The benefits on offer to Sunderland businesses which fall under the Business Improvement District area are now on offer more widely – thanks to the launch of an innovative new scheme.
The advantages that Sunderland BID bring to the city are many and they are widely recognised – evident by the fact that the organisation has been reelected for a third term.
From promoting the city through an exciting events programme which helps boost the local economy, to making Sunderland centre a more welcoming place through everything from imaginative art installations to clean-up campaigns – the BID has created and delivered an endless stream of positive innovations.
And it’s not just the levy payers who fund the BID who benefit from the numerous opportunities to boost their businesses and their brands, the knock-on effect has much more far-reaching results.
There are, however, a range of services which are only open to levy payers – until now.
The BID has now decided to open its benefits to all, with the launch of an affiliate scheme which means that anyone who joins can now take advantage of a vast array of opportunities.
Affiliates will be able to take part in networking opportunities in unique settings, get volunteering opportunities for staff and can express their opinions on decisions which will help shape the future of the city.
At the same time, they will also be invited to a range of events, training sessions and business seminars as well as being able to participate in relevant public relations activities.
Despite having just been recently unveiled a number of companies have already seen the benefits and haven’t hesitated.
SSE Energy Solutions, property developers, Kirtley Co, Lofthouse and Partners, Certax Accounting, Building Design North and MMC Research and Marketing are now BID affiliates.
The very first company to sign on the dotted line however was Penshaw View Training, and for director Phillipa Breckon it was a decision she made with no hesitation.
“We previously used to be based within the city centre and paid the levy for Sunderland BID,” she said.
“We really valued the support, promotion and business opportunities the BID brought to the table.
“Since moving out of the city centre and no longer being a BID levy payer, we were approached about supporting the BID as an affiliate member.
“We are proud to be Sunderland BID’s first affiliate member and excited about the opportunities our partnership will bring to help create a vibrant city and more opportunities for everyone.”
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID said the scheme was one which had been under consideration for a while and now was the perfect time to introduce it.
“There are so many exciting things happening in Sunderland and the BID plays an active role in helping to shape the positive future of the city,” she said.
“Non-levy payers have benefited from activities we’ve organised such as Restaurant Week and the Food and Drink Festival which is taking place in June, along with our efforts to make the city centre tidy and welcoming.
“We also offer a range of support and training which will now be available to our affiliate members, as well as creating bespoke packages for them which meet their specific needs.
“We are delighted that so many fantastic city businesses have already recognised the advantages of this scheme and have joined – and we look forward to welcoming many more.”
Anyone wanting to find out more should email [email protected] or call 0191 722 1002
