Lowestoft businesses vote ‘yes’ to five more years of town support

Businesses in Lowestoft have voted ‘yes’ to the continuation of Lowestoft Vision, the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town.

Of the votes cast by eligible retailers and businesses in the town, an overwhelming 77% voted to back proposals announced in September aimed at further boosting visitor numbers and investment to the town, making it a great place to visit, shop, work and stay.

Businesses within the new BID zone were given a 28-day period in which to cast their votes on the continuation of Lowestoft Vision for a further five years from April 2023. The results were announced earlier today by East Suffolk Council, which independently collated and verified the returned ballot papers.

The business plan for the coming five years outlines support within four key themes: Regenerate, Pride of Place, Protect and Represent. Included in the delivery will be the continued part funding of a Police Community Support Officer to patrol the town, along with enhanced Christmas decorations and floral displays, support for businesses on regeneration plans, enhanced visitor engagement through the Discover Lowestoft website and social media, and a number of events and trails to attract footfall.

At the announcement Danny Steel, chair of Lowestoft Vision BID, commented: “The last few years have been exceptionally challenging for businesses in our town, so we are both humbled and delighted that they have chosen to continue to invest in their town, the community and the future.

“We now have a fantastic opportunity to build on our successes from the past ten years and to represent and promote the vast range of businesses and retailers our town has to offer.”

Amie Mullen, Lowestoft Vision BID Manager added: “A huge thank you to all our BID businesses for your support and encouragement over the past five years, and for voting yes to allowing us to continue to provide services and projects, some of which are now well established alongside new ones planned across the next five years.”

The vote represented 82% of the size of the businesses who voted, which is calculated in terms of rateable value. Lowestoft Vision is a Business Improvement District (BID) for central Lowestoft as a subsidiary of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, and the organisation’s projects and services are funded and developed by local business from within the BID area.