Celebrating the BID vote at the Fermanagh Herald Business Awards were, clockwise from left, Anne Mooney, Noelle McCarney, Mo Aswat, Tom Harper, Anna Devlin, Sharon Scott, Terry McCartney and Tanya Cathcart Picture: Ronan McGrade
BUSINESSES in Enniskillen have given a resounding YES vote to become a Business Improvement District. A huge result in favour was declared at the ballot announcement in Pat’s Bar on Friday evening with a clear 85% voting in favour of the BID.
Enniskillen BID Task Team Chairman, Anna Devlin, said the result was a strong message delivered by the business community.
“I’m delighted that the businesses of Enniskillen have overwhelmingly supported the BID. This is a very exciting result and we can all look forward to the next chapter when the Enniskillen BID is fully operational.”
Jim Masterson, a member of Enniskillen Task Team said that BID provides an excellent opportunity for what many local business owners have been asking for many years, “to have control on the allocation of funding to be spent directly on projects that will deliver”.
Enniskillen BID will ensure that an investment of £1.2 million will be spent directly on projects that will directly affect the economy within the town. The BID will actively work to generate additional income such as grants and commercial sponsorships.
Terry McCartney of the Belmore Court and Motel said the Yes result was fantastic news for Enniskillen and for everyone involved in the campaign.
“The businesses now have the opportunity to shape Enniskillen’s future and to benefit from the co-ordinated programme of marketing, promotions and events support that the BID will give them,” he added.
Now as a Business Improvement District (BID), local businesses in Enniskillen will work together collectively to improve the area in which they trade. The ultimate aim of BID is to increase footfall and improve trading in the island town.
The BID will raise funds through a levy which will be used to deliver projects and initiatives which are set out in the Enniskillen BID Business Plan.
For further information on the BID projects to be delivered over the next five years go to the website: www.enniskillenbid.co.uk or email advice@enniskillenbid.co.uk
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