Since it launched more than a decade ago, Sunderland BID - or now Sunderland's BIDs to be more accurate - has made a massive, positive impact on the city.
Along with staging large scale events such as the ever-popular Restaurant Week to the up-coming Food and Drink Festival, the BIDs – which now comprises both the City Centre and the Seafront BID – have been a massive ally to their levy payers.
The benefits are there for all to see – from running innovative courses to free advertising around the city centre to inspirational business events to street rangers who offer a range of clean-up services.
And that’s just a small representation of the vast support given by the organisation – which is great news for those who pay their levy and get all of this in return.
Around two years ago Sunderland’s BIDs Chief Executive, Sharon Appleby, realised that the advantages of being under their wing should not just be limited to levy payers.
And so the BIDs’ Affiliate Scheme was born, with the aim of extending the many levy payer benefits to non-levy payers for an annual fee.
From day one forward-thinking businesses quickly signed up – including communication companies, training providers, print experts, entertainment agencies and many more.
That eclectic mix was also boosted by market research providers, design and building organisations and financial advisors, a broad spectrum united by their recognition of the value being part of the BIDs can bring.
With around 30 members at present, Sharon is delighted with the response to date and hopes that other companies will recognise just how much they can get out of getting involved.
“Sunderland is at such an exciting time in terms of its growth and investment,” she said.
“And as BIDs it is so important for us to keep moving forward and to have the ability to support all businesses, not just those who are levy payers.
“We are committed to giving the business community a stronger voice, along with investing in measures to improve both the city centre and the seafront.
“Becoming an affiliate member brings with it so many benefits and I’m delighted so many companies have already recognised this and hopefully we will be able to encourage even more of them to sign up.”
Those benefits include the ability for businesses to promote themselves via the BIDs’ many channels including its social media and its regular email newsletters.
Each affiliate gets the opportunity for a week of advertising on digital screens across the city each year, along with invitations to events, meetings and training sessions.
Access to unique networking opportunities, regular email updates about special initiatives and events, volunteering options for staff, PR opportunities – the list continues to grow.
And arguably most importantly, affiliate members can also make a meaningful contribution and have their voice heard in terms of shaping the city’s future.
“Our levy payers and affiliate members are really visible and can access so many fantastic opportunities,” added Sharon.
Anyone interested in joining the scheme or just wanting more information, should contact our Business Liaison Officer Debbie Bowman on 07984381451 or debbie@sunderlandbid.co.uk