
12 public space CCTV cameras will be owned and operated by the Town
Council from April 2015. The Council will be responsible for the
maintenance and upgrade of equipment in line with requirements of the
Data Protection Act 1998. Management of the CCTV control room is
the responsibility of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).
Monitoring will be contracted out by Penzance Town Council; currently
the contractors are CFRS. In addition to monitoring of CCTV Storenet
and Pubwatch radio schemes will be used and monitored.
• Removal of all litter, refuse and detritus by using manual
and mechanical sweeping, street washing, litter picking and
any other necessary measures
• Emptying of litter bins, litter recycling bins and dog waste
bins and barbecue bins
• Channel cleansing (and weeds living and dead from
Zone 1/High Intensity Use areas)
• Removal of leaves and blossom fall
• Removal of human and dog fouling
• Removal of dead animals
• Removal of large mammals and fish from identified
beaches
• Any other activities necessary to maintain the defined
standards
Grassland Maintenance
Morrab Gardens are maintained by Cornwall Council through
its contractor, CORMAC Solutions to the following standard:
• Appearance of a healthy sward.
• No unsightly weeds, litter, debris, clippings and bare
patches.
• To provide a welcoming and useable area for general parks
use, including informal games and picnics.
• Height of grass should be between 25 - 75mm.
• All areas uniformly cut including perimeter edges and
obstacles.
• Paths and surroundings free of clippings.
• Edges to beds should be maintained to provide neat, tidy
and aesthetically pleasing perimeter, sympathetic to the
site's design.
20 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
The standard of cleanliness is to ensure they are:
a.
free from dirt or contaminating matter
b.
unsoiled
c.
maintaining what is regarded as original state
d.
free from obscenity or indecency
e.
hygienic and conducive to personal cleanliness.
NB: During the period of the BID maintenance of some or all
public conveniences may become the responsibility of the Town
Council or other body.
Public Car Parking
Cornwall Council is responsible for:
• Reviewing on-street and off-street car parking in
conjunction with partners.
• Enforcing parking controls on-street and in Cornwall
Council car parks
Cornwall Council car parks are:
• Harbour
•
• St John's Hall
•
• Greenmarket
•
• St Anthony
Clarence Street
St Erbyn's
Causewayhead
NB: During the period of the BID some or all car parks may
become the responsibility of the Town Council or other body.
Town Council
The Town Council provides a number of services for the town including:
• CCTV monitoring (see CCTV section)
• Allotments (outside the BID area)
• Christmas Lights and Christmas Lights Festival
• Footpaths (as part of the Local Maintenance Partnership with
Cornwall Council)
• Notice board
• Website
• Town flags/Prom flags
• Grants scheme
• Golowan Festival
• Penlee House Gallery and Museum
• Penlee Memorial Park/Open spaces
• Penzance Community Flora Group
Police
Covering Penzance Town and Penzance Town West the Police provide:
• 2 Neighbourhood Beat Managers
• 4 Police Community Support Officers
Penzance has a 24hr response function based at Penzance Police
Station. There is also a Special Constabulary mainly to support in the
evening and at public events.
“The BID is a unique opportunity for the
Town Centre business community to
take charge of its own destiny and
develop some of the Town's unrealized
economic potential. If the business
community don't do it nobody else will.”
Dick Cliffe,
Chairman,
Penzance Chamber of Commerce
“Over the past couple of years there is a clear
feeling that the community has come together
to make Penzance a town to be really proud of.
The BID process demonstrated how the business
community is taking a strong and clear lead too.
It has my full backing.”
James Green,
Director, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange
Penzance BID Management and Operation
Driving forward the Penzance BID has been a Steering Group comprising committed members of the business community from the BID area.
The members are:
Marcus Wilkinson, Alfred Smith & Son
[email protected]
Rachel Thomson, Lloyds Bank
[email protected]
Dick Cliffe, Penzance Chamber of Commerce
[email protected]
James Green, Exchange Gallery
[email protected]
Sarah Shaw, Cornish Hen
[email protected]
Janet Mogford, Nat West Bank
[email protected]
Susan Stuart, Chapel House
[email protected]
Simon Glasson, Penzance Town Council
[email protected]
Helen Stone, Harbour Crystals
[email protected]
Sue Wilkinson, Alfred Smith & Son
[email protected]
Nick Hood, National Trust
[email protected]
Theresa James, PRH Estate Agents
[email protected]
James Pulford, Wharfside Shopping Centre
[email protected]
Prior to the ballot the Steering Group have set up a new not for profit company, Penzance BID
Ltd, which will undertake the management and operation of the BID. The nature of the Penzance
BID and the activities it plans to undertake indicate a company limited by guarantee as being the
most appropriate model. This structure is the one recommended by British BIDs. The benefits of a
company limited by guarantee are:
• The members have limited liability to a specified amount that each has guaranteed to
contribute, if the BID company is wound up. This is usually for a nominal sum such as £1.00,
solving the problem of members being liable if the BID dissolves. It is usually important for both
public sector and business members to have this comfort.
• It ensures that any profits or operating surpluses are retained within the company and used to
further the BID objectives, rather than paid to shareholders. This is important in securing any
necessary external funding.
• The company is a clear legal entity, it is separate from the people involved in it and it can
therefore hold property, enter into leases and employ people in it's own name.
• It provides a framework within which procedures can be established that enable independent
or public scrutiny, for example through an annual open forum of levy payers when the Board of
Directors will report on the activities, accounts and forthcoming activities of the BID. This gives it
a level of credibility. There are formal registration procedures through Companies House and
requirements to notify changes of directors etc. and submit annual returns and accounts.
• Companies limited by guarantee have been demonstrated to be effective delivery vehicles for
many area-based initiatives in the UK and are generally an accepted and understood legal
structure.
22
In order for the company to be set up three directors from the current BID Steering Group will be
appointed. At the first Annual General Meeting these directors will resign but may stand for reelection.
Following a successful 'yes' vote in the BID ballot, Penzance BID Ltd will become the legal
identity and administrative arm of the BID from 1st June 2015. Membership of the company will
be open to all BID levy contributors and there will be a board of up to 11 directors (the positions
will not be remunerated). A maximum of 9 directors will be elected from the membership and a
maximum of 2 directors will be co-opted from organisations with an interest in procuring the
objectives of the BID proposal. In addition partner organisations may be invited to attend board
meetings as observers from time to time.
Prior to the company's first Annual General Meeting full details on how members can put
themselves forward as directors will be sent to all levy payers. The aim will be to include a range
of different business sectors on the board reflecting the overall profile of the town's businesses.
The current BID Steering Group will continue to operate after the vote until the first Annual
General Meeting of the company to ensure there is no break in the momentum of activity. The
Articles of Association will be published on the BID website at www.penzancebid.co.uk prior to
the close of ballot (26th March 2015).
All members will be invited to Annual General Meetings. Directors will be elected at these
meetings and audited accounts will be presented and agreed and a report on past and projected
BID activities presented.
The company will also employ all staff associated with the BID delivery. It is proposed that a BID
manager will be recruited with responsibility for delivering the projects and services detailed in
this business plan. The manager and any support staff will be recruited by the board and report
to and be directed by them.
The board of directors will meet no less than quarterly per year with sub-groups being set up for
specific tasks. A key role for the manager will be to establish an appropriate framework of
operations based on the priorities and projects identified in this plan and to ensure effective
liaison between all stakeholders.
Performance and Monitoring
The Penzance BID company will carefully monitor and continually review the performance of the BID against
the business plan and the objectives and targets which it sets. This is important to ensure that members and
other partners get value for money and to make adjustments to the BID's future development plan.
The manager will be responsible for establishing an annual operating plan and activity programme including
key performance indicators against which the success of both the BID and individual projects will be
monitored. The establishment of these measures will be overseen by the BID board. In addition two further
aspects of monitoring will be undertaken.
• The preparation of an annual progress report based on the activities undertaken by the BID;
• Specific surveys or consultations commissioned or undertaken by the BID or other stakeholders or partners.
It is anticipated that these activities will take place at two key milestones:
1) At the mid-point of the BID period it is proposed to conduct an independently facilitated business and
shopper seminar to discuss progress and the factors contributing to this.
2) In the final year business and shopper surveys will be conducted. These surveys will include the relevant
information fields from the research which was conducted for this business plan. This will allow as assessment
of change in customer and business perceptions and behaviour to be measured and thus the influence of the
BID can be assessed. This will then form the basis for planning for the next period of the BID.
Risk Assessment
The Penzance BID company will take steps to assess and minimise any risks whether financial
or otherwise through its monitoring and evaluation systems. A contingency budget has
been set aside in the financial table as outlined in the business plan to cover any
unforeseen circumstances.
“I am pleased to be working with the BID as I love
working in Penzance & supporting local businesses and I
believe that the BID will help the town to become more
vibrant & prosperous which will benefit everyone. “
Rachel Thomson,
Relationship Manager, Business & Environment Partner,
Lloyd's SME & Commercial Banking
The Ballot
The vote will be a confidential postal vote, conducted by the Ballot Holder and Cornwall Council.
It will be conducted in line with BID legislation. Prior to the ballot papers being issued, a
“Notice of Ballot” will be sent to all businesses in the BID area.
Ballot papers and a copy of the Business Plan will be issued to every business located in the BID area
and addressed to the person responsible for casting a vote within their business. The ballot paper
should be completed by placing a cross in either a 'YES' or 'NO' box, as a response to the question
'Are you in favour of the Penzance Business Improvement District proposals for:' followed by
a list of streets in the Penzance BID area.
The ballot paper should be signed by the person that completed it and returned in the
pre-addressed postage paid envelope.
If a business has more than one rateable property it will receive a ballot paper for each property.
Each paper counts as one vote.
It is important that every paper received is completed and returned.
For the BID to go ahead, two conditions must be met:
1) More than 50% of businesses who vote must vote in favour
2) Of the 'yes' votes, they must represent more than 50% of the total rateable value of all votes cast
Under the legislation, if these conditions are fulfilled, payment of a 2% levy each year for five years
until 2020 becomes mandatory for all eligible businesses regardless of how they voted.
Key Dates of the Ballot Process
6th February 2015 - Notice of Ballot issued
19th February 2015 - Ballot papers issued
26th March 2015 - Final day for voting papers to be returned (deadline 5pm)
27th March 2015 - Announcement of ballot results
1st June 2015 - BID starts if successful at ballot
24 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
“We are privileged to live in the ancient
market town of Penzance with its stunning
architecture, famous gardens and
promenade to name but a few of its
important attractions. There is no doubt
that we have all suffered from the decline
in the town and the economy over the last
few years. We could sit back and wait for it
to improve which, I don't think it will or we
could take control of the situation, work
together, make our own choices and get our
town back. I truly believe that we can
achieve great things. Come on people of
Penzance, take responsibility and enjoy the
rewards it will bring!”
Theresa James
PRH Estate & Letting Agents
Demonstration Projects
To give you an idea what a collaboration of businesses working together
can create, the following initiatives have already been developed by the
BID Steering Group:
Penzance and the BITC Healthly High Streets Campaign.
Penzance has been accepted as one of the first towns in Business in the Community's (BITC) Healthy High
Streets Campaign. This campaign is only open to towns with Town Centre Partnerships (a delivery partner)
and Penzance qualified because of its BID initiative. The BITC Healthy High Streets Campaign is led by well
known High Street names like Boots, Co-operative Group and Santander (they are our local BITC
'Champions') and the Campaign is targeting increasing footfall, reducing High Street vacancies and creating
jobs over a three year timescale (until July 2017). Even before Penzance BID comes into existence, the BID
initiative has allowed the Penzance business community to engage with major national chains and benefit
from their advice and support. One of the early results has been movement on getting the Market House
building refurbished, a prerequisite to seeing this iconic but long under-used building brought back into use.
Penzance Car Parking Initiative.
The BID Steering Group, working in partnership with local Cornwall Councillors and the Town Council, has
established a dialogue with Cornwall Council at Cabinet Member level over future parking charges and the
importance of making the Harbour Car Park pay-on-exit in the future. The fact that the Penzance BID
initiative is driven by Town Centre businesses and reflects their priorities has allowed Penzance to speak
authoritatively and with one voice on the matter of parking. Whilst the initiative is at an early stage, it
reflects the benefits of businesses working together with political partners to achieve what is in the best
interests of the Town.
...and what if I vote ‘NO’?
Then nothing will happen!
In the current economic climate, nobody would blame you for considering the 'no' option. However, if you vote 'no', you are missing out on the one off
opportunity to raise £800,000 of new investment for the benefit of all businesses in Penzance. The projects outlined in this Proposal cannot happen without
funding and whilst there will always be committed and enthusiastic individuals and organisations, you will be losing the opportunity to create a strong business
led organisation with guaranteed funds that is set up solely to represent your interests. Look at the projects proposed and consider how much you could save
through cost savings schemes or how many sales it would take to recoup your 2% levy.
How much of a risk is it?
Is it worth a go to make Penzance a vibrant town once again?
Is it is too much of a financial risk to vote 'yes' and pay 2% of your rateable value each year for five years?
For most ratepayers, it will cost less than the price of a one quarter page advertisement in the local paper each year.
26 www.penzancebid.co.uk
Business plan
For further information about BIDs in
Cornwall and the UK visit:
www.enjoytruro.co.uk
www.falmouth.co.uk
www.newquaybid.co.uk
www.cambornecando.co.uk
www.staustellbid.co.uk
www.newhambid.co.uk
www.stivesbid.co.uk
www.britishbids.info
Please watch the BID film at www.cornwall.gov.uk/
and click on 'Business' and then 'Business
Improvement Districts'.
For British Retail Consortium's view of
BIDs visit www.retailbids.org.uk
For information on Rateable Values
visit www.2010.voa.gov.uk/rli/
If you require the information in a different format for example, large print or language translation please call 01872 224378
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