BUSINESS owners in Rhyl have shared their sadness at the loss of the town’s BID (Business Improvement District).
Rhyl BID began in 2019 but wrapped up yesterday (March 31), following a decision made not to ballot for a second five-year term.
It launched its first programme of support with the introduction of town rangers, serving both businesses and the wider community, and has gone on to host the Rhyl BID Business Awards in each of the last three years.
Its regular public events in the town, such as at Christmas and Halloween, have also helped increase footfall in Rhyl.
READ MORE:
Rhyl BID discontinues following end of its five-year term
Toni Vitti, of Rhyl Tourist Information Centre (TIC), described its closure as “a huge blow for businesses in the town”.
Rhyl TIC had taken part in first aid and defibrillator training courses funded by the BID – without its financial help, he said, these would have presented a “huge expense for a business”.
He said: “The support for staff at events in the town has also been invaluable.
“For example, through Rhyl BID's organisation, many different organisations gained awareness in The Herbert Protocol - a programme designed to reunite someone who is living with dementia with their families should they become lost.
“Rhyl BID was also the driving force behind setting up a dementia action group in the town. It worked on and provided much information and many resources.
“Its town centre events were something special - not trying to compete with the big promenade events, but creating enough of a buzz that the footfall in participating businesses increased significantly.
“Rhyl BID maintained a well-thought-out and properly-managed organisation for the duration, easily becoming a hugely valuable asset to the town. They will be missed.”
Helen Windus, of Rhyl Town Council, said that it has worked with the BID on a number of events which have helped boost Rhyl’s economy.
Rhyl BID also provided funding towards a “cleaner and tidier beach for all to enjoy”, and helped facilitated the display of QR codes on the bus shelters it has owned.
These provided bus users with points of interest and information while waiting for their bus to arrive.
She added: “The BID has also provided additional planting in the town centre this winter to enhance the town council’s display through to spring, which the town council is extremely grateful for.”
Angela Sykes, of Denmore Premier Food Store, said she and her colleagues “really appreciate” the work that Rhyl BID has put in towards improving the town in the last five years.
She also expressed her gratitude for the “outstanding” help Rhyl BID provided on saving money on utility bills, and in promoting the town’s businesses on social media.
“The town also looked better through the extra cleaning they organised, with a new machine and cleaner,” she said.
“The ‘Rhyl Rangers’ were marvellous in keeping Rhyl safe and clean, too.
“Many of our young staff took part in the first aid courses they organised, which they really enjoyed and appreciated the life skills it gave them; it also helped their CVs for their future careers.
“During COVID, their help and advice was excellent, also providing floor and wall stickers to keep our customers safe.”
Michelle Mellor, of Micky’s Professional Catering Company, has run The Lounge Bar on West Parade since November 2022.
She opened this after previously being in charge of Harrison’s Bistro & Bar, on Wellington Road, and said Rhyl BID will be “sorely missed”.
“Rhyl BID have supported us with social media to help us after our move through digital media at the air show, with amazing designs on the digital van around Rhyl and on the billboard by the bus station helping locals and visitors know what we have to offer,” Michelle said.
“Our amazing barriers outside The Lounge Bar have helped make the area more suitable for outside dining, and also to help people know who and what we are.
“I completed its dementia training, which is something close to my heart, especially with the work we do with our community meals, and we also received a welcome mat so guests know we support them with their needs.
“The amazing Rhyl BID Business Awards - we have been finalists in two sections and were a runner-up last year – have been great to recognise everyone’s achievements.”
Vicky Welsman-Millard runs Blossom & Bloom, a charity dedicated to supporting mothers and pre-school-age children in Rhyl.
She said that, when the charity first started, Rhyl BID was a “great help” amid the funding struggles she encountered.
“They were very positive, and encouraged me to continue looking for fundraising elsewhere,” Vicky said.
“After we opened our hub in the White Rose Centre, they’ve offered more practical support. We’ve accessed things like first aid training for staff, and a leadership course, via Rhyl BID.
“They also funded our café barriers outside, which we couldn’t afford at the time but enabled us to generate income, not just from mums and babies, but from people passing by, with tea and coffee.
“I understand that it costs a lot for businesses to fund Rhyl BID, but there is absolutely a need for it. It’s going to be a massive loss to Rhyl, both for families and businesses. It’s a shame.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here