Colchester Town BID

The Background

Following a period of consultation Our Colchester was formed by a group of businesses supported by Colchester Borough Council with the aim of progressing with the establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Colchester to deliver a raft of benefits for the betterment of businesses in Colchester town centre.

The Challenge

To achieve a “Yes” vote at ballot. Colchester had previously voted an overwhelming “No” to the establishment of a BID which can only be created after a successful ballot vote from businesses based within the BID area (business rate payers and future levy payers of a successful BID).

The Solution

KAT set about bringing the diverse business community together from local and national retailers to hospitality and the office sector involving them in the campaign whilst sharing the benefits of a BID for each sector.
KAT created and implemented an 18-month campaign to win over hearts and minds of business leaders to achieve the all import “Yes” vote. The campaign was managed in a similar way to an election from the creation and training of BID ambassadors, to events, PR, canvassing and delivered excellent results with a landslide “Yes” vote achieved.

Testimonial

“Thank you to all the KAT Marketing team in helping deliver such an excellent result. This is a historic day for Colchester and will allow town-centre businesses to shape the town with a shared vision. The BID can now move forward in its aim to rejuvenate and revitalise Colchester over the next five years with a guaranteed £2 million investment. A thriving town is good for everyone and it will allow us to put Colchester back on the map and ensure it is a hugely-attractive final destination for new business and visitors alike.” Carl Milton, Chair of Our Colchester BID Steering Group