Boosting Norwich’s retail centre: Norwich MP to chair meeting (East of England Liberal Democrats)

East of England Liberal Democrats <info@eastlibdems.org.uk>

Boosting Norwich’s retail centre: Norwich MP to chair meeting

February 14, 2012 4:20 PM
Originally published by Simon Wright MP

Norwich South MP Simon Wright has called a roundtable meeting with representatives from the Norwich City Centre Partnership tomorrow (Wednesday). The meeting will discuss the proposal for a Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and the findings of Mary Portas' recent report into Britain's High Street.

"Norwich is one of the top ten retail destinations in the country. We've got a great mix of different types of shops in the city, and this is part of what makes Norwich special for shopping. There are nonetheless significant challenges for retailers everywhere.

"By working in partnership, Norwich's traders are pursuing exciting initiatives such as the potential Business Improvement District. This would allow retailers to act collectively and give them a bigger say on improvements in the city centre. A joint working approach could give Norwich a competitive edge and bring even greater success to the city's retailers.

"I'm also keen to get the views of traders over recommendations made by Mary Portas in her review of high streets. Mary Portas highlights the importance of councils, retailers, landlords and the public working together to make centres vibrant and successful.

"I'm keen to work together with the city's retailers to discuss which strategies will work for Norwich."

Business Improvement Districts allow businesses and organisations to steer investment in services they believe investment is needed in to improve their business and trading environment, such as increasing promotion, holding events and boosting security measures.