A BUSINESS plan which could unlock £680,000 to be invested in Ilkley over the next five years will be unveiled this month.

The Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) Development board have now put the final touches to the five-year business plan which will be launched to potential levy paying businesses on Tuesday, January 29.

If the scheme is supported, it will see approximately £680,000 invested into the town over the next five years. Extensive consultation over the last few months has highlighted the key topics businesses want to see in the plan.

The plan will deliver on four main areas: marketing and promotion; business support and cost cutting; maintaining Ilkley as an attractive town and being the ‘One Voice’ for levy paying businesses, representing their interests with outside bodies.

Helen Rhodes, BID Development Manager said: “The BID model sees all businesses within a defined area, and who meet the criteria, investing a small amount on an annual basis to make improvements which they think are the most important for the town.

"As the levy is based on rateable value, the larger companies make the bulk of the investment but many of the initiatives the BID will deliver are likely to be aimed at supporting our smaller businesses.”

Mark Heppinstall, BID Development Board Chairman and solicitor at Stowe Family Law added: “The BID’s in Otley and Skipton have been in operation for many years now and their businesses have seen some great results from the projects they have delivered. We think this is a really exciting opportunity for Ilkley businesses to take more control of their future.”

Locally there are many other BID’s in operation including Bradford, Harrogate and Leeds.

The criteria for Ilkley businesses are those with a rateable value of £7,000 or more and within the BID boundary.

A list of the streets included and more information in general can be found on the website www.ilkleybid.co.uk.

All businesses involved are invited to the launch event which will be held at The Ticket Office, Station Road, Ilkley on January 29th at 5.30pm. Registration is open through Eventbrite – search Ilkley Business Improvement District.