New group will make Stockton a 'top-class' shopping destination
A BID, or Business Improvement District would see the town's firms join together and invest funds to improve the local area.
Businesses in Stockton are being urged to join a new body that hopes to give the town a new lease of life.
A steering group made up of local firms is calling for the establishment of a BID, or Business Improvement District, to help boost the town's reputation as a shopping destination.
The aim of the group would be to promote Stockton, encourage enterprise by tempting new businesses to make the town their base and to develop an appealing environment for customers.
The Stockton BID would require a small contribution from businesses in the area, but the steering group say this money would be well invested in activities and improvements to the town.
Steering group Chair Jemma Radestock said: "Stockton's been through a time of regeneration which is showing fantastic improvement within the town.
"This is a layer that we can add when businesses work together to deliver real objectives.
"There's been a real want for them to work together to achieve a common goal."
Janice Auton has run Poppy's Hairdressers on Silver Street for 27 years.
She's on board with the plan and said: "What we need to focus on is not what's not here, but what IS here.
"There's loads of great shops here and people just focus about what's not here.
"My passion with BID is about changing people's perception."
For the BID proposal to go ahead, the steering group must hold a vote from business ratepayers within the BID area.
This will start on the 22nd April and conclude on 19th May.
The steering group are holding a number of meetings ahead of the vote to inform local businesses about the plan and answer any questions about the BID proposal.
The scheduled meetings are:
Monday 18th April 3pm – 5pm at Remember Me Tea Rooms
Tuesday 19th April 8am – 10am at Remember Me Tea Rooms
Wednesday 20th April 3pm – 5pm at Remember Me Tea Rooms
Thursday 21st April 8am – 10am at Remember Me Tea Rooms
Friday 22nd April 3pm – 5pm at The Wasp’s Nest
More information about the proposal can be found at http://www.stocktonbid.co.uk.