Ilkley’s oldest and newest businesses are uniting to encourage their peers to vote “Yes” as the ballot deadline approaches for a second term of Ilkley Business Improvement District.
With a combined 628 years of trading in the town, representatives from Ashiana, Dacre Son & Hartley, Mortens, Phillips Jewellers, Clarendon, Tennant and Darragh, Searles and Lishmans have come together to encourage other Ilkley businesses to vote “Yes” for a second five-year term for Ilkley BID.
Around 300 Ilkley businesses are being asked to vote to secure the future of the town’s BID. At stake is a budget of £730k that will be spent in the town over the next five years on projects and services over and above those provided by Bradford Council.
Ilkley BID’s first five-year term ends on 31 May and the organisation is asking levy-paying businesses and organisations to support its continuation from 1 June 2024 until May 2029 by voting ‘yes’ in the independent ballot which closes at 5pm on Thursday 21 March.
David Jowett, a director at Mortens of Ilkley which has operated in the town for 87 years, said the high street has changed dramatically over the years with increased online competition, rising business costs and the impacts of council cuts effecting services across the town.
He added: “Visiting the town should be an experience whether from local or visiting customers and businesses need the support and representation offered by the BID to help improve, strengthen and support the town of Ilkley to be the best it can be.”
Estate agents Dacre Son & Hartley who have offices in Ilkley, Leeds, York and Harrogate, have also spoken out in support of Ilkley BID. Head of Residential Patrick McCutcheon, said: “The strength of BIDs are clearly reflected in the surrounding areas with towns including Harrogate, Otley and Skipton also benefitting from this very successful initiative.”
He added: “We’ve operated in Ilkley for almost 100 years and as a business which relies on recruiting good quality staff, we’re hugely supportive of the BID’s work to keep our town looking clean, tidy and appealing for residents, visitors and for current and future employees.”
Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine specialists Ashiana, which opened its third outlet in Ilkley following successful operations in Lincolnshire and Nottingham, said Ilkley was a natural choice because of the additional security and representation provided by the BID.
Owner Forhad Miah added: “We’ve had great support since moving into Ilkley, but with competition threatening all businesses, it’s critical that we have a voice and that the BID continues to market Ilkley as a destination.
“I would encourage all businesses to vote “Yes” for a second five-year term to help secure the future for everyone who will benefit from trading in a thriving town.”
The Ilkley BID Business Plan can be seen on the BID website. Members are also free to email helen@ilkleybid.co.uk or call 07437 504614 for more information.