Following a successful ‘yes’ vote in a recent ballot of businesses, Enniskillen Business Improvement District (BID) will continue to assist and promote local businesses in the town centre and support the local economy as it embarks on a second five-year term.

The first five-year term of Enniskillen BID finishes at the end of April, and a renewal ballot was held during the last six weeks for eligible businesses to vote on a second term.

In line with BID legislation in Northern Ireland, a turnout of at least 25 per cent was achieved, returning a 86 per cent ‘yes’ vote.

Prior to the ballot, a new business plan was developed by Enniskillen BID with a specific focus on building on the very successful Enniskillen Gift Card programme, and the town centre’s recovery with the completion of the Public Realm Scheme, and working on a way forward into growth for Enniskillen which will provide the backbone of BID’s work moving into the second five-year term.

‘Fantastic news’

Enniskillen BID Chairperson Pat Blake said the result was “fantastic news” for Enniskillen town at a crucial time.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Enniskillen BID has successfully achieved a second term and I know it will be a vital tool and resource for so many local businesses.

“A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes from the BID board and the BID manager, Noelle [McAloon, BID Manager], to achieve a ‘yes’ vote and that hard work will now continue.

“We have already seen the benefits of BID through the Enniskillen Gift Card, the Experience Enniskillen brand, support for events, mentoring and the business contribution towards Christmas lights and CCTV monitoring,” said Pat, adding: “The board of BID will act on this new mandate and strive to make Enniskillen a better, safer and more prosperous town.

“We will not sit back on our laurels. The commercial heart of Enniskillen faces many challenges, and BID will strive to promote and highlight the features which make Enniskillen one of the most attractive towns on the island of Ireland.”

‘Extremely pleased’

Anna Devlin, Director, Enniskillen BID, added: “We are extremely pleased to have received the support of our Enniskillen businesses in moving forward into another five-year term, and we also acknowledge that there is a lot of work ahead.

“It’s vital that we work in partnership to ensure all businesses can benefit from BID and we are committed to delivering on providing a strong, collective voice for the business community.

“We thank all other stakeholders who have supported us and we look forward to continue working for the benefit of Enniskillen, particularly Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism and Waterways Ireland.”

Noelle McAloon, BID Manager, added: “Thank you to the businesses for their support.

‘Determined’

“We are as determined as ever to drive forward and deliver for you all, and we look forward to taking on this new chapter together.

“Enniskillen BID has achieved so much, and we have so much more to do,” she said.