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Since the first British BID in 2005, the UK has witnessed a proliferation of these local, business-owned organisations. Currently, there are 137 BIDs across UK.
In Wales, Swansea was an early adopter, establishing a BID in 2006 with a successful renewal in 2011. However, to date it remains the only Welsh BID.
This is both puzzling and perplexing. Puzzling, as BID legislation arrived in Scotland a year late, yet they have raced ahead in BID development. Perplexing, as one of the acknowledged weaknesses of the Welsh economy is an over-dependence on the State and the limited role of the private sector in aspects of civic society.
In an attempt to address this, The Means addressed the Welsh Assembly Government in 2009, advising that the creation of a BIDs funding source could stimulate further interest in BIDs. Unfortunately and perhaps indicatively, uptake has been slow.
In recent years, Merthyr Tydfil began investigating BIDs, and The Means was subsequently appointed to undertake the BID scoping and feasibility work.
Strides towards a BID continue, as a steering group has been established. A formal BID campaign is imminent, beginning in autumn 2011 with a ballot planned for spring 2012.
The Means looks forward to facilitating the ballot process and contributing to Merthyr's efforts to revitalise and invigorate its business community.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 17 June 2011 )
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