I am backing the Exeter BID!

As the Exeter Business Improvement District (BID) reaches the next stage in its campaign, those involved in the BID are beginning to explore options with other businesses within the city centre with a view to design, plan, manage and deliver a Business Plan that reflects their business priorities to take the city centre forward for the next five years.

Here is one of the faces of Exeter BID who are supporting the scheme…

David Mezzetti, director at the Real Food Store, Paris Street, Exeter.

1. How do you feel about the Exeter BID?

An essential tool for additional investment in the City Centre

2. What do you hope for if the BID is successful?

A strong emphasis on enhancement of streetscape, quality signage and better inclusion of businesses in guides, tourist information and hotel leaflet drops, social media coverage of stories and developments.

3. What do you hope will be included in the BID business plan?

Strong representation of Independents on the BID Board

4. How would your business benefit directly from a BID?

In our case, Paris Street has no certainty of tenure beyond March 2016 so any direct benefits are likely to recede if we have to move outside the BID area.

5. What do you feel are the current and future challenges for businesses in Exeter?

For retail, the ever-shortening tenure of middle sized businesses as they struggle with business rates and rent levels. Thus a constant question of 'how long will a new business last - as 'bricks and mortar'.

There is a limit to how many 'chain' restaurants and food outlets can be sustained. The new independent entrants in the field have on the whole assessed their offer and financial viability well.

Fin dout more about Exeter BID here.