The Means is exploring the possibility of a Business Improvement District in Middlesbrough.

It has been commissioned by Town Centre Management in Middlesbrough, together with the Mall Corporation, to talk to a large number of town centre businesses as well as drawing up an outline business plan.

Said Means Principal Peter Williams: 'We know Middlesbrough pretty well having assisted the Council with its Local Economic Growth Initiative (LEGI) bid in 2007. It is a dynamic and exciting place, with visionary leadership. Our experience in other urban centres shows that a BID can complement other regeneration and local management efforts, as well as giving businesses a more concerted voice.'

The Means team kicked off the project in early January 2009 and will complete their scoping study by the end of March.