BID team bolstered ahead of vote

Liverpool Commercial District Partnership has appointed Carole Parker as partnership development manager to raise awareness of the Business Improvement District campaign.

BID is a statutory initiative which allows areas to raise revenue from a surcharge on business rates to spend on marketing, street cleaning and other measures. A ballot of 800 landlords and tenants in Liverpool's commercial district around Water Street, Castle Street and Old Hall Street is due to take place in spring. If successful, the new BID, the city's second after one for the main retail area, will generate in excess of £600,000 a year through a levy equivalent to 1% of business rates. The BID campaign already has the support of Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Liverpool in Business.

Parker joins after a spell in employee engagement at Wirral Primary Care Trust, prior to which she worked on behalf of the Diocese of Liverpool and Mersey Waterfront Regional Park, helping to launch the Pride in our Promenades initiative.

Paul Rice, chief executive of Liverpool CDP, said: "As we enter the crucial stage of the BID process we are keen to ensure we engage with as many businesses as possible to showcase the benefits of BID status.

"Carole has vast experience in this area and will provide invaluable support to the team and campaign."