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Firms raise concerns over BID restructure plans

Carmelo Garcia
Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC Businesses and shoppers on Cheltenham's tree-lined Promenade. In the foreground there is a noticeboard with a map of the local area. People are walking by - some are carrying bags, others are talking on phones or chatting to friends.BBC
Concerns have been raised over planned changes at Cheltenham BID

Concerns have been raised by some local businesses in Cheltenham over restructure plans by the Business Improvement District (BID).

Cheltenham BID was set up in 2016 and represents around 800 businesses in the town.

Its CEO Francesca Inman said the board gave their backing to a staff restructure plan last autumn. But there is worry the move will lead to all current staff being made redundant ahead the renewal of the BID in the autumn.

"There are 800 that the BID serves, the levy is going to be paying redundancy, and more money for higher wages for this new team, which may be from out of the area," a source told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The source has expressed concern that staff who have developed strong working relationships with businesses could be let go, while people may be brought in from outside of the spa town.

"The businesses all pay a levy, and it's mandatory. And that money is supposed to pay for improvements to the town and any help that can be given in trading conditions," the source said.

"It's particularly important to retail and hospitality, but also services, offices, and things like discounted parking."

They also believe some businesses in the town don't feel they are currently getting any help from the BID and their levy is to be going on redundancy payments.

Cheltenham BID The Chief Executive Officer of Cheltenham BID, Francesca Inman. She is smiling. Her hair is long and straight. She is wearing a dark polo neck-style top and a necklace. The photo is black and white. Cheltenham BID
Cheltenham BID's CEO Francesca Inman acknowledges the importance of the relationships with local businesses

Ms Inman said that "as we move towards our next renewal ballot in the Autumn which if successful, will provide five more years of investment in Cheltenham from 2026 to 2031, it is incumbent on Cheltenham BID to thoroughly review its operations and the needs and wants of our levy payers".

"We acknowledge the importance of the relationships built by our staff with local businesses and are dedicated to preserving and strengthening these connections.

"In Autumn 2024, the board fully approved a staff restructure aimed at creating efficiency savings, enabling a greater portion of levy funds to be allocated to essential projects and services that directly benefit Cheltenham's streets.

"Our consultation for our forthcoming renewal ballot will be launched very soon and we encourage contributions from all businesses large and small."

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