York BID held its Annual General Meeting at the Principal York Hotel Events Centre, gathering local business representatives and partners for an evening of insightful presentations and discussions.
The event featured a range of speakers who provided updates on various initiatives and future plans. David Skaith, Mayor for York and North Yorkshire, shared his early experiences in office and his vision for supporting high streets across the region. Allan Cook, Founder of Arlington Real Estate, updated attendees on the progress of the York Central development, highlighting opportunities for business involvement.
Economic Health Check and Project Highlights
Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID, delivered a detailed analysis of York’s economic performance relative to the rest of the UK. He highlighted several key projects and achievements from the past year (2023/24):
- Colour & Light: An initiative that enhanced the aesthetic appeal of York’s streets, drawing both residents and tourists.
- Ghosts in the Gardens: A creative event that added a unique and spooky charm to the city’s public gardens.
- York Restaurant Week: A successful campaign promoting local dining establishments, boosting their visibility and patronage.
- York Mural Trail: An art project that turned the city’s walls into canvases, showcasing the work of local artists and adding vibrancy to the urban environment.
- Street Rangers and Street Cleaners: Essential services that maintain the cleanliness and safety of York’s streets, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
Engaging Discussions and Future Plans
The AGM included a Q&A session, where attendees engaged with the speakers on various topics. Discussions covered sustainability efforts, affordable housing on the York Central development, discouraging short-term lets, and ways for local businesses to get involved. Mayor Skaith also outlined the proposed High Street Fund, aimed at revitalizing the city’s retail areas.
Formal Proceedings and Networking
Following the presentations, the formal business of the AGM took place. This included the ratification of York BID director appointments and a voting process for members. The evening concluded with a networking session, allowing guests to connect and discuss the topics covered in the meeting.
Andrew Lowson expressed his gratitude towards the speakers, attendees, and the York BID team, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in the city’s development. He highlighted the need for public realm investment, enhanced planning capacity, and strong leadership to drive economic growth and diversification in York.
About York BID
The York Business Improvement District (BID) supports businesses in the city through various initiatives. Its key focus areas include enhancing the city centre environment, enriching the city’s event program, and supporting projects that promote and develop the BID area and its businesses.
