Simon Lumb, Michelle Baker and Paul Maddox give their support to the Lichfield BID
Simon Lumb, Michelle Baker and Paul Maddox give their support to the Lichfield BID

Organisers of an initiative designed to boost trade in Lichfield city centre say there has been “tremendous support” for the project.

Simon Lumb, Michelle Baker and Paul Maddox give their support to the Lichfield BID
Simon Lumb, Michelle Baker and Paul Maddox give their support to the Lichfield BID

Companies are currently being balloted over plans for the creation of a Lichfield Business Improvement District (BID).

If the vote is positive, businesses will pay the equivalent of 1.5% of their annual rateable value into a pot earmarked for projects to drive trade.

Organisers say the plan could generate around £1million over five years to be reinvested into initiatives such as free Wi-Fi across the city centre and an improved Christmas festival.

Simon Lumb, owner of Friary Shoes, is one of those backing the BID.

He said: “We’ve already had great support from local independents and national chains, such as Morrisons, Waitrose and Boots, and if successful the BID will see small businesses, big businesses and superstores investing in joint initiatives that support our city centre.

“We can’t let this fantastic opportunity pass us by – there is no Plan B. We have to work together and move forward in Lichfield.”

If the vote is successful, Lichfield will join 208 other BIDs across the UK.

BID manager Michelle Baker added: “There is a tremendous amount of support for this in Lichfield.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.