BID Priorities Update

Security

The BID Security Patrols continue in the District and have been a great deterrent against crime.  The patrols give the businesses piece of mind and are a highly visible presence around the District . This has been well received, especially as they work closely with the businesses themselves, CCTV and the Police.

The Zero Tolerance Business Watch Scheme is being re-launched this year with the scheme becoming an umbrella organisation to the Pubwatch, Shopwatch and Commercial watch schemes in the town.  Building a safer Sleaford is the aim of the scheme with improved communication, increased radiolink usage and participation by the majority of businesses in the District.

CCTV - additional CCTV is to be installed in and around the town.  The BID are identifying where this will be most effective and will be taking the first steps this year towards greater coverage in the town.

Marketing & Promotion 

Newsletters and media coverage continue to raise the profile of the BID in the town. 

The first big project this year is the bus advertising campaign, launched this Spring.  Three double decker buses will carry the BID logo and slogans advertising the diversity of shops, eating and drinking establishments and health, hair and beauty salons in the town. Encouraging people to think again about Sleaford and what it has to offer.

The BID has once again supported the Sleaford Awards ceremony, recognising the importance of Customer Service in the town.  It is also supporting Sleaford in Bloom and continues to work closely with the Lincolnshire Chamber on events for local businesses.

Moving on from the very successful cotton bags last year, the BID is involved with the Fairtrade Town group hoping to achieve this accolade for Sleaford later in the year. 

At the end of the year the second big project for 2009.  This will be the publication of the Business Directory.  This will be a full colour, glossy directory with an entry for all the BID members and will be distributed to over 10,000 homes. 

Car Parking and Traffic Management 

BID continues to be a consultee on the most recent development from NKDC and LCC.  A long term car parking and traffic management survey has been commissioned and BID has had an input on what the businesses see as important issues in the town.

More free parking has been agreed by the District Council, three of the towns' car parks now offer two hours free and one long term car park has had its daily rate reduced from £3 to £2.  Additionally the BID recently placed an advert, highlighting the availability of over 200 free car parking spaces on a Saturday and Sunday in the town.

Further work is also being done on improving traffic congestion in the town; walk to work; car sharing and cycle lockers are all initiatives being looked into. A travel plan for Sleaford is also being developed by the Lincolnshire County Council.

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