Bid to launch Oswestry business boost project
Businesses can work together to put Oswestry on the national and international stage, one of the leading lights in a move to launch a Business Improvement District has said.
Oswestry's BID team is hoping to persuade the majority of firms in the town to sign up for the scheme which would see a 1.75 per cent levy on the town's business rates, money that would use for projects to help the local economy.
At a launch in the town last night, BID chairman, Ian Follington, said a working group had held surveys, consultations and workshops over the past 18 months and had identified four major objectives: to raise the profile of the town, regionally and nationally; to support businesses and help with investment; to take steps to ensure the town was 'a great place to be'; to make Oswestry an accessible and safe environment.
The business levy and outside funding would lever in more than £1.5 million over five years, Mr Follington said.
"Acting as one Oswestry's business community is in an ideal position to launch itself into the national and international arena as a special, welcoming and entrepreneurial place with so much to offer its visitors, residents, working and businesses."
There will be a ballot of all businesses in the town centre and industrial estate on February 22 asking whether they support Oswestry becoming a BID town. If the majority vote yes, each business will be expected to pay the 1.75 per cent levy, equal to £210 for small businesses with a rateable value of £12,000.
