I READ with interest and sadness the letter published in the last edition of the Journal concerning the Salisbury’s Business Improvement District. It seems there has been an unfortunate misunderstanding concerning the workings of the BID and I feel the record needs to be set straight.

The BID is entirely funded by businesses through a charge levied as a percentage of business rates over a certain threshold. Wiltshire Council is responsible for collecting this levy, but it goes to the BID. The BID was voted through by the majority of levy-paying businesses in Salisbury. The BID will exist for five years after which there is another vote to renew the project or not.

In terms of the positions of city ranger and afternoon/evening economy manager, they will tackle the massive downturn in trade between the afternoon and evening economy, the lack of communication between local authorities and business when something needs dealing with etc.

Since the board is controlled by local businesses, it would be counter intuitive to suggest there is no oversight of the BID team.

I think it’s unfair to suggest local businesses have had enough of this type of initiative as the letter suggests.

There are undoubtedly some traders who are not in favour, and they seem to shout the loudest. They are not necessarily the majority.

My own business is an independent business in Salisbury.

There are challenges, but my hope for the BID is there will be a drive to make things better. So far the BID is living up to this and represents value for money. I’ve seen some exciting things in the pipe line and a real positivity from the BID to get stuck in.

As for opening a business in Salisbury – I think it’s a shame the reader takes the impression it’s not worth it. My business is expanding and we are relocating to new premises in the city centre in the New Year.

I’m investing in Salisbury as I believe it is a good place to be and can, with projects from the BID, be an outstanding place to trade from. I hope in the coming years others will see this too.

Dominic Imms,

Cambridge Wine Merchants