THE three Belfast city centre business improvement districts (BIDs) have a new service which will deliver cleaner streets, double digit cost savings for businesses and a new environment that will bring even more people into the city.
Belfast One, Destination Cathedral Quarter and Belfast Central business districts have partnered to deliver the potential cost savings to businesses, starting with the appointment of waste management company ISL.
BIDs are operating throughout the UK funded by levies from member companies. In addition to delivering proactive initiatives to drive footfall, they are also using their collective buying power to procure savings and service delivery agreements that previously only the largest companies could achieve.
Representing the main shopping district, Belfast One BID manager Clare Maguire said this model of working allows the business community to take control and make the positive changes it needs to deliver growth, cost savings and advocate for companies large and small.
“This first joint procurement process was designed to create an inviting streetscape for visitors to Belfast while behind the scenes deliver a seamless collection service that meets the needs of hospitality, retail and commercial businesses.”
Gareth Neill, manager of Destination Cathedral Quarter, says it is essential that whether people are coming into Belfast for recreation as families, for festivals, theatre or a night out on the town, they need to be sure they have a safe, clean and welcoming environment.
“Delivering a service to our members also means being creative and adventurous in delivering an experience to those visiting the City. People are already seeing a vibrant and exciting atmosphere which we will continue to build upon.”
Linen Quarter BID manager Chris McCracken added: “More and more international businesses are recognising the talent we have in Belfast and are locating here in significant numbers. They want quality buildings as workspaces but also quality hospitality and entertainment to encourage talent to stay or to come into the economy.”
Michael McLarnon, chief executive of ISL Waste Management, said they had two clear priorities in delivering for Belfast businesses.
“Value for money is a given, but we put equal importance in delivering on sustainable environmental principles. With a zero waste to landfill policy, we provide customers with a free bespoke consultancy helping them to reduce, re-use and recycle what they don’t need.
“In the case of Bedford House, for instance, this has resulted in combined savings of 38 per cent.
“What we want to see are clean streets, clear of litter bags and bins with daily early morning and late evening collections as well as weekend services,” he promised.
