Huntingdon Town Centre businesses have voted ‘YES’ in a ballot to renew the Business Improvement District (BID) for a further five years 2022 – 2027.

The results, released on Friday 16th September by Electoral Reform Services, showed 46% of Town Centre businesses voted with an overwhelming majority of 96% voting YES. This is the highest turn out of voters for BID Huntingdon since its inception in 2012 and the highest YES vote seen. Regulations state that for a BID to be successful a second trigger, ‘majority by rateable value ‘, is also required and this was achieved with 97% of those who voted.

Huntingdon First Manager, Paul Sweeney spoke with delight at the result and said:

“We’re so pleased with the result of the ballot, Mags Clark (Deputy Manager) and I having only recently taken over the roles of Town Manager and Deputy Town Manager following the retirement of Sue Wing and Jeannette Rowden in 2021. Building on the groundwork of those that came before us, we’re incredibly proud of the work that we, alongside our two Town Rangers Sharon and Jo, have achieved in the town in the short time we’ve been in post. There is a whole host of plans for the town moving forward, a keen focus on tourism, events, promotion and working closely with our partners at HBAC (Huntingdonshire Businesses Against Crime), Huntingdon Town Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and Cambridge County Council to collectively secure Huntingdon as the great place we know it to be to live, work and play”

Cllr Sam Wakeford, Executive Councillor for Regeneration and Growth, Economy, and Jobs, said:

“High Streets are a crucial part of our local economies and people care about them because they are also the centres of their community. We are delighted that Huntingdon First’s BID status has been confirmed for another five years and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them to promote the town centre and ensure there is a thriving town centre experience for people to enjoy.”

Philip Peacock, Town Clerk, Huntingdon Town Council, said of the favourable renewal of BID:

“Huntingdon Town Council are extremely pleased that the ballot has been return favourably, ensuring that BID Huntingdon and Huntingdon Town Council can continue to work in collaboration on exciting plans to promote Huntingdon over the next five years”

The BID Huntingdon Business Plan was developed through consultation with businesses in the BID area. Huntingdon First’s vision for the next five years will be:

• Creating and Maintaining Quality Spaces
• Creating and Promoting a Vibrant Place
• Connecting and Representing Businesses
• Improving Sustainability and the Environment

The town centre can expect to benefit financially with c. £1m being generated across five years. This will drive investment and give businesses a greater say in the way the town is marketed, maintained and managed.

Paul Sweeney continues:

“The heart of a town should have a purpose for everyone, it should be welcoming and encourage variety in people. It should be vibrant, offering new, innovative ideas to enhance and sustain businesses and communities for the future. We at Huntingdon First believe that our four key strategies for the next five years will support this”

For further details and to review our full plans for the town, event details, news and information as well as a directory of shops and services please visit our website www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk

For further information, contact BID Huntingdon Manager, Paul Sweeney, on 01480 450250 or email info@bidhuntingdon.co.uk