So far in 2024, That Girl has been delighted to work with partners in both Stratford Upon Avon and Okehampton, Devon assisting an existing BID on its re-ballot and to get a new one off the ground.
Back in February, Stratford BID was re-balloting for its fifth term so TG was asked to assist by visiting businesses in the town centre to encourage them to return their ballot papers. Across two weeks, over 100 eligible businesses were visited and, in some cases, re-visited allowing us to build up relationships with many people thus providing valuable feedback to the BID board. Although met with some opposition, the ballot was a positive result in the end and the Stratford BID is continuing with a new manager in post.
In June, West Devon council had completed all its consultations regarding Okehampton having its own business improvement district and the final ballot papers had been sent out. TG was engaged to once again visit businesses in the pretty town centre to explain the importance of people using their votes to ensure a democratic result. Over a two week period, businesses were spoken to and encouraged to use the opportunity to vote whichever way they wished. This culminated in a positive result which will now lead to Okehampton having its own BID going forward for the next five year tenure.