A BIG boost to business is on the cards in Haslemere after its chamber of trade got the green light from members to develop the town as a Business Improvement District (BID).

BID is a five-year transformation scheme that will unlock funding of between £30,000 and £60,000 a year to spend on projects backed by the business community to enhance Haslemere’s commercial prospects.

More than 35 business people attended the chamber’s meeting to hear more about the process and the experiences of other successful BID areas in Caterham and Oxted.

They then gave the chamber the go-ahead to progress the project.

Businesses will now get together to decide what improvements are needed, how best to deliver them and what it will cost. This goes into a business plan, which they will vote on. Businesses will have to pay a small levy of around one per cent on top of their existing business rates to provide funding for improvements.

The chamber’s aim is to develop a business plan by next February and apply for funds to progress the BID in May 2020.

Chamber president Craig McGowan said: “I’m delighted so many business people came to the meeting and were enthusiastic about the idea of a BID for Haslemere.

“It’s given us the impetus to drive this project forward over the next few months.

“With a February deadline looming, we’re asking businesses to get involved with our BID task force to develop ideas we can put forward as part of our business plan.

“Many hands make light work, and there’s a breadth of experience in the business community we want to draw on.

“Ultimately, we want to develop a plan that reflects their priorities – and we need their help to do this.

“We’re also grateful to Waverley Borough Council for its support and are looking forward to working with the council to bring the BID submission to life.”

Those attending the meeting heard that BIDs are good for local businesses and have brought in more than £300m of new finance across the UK to develop centres over the past 15 years.

Haslemere Sportslocker owner BID task force member Peter Jones, added: “The great thing about becoming a BID is that while it requires a levy on business rates, local businesses have real autonomy over how that money is spent.

“I believe we’re best placed to know what our town needs and BID puts us firmly in the driving seat.

* Haslemere businesses keen to get involved in the town’s BID, or become a member of the task force, are asked to email Mr McGowan at [email protected]