On Tuesday 11th December, WQBA launched its BID Proposal for the planned extension across the borough boundary into Southwark. Over 30 guests attended the event, representing businesses and organisations from both Lambeth and Southwark. Attendees were given the opportunity to hear more about the planned extension of the Business Improvement District (BID) and the projects that WQBA are proposing to undertake, to improve and develop the area as a place to do business. WQBA were delighted by the positive response gained from the local businesses to the BID Proposal, which goes to ballot in the new year with businesses in the Southwark extension area.

 

At the event, John Rushton, Director of Small Back Room and current Chair of WQBA explained to the guests the principles of co-operation and strength in numbers at the heart of the BID Proposal. Helen Santer, Director of Operations, gave an overview of the BID's performance to date as well as the planned projects and services that would take place should the ballot be successful. They were also joined by representatives from businesses in the Southwark area who expressed their support for the BID Proposal. Chris Longley from College Hill Press on Webber Street highlighted the opportunities that the BID would bring for “like-minded” businesses in the area to work together, while James Hibbert of Dress2Kill on The Cut spoke of his excitement of being part of a unique area of London which he states as one of the secrets behind the success of his business.

 

Since April 2006, having been voted in by the local businesses in Lambeth, Waterloo Quarter Business Alliance has worked on a variety of projects and schemes in the area of Lambeth, south and east of Waterloo station. With many of these projects established, the BID is now set to expand and take in the more natural commercial area of Waterloo by crossing over the borough boundary into Southwark with the aim of creating a more coherent approach to the development of the area as a whole.

 

Many existing projects will be rolled out to businesses in Southwark, such as the BIDs's marketing and lobbying activity. However, the additional income brought to the area will also enable a range of new activity, including a proposed paper and card recycling scheme.

 

The proposed extension of the BID will be put to a democratic vote of all businesses in the Southwark area in February 2008. If the majority voting in the ballot are in favour, the new BID will generate an extra £250,000 for the area which will match to the £270,000 already generated in Lambeth. This money will be put towards a variety projects which have the potential to significantly improve the area, providing a boost to the businesses already located in Waterloo as well as a means of attracting further enterprises to the area.

 

For further information about the proposed projects, how the BID will run and details about the ballot, download a copy of the BID Proposal here. Alternatively, please feel free to get in touch with WQBA by email, or call 0207 620 1201.