PROMOTING the town in the face of a national high street crisis is a top priority for Stratford’s Business Improvement District.
In a review of Stratforward BID’s work, businesses were asked for their feedback.
And more than 80 per cent said marketing and events were most important to attracting footfall and customers to the town.
Representing and hosting businesses were the next two most important tasks, followed by savings schemes such as discounted parking.
The BID is also responsible for organising events including Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations, Stratford Festival of Motoring and the River Festival. Most companies agreed the events had a positive impact on their business.
The review will help determine the importance of the organisation as it comes to the end of its second five-year term, and a business plan should it run for a third.
A vote will be cast in September on whether it should continue its work.
Stratforward Director Joe Baconnet said there was a lot of positive feedback on the BID’s work from its members.
He added: “In these most challenging of times for the high street it is obvious that the organisation needs to change to reflect the changing needs of these new times.
“BID3, if voted for by members, will have to be different to reflect the current climate.
“While it’s tough out there, it’s not impossible. It just means that in today’s challenging trading times it is more important than ever that we all work together to ensure we don’t just survive – but thrive.”
