THE Rhyl Business Improvement District (BID) has chosen to wrap up at the end of its current five-year term.

Rhyl BID began in 2019 but will not continue after March 2024, after a decision was made not to ballot for a second five-year term.

Nadeem Ahmad, chairman of Rhyl BID, said that, with the multitude of Rhyl BID success stories in mind, the decision to end the project next March was a difficult one.

He said: “Rhyl BID has been operating for nearly five years, providing direct support to businesses, and it has been successful in generating additional footfall and fostering a sense of community to serve the local population and visitors to the area.

“But like many wider organisations across the UK, local businesses need to reduce outgoings, and understandably, paying their BID levy and supporting a second five-year term is not at the top of their list of priorities.

“This has been a difficult decision to make, but it has been done with the best interests of the businesses in Rhyl in mind.

“We appreciate the hard work, effort and support that businesses have shown the Rhyl BID, but I think you will agree it is the most sensible thing to do given our current economic pressures.”

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Mr Ahmad stressed that planned Rhyl BID operations will continue as planned through to March 2024.

Rhyl BID launched its first programme of support with the introduction of town rangers, serving both businesses and the wider community and tourists alike.

It also led the town’s seasonal events programme, including the annual Rhyl Business Awards, as well as regular public events, which have helped to bring in increased footfall.

Working in partnership, it also secured enhanced cleansing resources for Rhyl, including contributing to the Glutton machine and negotiation for a full-time operative, as well as the purchase of the Surf Rake.

It has also offered other forms of support, including:

  • A collective marketing programme which has seen more than 150 businesses access wider opportunities such as the Alight Media board, iVans and iWalkers.
  • A dedicated savings and advice programme which, to date, has identified more than £65,000 worth of savings for Rhyl businesses.
  • Online training portal and in-house training sessions, which have benefitted upwards of 120 managers and staff.
  • One-on-one support during COVID-19, including PPE provision and on-site advice and guidance to more than 200 businesses during the first lockdown alone.
  • Continued one-on-one support with grants and other issues, throughout subsequent lockdowns, and beyond.

Cllr Brian Jones, a board member of Rhyl BID, said he was “extremely disappointed” at the news.

He said: “It’s bad news for the town, because the BID did a lot more good than bad; without a shadow of a doubt.”

Denbighshire County Council had previously supported a recommendation to ballot for a second five-year term for Rhyl BID.