Successful Dún Laoghaire business model leads the way

THE new

?¬1.25 million Dún Laoghaire Business Improvement District is transforming the fortunes of the local business community and the model is set to be emulated by towns and cities across Ireland.

This is according to BID Chairman Don McManus who was speaking at last week’s official launch of the new Business Improvement District website, which represents over 800 ratepayers in the area.

Business representatives from other towns have already requested meetings with the Dún Laoghaire BID board to find out how they can introduce similar into their localities.

“The dissolution of town councils across Ireland has left a vacuum,

? Mr McManus said.

“The BID model has already experienced tremendous success in the UK in recent years with over 151 BID areas already established.

“It is a model that is already working here in Dundalk and Dublin City Centre and now Dún Laoghaire.

?

Following the introduction of the Dún Laoghaire Business Improvement District less than five months ago, the successes have led to six-figure savings for businesses in the area.

Mr McManus told those gathered that BID members had already saved business people in excess of e120,000 in less than four months of operation through partnership with expert consultants who take the mystery out of gas, electricity and other utility payments.

“The savings nullify the BID levy for most businesses – and in fact many make much greater savings,

? he added.

The hi-tech new BID website (dun laoghaire.ie) is designed to attract new businesses to the area and showcases available vacant premises, the rent costs and the grants and offers that are available to those interested in opening premises in the area.

For example, many new businesses that open in Dún Laoghaire will be able to avail of an attractive grant whereby they will pay no rates in the first two years of operation.

The website will further act as a portal for all 806 businesses that will own their very own page on the site, which they can access directly and update as required.

“We are marketing Dún Laoghaire like a shopping centre,

“Mr McManus declared.

“It is affordable when everyone contributes a little – 70 per cent of businesses are paying less than e200 per annum and through initiatives such as collective bargaining and marketing, the benefits and savings will far outweigh the costs.

“Now is an ideal time for new business to invest in the area.

?

The event also saw the official launch of the search for 1,000 Dún Laoghaire shopping champions.

BID manager, Sven Spollen-Behrens said the search was on for

‘Champions for the Destination Dun Laoghaire’ campaign.

“We are asking people to make a serious commitment and join a community of like-minded, action-oriented people who are keen to see improvements in the town,

? he said.

“The

‘Destination Dun Laoghaire’ Champions pledge to contribute a once-off e10 to fund the campaign, commit to switching more of their spend in the town and make an effort to take up at least one of the emailed offers each week for at least 40 of the 52 weeks.

?