Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet has backed starting the process of renewing the mandate for Brighton’s business improvement district (BID) until 2031.
The BID, known as Brilliant Brighton, is not run by the council but it requires the council’s support to renew its mandate for five more years from June next year.
The BID currently covers 517 ground-floor businesses from Western Road at the Montpelier Road traffic lights to East Street and part of The Lanes and North Laine.
Brilliant Brighton’s responsibilities include the Christmas lights in the centre of Brighton as well as hanging baskets and banners in the spring and summer months and events promoting member businesses.
The BID has been run by a board of directors from among the business rate payers in the area since 2006.
Consultations have been taking place over the summer, with proposals to include businesses on upper floors. A new mandate could also bring Sydney Street, Trafalgar Street, Queen’s Road and the rest of The Lanes under the BID’s umbrella.
But support has not been universal and the board proposes to continue with the existing areas minus Preston Street where few businesses have bought in.
Brilliant Brighton currently charges a levy equivalent to 1.5 per cent of business rates, generating about £390,000 a year. This amount could rise to 2 per cent of rateable values and bring in more than £500,000.
At a council cabinet meeting yesterday (Thursday 25 September), Green councillor Ellen McLeay, who represents West Hill and North Laine ward, said that many business owners did not understand the benefits.
She called for better promotion of the North Laine as a unique and vibrant shopping destination.
Councillor McLeay said: “When you speak with business owners in the North Laine, you hear brilliant ideas. These are entrepreneurs and innovators. They should be included in economic development discussions locally.
“One shop owner in Bond Street suggested a festive, immersive experience – like Columbia Road’s Christmas Wednesdays in London – with carollers or buskers on every corner, mulled wine and elegant decorations.
“A winter event like that could draw visitors from across the south east, boost overnight stays and bring much-needed trade to our streets.
“But right now, many local shops feel unsupported. They’re sceptical. They don’t see the council or the BID standing visibly behind them.”
She urged support for independent businesses and said that £10 spent at an independent café resulted in £5 staying in the local economy whereas the figure was £1.40 from £10 spent at a chain.
Labour councillor Jacob Taylor, the deputy leader of the council, said that work was under way on a “buy local” campaign.
Councillor Taylor said: “We’re also going to have a series of meetings with city centre businesses, independent businesses, to hear from them.
“We’ve had one already and have more to come – to hear from them and understand their challenges and help support them as best we can.”
The difficulty of driving and the expense of parking are turning the city centre into a ghost district. And a no-go area at night, because parking charges don’t end until 8pm and not at all in the car parks. Until this is addressed, business death rates will continue to rise. Those who come by train primarily come for the beach and the bars and not to spend time and money in Brighton and Hove otherwise.