Business Improvement District (BID) advertises for manager to bring positive change to Spalding town centre

A new group set up to represent town traders is looking for a £33,000-a-year manager to lead its projects and ‘bring positive change’.

The Spalding Business Improvement District (BID) was established by a narrow vote last July and is now finally ready to operate. It will be funded by a levy on traders and the first payments are due to land this month.

A BID manager is being sought offering a salary of £33,000 to help deliver projects identified by traders to improve Spalding town centre and make it more attractive to visitors at a time when there have been calls for improve

Craig Delaney, who has played an active role in establishing the BID and who led the board to last year’s successful election, said: “The necessary legal processes have now been completed in order for the BID company to be formed and is awaiting the collection of the first BID payment in February.

“Once funds are available the first task of the company is to appoint a manager to run the day-to-day business of the BID company and steps are already in hand in relation to their recruitment.

“I am hoping that once the BID has its manager then their first task will be to evaluate and establish themselves as a point of contact with all the town businesses and establish the needs and requirements of all those involved first hand.”

Independent traders have expressed concerns following the recent announcement that fashion store Robert Goddard is set to close - with worries that the town centre is ‘dying.’

Mr Delaney said: “It was with real regret that the directors of the BID company learned of the decision made by the owners of Robert Goddards to close their business in Spalding.

“Clearly this would have been a difficult decision for them but one that was obviously right for their business.

“Goddards will clearly be a loss to the town.”

Mr Delaney is hoping for a ‘cohesive and collaborative approach’ and for BID members to ‘use this opportunity to effect as much positive change as possible.’

The BID comes at a time when community leaders have expressed frustration that there will be another year’s wait to receive the ‘left behind towns’ £20 million to help turn Spalding’s fortunes around.

Emma Robb, manager at Gibbs shoes said: “We think the BID is a good thing and that it will be positive.

“I think it will bring more investment into the town and the business can decide where the money goes.

“They have done lots of BIDS in other towns of similar size and it will be good to have a manager with new ideas to put into place.”

The BID manager role would suit a ‘talented individual’ with ‘entrepreneurial flair’ who can ‘ensure tangible results for Spalding Town Centre businesses and stakeholders.’

It will involve reporting to a voluntary board of directors, acting as an ambassador for the town and bringing ‘fresh and exciting ideas to support the economy and BID businesses.’

The job would offer flexible hours at four to five days a week and applicants can contact hello@spaldingbid.co.uk with a CV and covering letter by February 27.

For further information visit https://www.spaldingbid.co.uk/

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