Businesses in Fleet came together at a meeting at The Harlington in February to discuss a proposal for Fleet to become a Business Improvement District.
Emma Molyneux, Chair of the Fleet Business Forum and partner at Experience Ladieswear in Fleet, explained what becoming a Business Improvement District could mean for Fleet including:
The meeting heard from Paul Shilling, owner of Serendipity and Daisy’s Tea rooms who spoke about the importance of events in attracting shoppers to the town, “During the Christmas Festival we had over 300 people through our doors and did as much business in 4 hours as we sometimes take from Monday to Friday.”
Simon Clarke local retailer and owner of Tackle Up Fleet also urged local businesses to support the initiative saying, “a BID has fantastic potential to make a difference.”
Chris Turner from Winchester BID also attended the meeting to explain what BIDs had delivered in over 200 towns and cities across the country as well as in Winchester.
Emma Molyneux said, “We have visited over 300 businesses in Fleet to provide information on the proposal for Fleet to become a Business Improvement District. The initial response to the proposal has been very positive as an opportunity for sustained activity which will benefit local businesses and we were delighted that we had businesses from many different sectors at the meeting. This is the start of the consultation process and we are keen to meet with as many businesses as possible and, if they haven’t already, we urge them to get in touch.”
This initiative was started by Fleet Business Forum, a group of local businesses who were looking for ways to increase footfall in Fleet and raise the profile of the town as a place for business to thrive and for people to want to visit. Businesses can contact the group at info@fleetbusinessforum.com.
Photos courtesy of DM Photography.
