I'm 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.

The now drafted BID business plan recently launched at an event held at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter.

Here are just some of the faces of Exeter BID who are supporting the scheme…

Martin McGahey, owner of McGahey the Tobacconist in Exeter High Street.

1. How do you feel about the Exeter BID?

I think that the BID is essential if Exeter is going to keep up its marketing strategy.

Exeter is doing well but we do need further investment to put out the right signals.  I feel we need the BID to get the funds together.

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

I hope that we can use the BID for further promotion of the Rugby World Cup 2015. Exeter must take advantage of the Rugby world Cup coming to the city next year as it is something special that we can really highlight.

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

I would like to see some funding put to controlled busking and advertising on High Street. It would be great to be rid of all unauthorised advertising, including A-frames.

I would also like to see adequate transport and parking for the city making the city centre more accessible for visitors as well as locals.

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

Being in the centre of Exeter I would like to see more footfalls passing thought the centre and perhaps more space for retailers. We want to encourage people to visit and stay.

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

A main challenge for retailers is out of town shopping for example the planned Junction 27 site.

I also feel that Exeter must sort out the parking and transport obstacles that can prevent people from visiting the city centre.

Find out more about Exeter BID here.