I am backing the BID: Mattie Richardson
As the Exeter Business Improvement District (BID) reaches the next stage in its campaign, those involved in the BID are beginning to explore options with other businesses within the city centre with a view to design, plan, manage and deliver a Business Plan that reflects their business priorities to take the city centre forward for the next five years.
Mattie Richardson, Owner of Bunyip Beads & Buttons, is one of the faces of Exeter BID who are supporting the scheme
1. How do you feel about the Exeter BID?
I feel positive about the prospect of Exeter BID. All our needs and ideas, as a business community, could now have the possibility of becoming a reality, which is exciting. It's great that Exeter's business community is talking, and hopefully, working together, both big and small businesses are involved in BID meaning we can share each others resources, strengths and ideas.
2. What do you hope for if the BID is successful?
I hope that if the BID is successful next year, that things will start to happen quickly so that we can see a tangible difference to the city. We need this to happen so that people will feel positive about the BID.
3. What do you hope will be included in the BID business plan?
I would like to see better promotion and branding for the independent businesses in Exeter. It would be great if Exeter turned into THE place for independent shops. We would love to have more events on Fore Street, which close the road and showcase the vibrancy of the area.
I would also like to see more practical things included in the plan such as better pavements, bike racks and street art. It would be great to also see more promotion for the ‘Exeter Trails’ and really push out all the exciting things happening in the city.
4. Would your business benefit directly from a BID?
My business would benefit from better promotion of the independent community. I believe that through this promotion we would see better trade and footfall in the area. This will also benefit the community in the areas that we trade by making the city centre a more vibrant place to live.
5. What do you feel are the current and future challenges for businesses in Exeter?
One of the main challenges is online shopping. We need to be able to keep shops fresh and vibrant so that customers will come and visit us. The more independent shops we can encourage into Exeter, the better, as then we'll be a more exciting shopping destination.
I also believe that out of town shopping centres are a threat, for example the planned Junction 27 site and Moor Exchange.
We also need to make parking easier so that people can come into the city without the worry of where to park, for how long and at what cost.
