MD of Bournecoast Makes History

Bournemouth has claimed its place in the history book on the development of BIDs in Britain, on two counts: Bournemouth is the first town to develop simultaneous BIDS with both being voted through at the same time.

Also, the Coastal Districts BID, of which Des Simmons the MD of Bournecoast is Chairman of the Steering Group, has the largest continuous geographical area of any BID in the UK. It runs for seven glorious miles from Westbourne through the West Cliff, East Cliff and Boscombe to Southbourne and Hengistbury Head.

Des said, " We're delighted that after all the input we've had during the development phase from hundreds of local businesses, the BIDs have been voted through by the very firms that will be core-funding them over the next five years, including our family business of Bournecoast. In fact, with the two offices we have within the Coastal Districts BID area, we will be paying twice! However, it is apparent that it has brought together a wide cross-section of businesses within the trading districts along Bournemouth's fabulous seven mile coastline"

Tony Brown is the Chairman of the Town Centre BID and CEO of Beales Department Store. He said, "The fact that we have been able to develop these two BIDs in parallel and bring them to fruition simultaneously is a wonderful reflection on the co-operation and support we have had throughout this process "

Over the next five years, the two BIDs will be investing £7million in the local economy. Core funding comes from the 585 eligible businesses in the Town Centre BID and 780 eligible businesses in the Coastal District BID. In addition, the Steering Groups anticipate they will be able to lever an additional 30% through voluntary contributions, sponsorship and matched funding for specific projects.

Many local firms had already agreed to make voluntary contributions to the new BIDs, even before this formal approval was announced.

The Coastal Districts BID will focus on attracting visitors to the town for longer and to see more by encouraging them to visit more of the coastal strip, particularly outside the main summer season.

Des added: “This vote for both the BIDs is great news for Bournemouth and indicates our business community’s belief in the resort and its commitment to investing its own resources in building on the town’s successes for years to come.”

Bournecoast have been responsible for attracting many visitors to the area over the past 50 years and pride themselves in providing quality holiday lets to visitors in the area be that for families or couples. As a result of their knowledge of the markets, they are also able to supply suitable Buy-to-Let properties to landlords in the Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole area and are still family run to this day.

For more information on services available through Bournecoast, including investment properties to rent or buy, or the buy-to-let market in general, please visit http://www.bournecoast.co.uk or telephone 01202 437888.

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