Harrogate BID says it's cut overheads by 50% and is gearing up for major projects

Simon Kent, interim manager of Harrogate Business Improvement District which has undergone a bumpy ride since launching in January 2019, said keeping overheads down while spending money raised by a levy of businesses located in the BID area was a top priority.

Mr Kent said: "It's important how we use the BID levy from local businesses. We're trying hard not to build a bureaucracy round Harrogate BID.

"Overheads now compared to what they were in the first year of BID in 2019 are 50% lower."

Mr Kent also said progress was being made on five major projects to be delivered in the second half of this year - depending on lockdown - including a deep clean of Harrogate town centre and much-improved Christmas lights.

Mr Kent said: "Everyone wants Harrogate to be a safer and nicer place to be in.

"One thing that has come out loud and clear from Harrogate businesses is they want to see the town centre deep-cleaned.

"We will be investing significant amounts of money to do that, as early as June, if lockdown restrictions allow us to."

Harrogate BID: 'No illusion' about challenges after resignation of four board members

Harrogate BID chairman Sara Ferguson said, despite coronavirus, the aim remained the same as it had been when town centre businesses had first voted to set up a BID in a ballot in October 2018.

She said: "No one is underestimating the challenges but Harrogate is a wonderful place we all take pride in.

"BID is committed to making sure it's a great place coming out of coronavirus."

Harrogate BID manager steps down from job

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