In 2014 pfbb UK was asked by the Northampton Business Improvement District to pick up the management of its first BID after it had lost business confidence and was leading up to renewal. The BID delivery was put back on track, business confidence restored and renewal of the BID was achieved in 2016. Pfbb UK continued to provide complete management services for the 2016-2021 BID term and led it through its second successful renewal ballot for its third term 2021- 2026.
Over the last ten years the BID has developed into a highly influential organisation representing business interests and playing a ley role in the economic development of the town centre. Key stakeholders such as the Police, the University and Northampton Town Council and West Northants Council proactively seek advice and support from the BID in all aspects of the social and economic life of the town centre,
The BID has a proven track record in encouraging, enabling and facilitating collaborative working across the town centre leveraging as much value in kind and additional funding as it generates by way of levy collection. It has a strong community focus which has had a significant impact on the retention of businesses and employment in the town centre despite the town having seen key employers and footfall drivers such as Debenhams and Marks and Spencer closing down.
The BID is working closely with the West Northants Council in the development of a new framework for a town plan and zoning to create distinctive identities for different parts of the town centre and the development of a place management delivery plan. pfbb UK is proud to be leading once again the preparation of the BID Proposal and Business Plan for the next BID term 2026-2031 to build on the success to date and play a key role in this exciting phase of the town centre’s life
Testimonials
Northampton BID appointed pfbb UK as Project Managers in 2014, with just eighteen months to go before the first BID was due to end. Before pfbb UK were appointed, the role of the BID in Northampton had become confused and businesses were seriously questioning its value. Once pfbb UK were appointed they were able to help create some clarity and demonstrate effective project delivery in line with the BID Business Plan. This played a significant part in changing perceptions about the BID and enabled us to consider renewal with much more confidence.
Over the last ten years pfbb UK have led us through two renewal ballots and have developed the BID into a key influential body for the town, representing business interests throughout the demise and restructuring of the local authorities and forging new close working relationships with the new West Northants Council and the Northampton Town Council.
Through effective project delivery which has levered in substantial additional value from other businesses and organisations in and around the town, the BID is now playing a pivotal role in the regeneration of the town centre working at all levels from strategic to operational and is making a real difference to the experience, the economy and the future of the town centre.
The BID is highly respected and is considered to be a key partner and indeed an adviser to others including the Police and Local Authorities on all town centre matters. It is through pfbb UK’s professional approach and the application of their principle of ‘true partnership working benefits business’ that we are able to be as effective as we are.
I highly recommend pfbb UK as a highly professional and competent team who deliver valuable benefits both BID businesses and the town as a whole.
Sali Brown
Co. Chair of the Northampton BID