Business Improvement District (BID) is an arrangement whereby businesses get together and decide;
This all goes into a business plan which is voted on by all those who would have to pay. The BID lasts for a maximum of 5 years and must be able to demonstrate how it benefits the businesses that have founded it.
The Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) was implemented in Ballymena Town Centre following a resounding successful vote by Ballymena town centre businesses. It gives members one voice to:
“In this unprecedented year, supporting the Financial Wellbeing of our customers and communities, and their underlying local economies, is more important than ever to us at Bank of Ireland.
Despite these challenging times within the local wider economy, Ballymena remains a great retail destination. The local businesses have shown great solidarity and fully understand the value of working together to keep Ballymena business and communities thriving in this difficult times.
Ballymena BID still remains an important vehicle of support to a wide range of local businesses, from small independent retailers services to larger high street brands.”
“No one prepared us for the shock of lockdown and what it would mean to our business and staff”, says Kieran McAtamney.
“Thankfully the butchery remained open and we extended our service and customer base through home deliveries.
With our new restaurant, Graze, due to open in the Autumn, we are very encouraged with there turn of shoppers to the town. It’s important we support the BID re-ballot.”
Lesley from Follow Coffee says, “A big thank you to the Ballymena coffee drinkers for supporting us during this uncertain period. As a new management team taking over Follow Coffee,
lockdown stopped us dead in our tracks. Thankfully we took the downtime to carry out a refurb and we were able to operate street side coffee sales from outside the business.
” Further, Lesley adds, “Social distancing is now the new norm and our customers really appreciate the steps we have taken to offer a safe café experience. It’s great to see Ballymena getting back to business with the help of the BID.”
“What a strange period of trading the last 4 months has been! As an essential retailer the store remained open throughout lockdown, continuing to keep key workers operational in the supply of white goods and essential electrical items.” Samuel Moore continues, “Coming out of lockdown has posed some challenges for us but the shop is open and welcoming new and old customers back into Ballymena. More than ever now the town can benefit from BID initiatives.”
“Ballymena BID has worked extremely hard with Council to get Ballymena Town centre open again. Independent retailers play such an important role and they are at the heart of the communities. It has been an exceptionally difficult time for businesses and local retail but I’m really pleased that we are starting to move in the right direction, and we are beginning to see shops across Mid and East Antrim reopen their doors.
“Every business has been affected but their resilience has been inspiring and I am really pleased that there is still so much positivity among our business community.”
“I would like to praise the work that Ballymena BID has done throughout the last few months. It’s clear that the Business Improvement District has provided a stronger voice for businesses to support the changes that have come about as a result of the pandemic.“
Ballymena BID has played a key part, along with Council, in the reopening of the town centre and they will continue to boost growth
During lockdown we all deserve a tasty treat! From a delicious cream bun and afternoon teas to a tasty pizza find the perfect takeaway for you and your family from Ballymena Town Centre. Bob & Berts. Pop in and grab a takeaway or order a collection or delivery online via: https://bobandberts.co.uk/order-online#/where (you can also order on Just…
Essential services remain open for you in the Ballymena Area, please visit their websites or telephone to make an appointment or receive a telephone consultation. Banks/Building Societies/Financial Services: Danske Bank Bank of Ireland Hallifax Santander AIB (First Trust) Nationwide Progressive Ballymena Credit Union Opticians: B H McKeague: Vist their website http://bhmckeague.co.uk or telephone to make an…
Support your favourite Ballymena Independent Retailers by shopping online. Don’t miss out on the winter sales and your favourite fashions. The following fabulous Ballymena Stores offer an online shopping experience. Check them out: Kolor Kopy www.printing.com For all your business, print and design requirements or even personalised gifts. Check out their New Year offers online Visit: www.printing.com…
Ballymena Essential Shops remain open to service our local community, meaning you won’t have to travel too far for your food, home, health and wellbeing supplies. You will even be able to pick up a takeaway coffee for your short journey home. From bread to vitamins, toilet roll, bakery and butchers you will find everything…
Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Day at the Adair Arms Hotel. The Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena are excited to announce their Mission Christmas Day for Cash for Kids. A wonderful charity which ensures that all Children in Northern Ireland wake up to a gift under the tree on Christmas Day. Happening on Saturday 19th December…
This competition is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered and congratulations to all of our winners and Merry Christmas to all. We hope you will continue to shop safe and shop Ballymena. ____________________________________________ 20k of Christmas vou“cheers” up for grabs in Ballymena this festive shopping season As Christmas approaches, Ballymena BID are…
In light of the current restriction the BID Board has also made the decision to postpone our proposed BID re-ballot vote until 2021 which will allow us to focus on support for our town centre, and our traders, over the challenging months ahead. The BID is here to support all businesses. We have a new…
For many years, it has been one of the busiest and most eagerly anticipated shopping days in Ballymena for the retail, hospitality and wider business community. Unfortunately, plans for Ballymena’s Annual Discount Day, which usually takes place mid-November, have had to be postponed due to ever changing restrictions brought about by the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic.…
Since our last newsletter issued in March, who would have thought we would now be in the midst of a global pandemic with businesses and retailers throughout the country facing unprecedented challenges. Nevertheless, the Ballymena BID have regrouped and are adjusting to the ‘new normal’. It is with this in mind that I thought it…