Bid to boost Kendal's 'tourism potential'

Cabinet members for Westmorland and Furness Council will decide whether to use the council’s voting allocation to support a new five-year plan for Kendal Business Improvement District (BID) on Wednesday (October 18).

A BID is a defined area where a levy is charged on business rate payers which is used to develop projects which will benefit businesses in the area.

The scheme will aim to encourage more tourists to visit Kendal.

Kendal BID business plan 2024-2029  states: “The BID has identified untapped tourism potential as an opportunity to attract more visitors to Kendal. To harness this potential, the BID implements marketing and promotional campaigns.

“By increasing visitor numbers and boosting the local economy, the BID supports tourism-related businesses and creates employment opportunities within the sector, contributing to overall economic growth.”

Businesses that pay the levy can vote in the ballot which determines whether the scheme goes ahead.

The initiative will also seek to build more confidence in the local economy.

The plan adds: “The overall economic climate in Kendal BID area requires assistance to foster confidence and stimulate growth. The rise in business closures, high failure rates, and escalating costs contribute to an unstable economy.

“To address this, Kendal BID provides support, resources, and initiatives that promote economic stability and instil confidence within the local business community.”

The BID area in Kendal will be increased from previous terms as according to the organisers there is a desire for a more inclusive BID which will be able to benefit businesses that were previously excluded.

The levy businesses will pay is based on one per cent of the properties most current rateable value.

If the cabinet supports the plans, Westmorland and Furness Council will use its voting allocation in favour of the new five-year-plan (2024-2029) in the ballot on November 29.