The Means has been appointed to test the feasibility of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Merthyr Tydfil town centre. This is significant given that only one BID - Swansea - currently exists in Wales.

The Means team will scope the range and extent of possible BID services, as well as identifying and addressing constitutional issues.

Merthyr Tydfil town centre has benefited from an extensive regeneration programme and public sector funding for events and marketing. However, like much of the UK, the town centre faces a difficult period exacerbated by budgetary cuts and the end of some funding programmes.

Now Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, the Town Centre Partnership and the Business Club are keen to be pro-active in developing fresh initiatives to encourage people into the area. They wish to determine whether a BID could provide the impetus to take forward new projects and activities that will enhance the vitality and viability of the town.

Although the immediate economic outlook is challenging, there are reasons to be optimistic that the so-far-impressive growth in BIDs in the UK can be maintained. However new BIDs will need to be imaginative, innovative and tailored to local circumstances. And, as well as improving areas, they will need to offer services that help businesses improve their performance and reduce costs.