Carlisle Business Improvement District will host pop-up events to get a better understanding of firms’ needs and priorities.
The BID, funded by a levy on business rates, was set up after a positive result in the statutory postal ballot of businesses conducted last autumn.
Its aim is to boost prosperity and economic growth by transforming the city into a dynamic, inclusive and future-ready destination.
Kevin Beaty, one of the BID’s board members, said: “We have a wide remit, which includes staging events, marketing, supporting businesses and delivering projects that make Carlisle an even more attractive place to live and work.
“We’re very keen to engage with businesses as we shape our plans, to ensure they are fully aligned with businesses’ needs and can help them to grow.
“These pop-up events enable businesses to give feedback and prioritise projects that they feel will give them the biggest boost. This is a genuine listening exercise. The BID is run by businesses, for businesses, and we will take on board what they tell us.”
The first pop-up sessions are at Intro PR, in Paternoster Row, on Monday July 13 and Tuesday July 14, from noon until 7pm.
Businesses can register to attend at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GSCR or call in on the day.
Further pop-ups are planned for Rosehill and Kingstown in coming weeks.
Those attending will be able to move around interactive stations to share their opinions, rather than sitting in a formal meeting.
Meanwhile, the BID is tendering for an experienced organisation to deliver business support programmes. The role involves advocating for and consulting businesses, running events and workshops, connecting businesses with potential collaborators, and supporting workforce development and wellbeing.
The BID has a fixed life of five years, overseen by a board drawn from local businesses and other stakeholders.
Alongside Mr Beaty, a farmer and former leader of the old Eden District Council, the other members are Susanne Parry of the Cumberland Building Society, Dianne Irving of pub operator Drouth Ltd, Sean Saunders from Bendalls Engineering, Tom Little of Carlisle United, Lesley Robinson from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Tracey Slaven from the University of Cumbria.
