Businesses in Wimborne are being asked to vote on whether they would like Wimborne BID (Business Improvement District) to continue for another five-year term.

The organisation was established in 2011 and renewed in 2016.

A statement from the organisation said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the BID has been instrumental in signposting businesses to relevant support, providing information for residents and keeping Wimborne in the public eye. In October, the BID organised a pumpkin trail, and fully funded the shop Christmas trees.

It also produced the annual Christmas video – Wimborne Kindness Stories – to thank businesses that had gone above and beyond during the crisis.

Wimborne BID raises around £100,000 investment into the town through a levy on businesses. Every five years, the business plan is updated and the BID seeks renewal through a further ballot.

The current BID term ends at the end of March 2021, and through January, businesses will be asked to complete a postal ballot on the future of the BID.

BID chairman, Martin Pate said, “Our vision is to create a town for businesses now and in the future, with enhanced connectivity, a clean safe environment and the town promoted with events which will help every business thrive. We understand that the Covid 19 pandemic is taking priority, but it really is vital for businesses to use their vote.”

James Harris-Hawkins, who owns the salon ‘Head Office’ wasn’t always a fan of the BID.

He said, “I always thought that the BID was just part of our running costs. Over the last few months, though, the BID has been really good. We’ve had loads of support and information, and it’s really shown that as businesses in Wimborne we are all a team and a community.  As a small business it’s very easy to feel alone so having a port of call to get help has been a real help.”

Businesses receive ballot papers by post. The ballot opens on Thursday 7 January, and closes on Thursday 4 February.

If the ballot is successful, each eligible business will pay a compulsory levy of 1.5 per cent of the rateable value of their business property, regardless of which way they voted.