Two new initiatives to boost the High Street are set to launch, including a long mooted business led one in Spalding.
But a different one called Still On The High Street targeting independent businesses across South Holland is also launching with the woman behind it, Carys Dayne, saying the area’s ‘waited long enough’ for a Business Improvement District (BID) or similar set up.
South Holland District Council has hired a company called The Mosaic Partnership to look at setting up an initiative with the aim of boosting the town centre.
The partnership is in the process of setting up a Spalding Business Board and is set to announce how a BID might work.
Usually it involves companies paying a fee for membership with money raised going towards projects to improve the town centre.
The Voice has attempted to speak to The Mosaic Partnership but has not received a response at the time of going to press.
It comes as the completely separate Still On The High Street began advertising on social media that it was launching in the district.
South Holland District Council confirmed this scheme was nothing to do with the business board and is something the council is not involved or in partnership with.
It comes from marketing company called Specky and Ginge, it costs £99 a month for those that sign up before November and £120 a month thereafter and the company says it will provide a ‘retail hub’, ‘mind-blowing perks’ and social media.
Ms Dayne is in the process of moving to the area and told The Voice “Our incentive is to nurture what we’ve got and shout about it .
“It’s so independent business across South Holland have somewhere they can come to that shouts about them.
“We are all good to go now and will be speaking directly to local shops.
“We still don’t know what the BID or board will entail so I can’t say what crossover there might be. We’ve been waiting long enough for it to come.”
Independent businesses in Spalding said they wouldn’t be prepared to pay into two separate schemes.
Susan Stubley of Occasions Jewellers, said: “I’ve never heard of Still On The High Street.
“The Mosaic Partnership is already doing something of a similar ilk and as an independent business I wouldn’t want to pay two different companies.”
Ms Dayne responded: “I wouldn’t expect people to pay twice. If those in Spalding want to go with the council initiative, that’s fine.
“We’re about shouting about the already amazing things South Holland has to offer and promoting the independent businesses on our area’s High Streets and the amazing communities in the area.”
