Speaker meeting at SCCC
Mon, Feb 10th 2020 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Colin Barrell and Lucy Ball on Taunton's proposed Business Inprovement District (BID)
At SCCC 30 Members were present, plus Lucy Ball from Destination Marketing, the speaker for the evening. Colin introduced the concept of BIDs (Business Improvement Districts), which is a relatively new concept that aims to help
re-energise the retail environment in towns and cities in the UK. This initiative is funded by a levy on the rateable values of retail premises, and in the UK there are currently around 324 towns with BID projects under way. Lucy Ball outlined plans for another BID project in Taunton, which has been without a BID since 2012. There are 450 retail premises in the area identified for the new Taunton BID, and the case is currently being prepared for presentation to these retailers for their agreement - or not! The advantages to retailers of joining a pressure group to help the local Council to develop Taunton as a more attractive shopping venue seemed to be self evident. This will be decided soon! The task of developing a strong identity for Taunton at a time when retailers are under pressure was judged to be key by Club Members. After lively questions and answers, Richard G gave the vote of thanks and wished the project well!
Club Business: John Bird prompted support from Members for our Club team in the Swimathon on behalf of TOG. Gift Aid forms will be available next time.
Richard A updated the meeting on the revised date for the Three Club Visit to
Bristol in May - now Friday 22nd to Monday 24th. Hotel accommodation will be limited to 50, so it will be a case of 'first come/first served'. Contact Richard to secure your place. The Meeting was reminded of Richard G's January 14th e-mail about the July 3rd/4th 'Rory's Summer Festival/ District Conference' at Taunton School. Members will be required to help staff the events.
Next Meetings: 17th February Social at Mei's Restaurant DR M Lock.
24th February ' 10 Years at Mr Miles' to be held at Mr Miles In High Street.d/r M.King. From now on Members must formally opt out of meetings - otherwise they will be charged for meals - and in future apologies to Richard Dyke by 09.30 Monday.
Ball Draw: won at last in the two-card draw - £255 to Andrew Janes. Next week £5☹️
