This week businesses in King’s Lynn town centre are being asked to vote in support of King’s Lynn’s Business Improvement District so that it can continue for another 5 years. Discover King’s Lynn, the King’s Lynn BID, was set up in April 2017 following a successful ballot of businesses in the autumn of 2016. Under Government rules, a BID can only operate for a 5-year term and is then required to seek endorsement from businesses to continue. “It has been a turbulent time to be running a new BID.” Says Chair, Sharon Edwards. “When we started out in 2017, we expected a challenge; people’s shopping habits were changing and larger retailers were struggling to survive in the town centre environment. We went about creating new events like the monthly Farmer’s Market, annual Christmas Markets, Cocktail Week and Beauty Week to give people extra reasons to visit the Town.” “Speaking up for business and the Town Centre has always been an important part of what the BID is about, COVID has made that role even more important.” Says Vicky Etheridge, BID Manager. “Our Street Rangers have a unique role and we were able to use them to keep in touch with businesses that remained open in some way during the lockdowns, as well as to distribute information, signage and sanitiser in the build up to re-opening.” Vicky added, “alongside that, we have played an active part on the Town Board, using feedback and information from businesses to shape the Town Investment Plan and really champion the needs of the Town Centre.” “No one organisation can solve the challenges that town centres face, “says Sharon, “The business community needs to work collectively, and with the Council, LEP, College and others to create a stronger future. If they haven’t already, I urge town centre businesses to return a yes vote in the ballot so that we can continue valued services like the Street Rangers and continue to be the voice for the Town Centre.” The BID ballot closes on Thursday 11 November at 5pm, for further information on the BID proposal for 2022-2027 visit www.discoverkingslynn.com/news