November 5, 2014 9.32 am This story is over 112 months old

Lincoln BIG gets third mandate after 84% yes vote

Green light: Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG) levy payers have voted in favour of its continuation for at least another five years.
The Lincoln BIG team and supporters are celebrating a successful reballot.

Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG) levy payers have voted in favour of its continuation for at least another five years.

Ballot papers were sent out to more than 800 businesses in Lincoln as the group, which provides a range of services and events in the city, campaigned for its third five-year term.

The group broke down its costs in the run-up to the critical vote. The typical average cost of Lincoln BIG for two-thirds of businesses in Lincoln is £141.35 a year – or 39p a day.

The not-for-profit organisation saw a 53.2% vote turnout, in which 84% voted ‘yes’ to sustaining the group. Together, they represented a total Rateable Value of almost £24 million.

The full business plan until 2020 can be seen on the Lincoln BIG website. It contains ideas, including:

  • A new loyalty scheme for city centre workers, offering deals and discounts
  • The launch of a new business directory to encourage inter-trading between city centre businesses
  • New software and handheld computers that will allow City Centre wardens to record incidents whilst on the street, with automatic geo location
  • Development of the Walk and Ride service to improve access between arrival points, car parks and attractions
  • Promotion and growth of the evening economy
  • Continued lobbying for a city centre Park & Ride Scheme

Lincoln BIG Chief Executive Matt Corrigan said: “We are delighted with the result, but also humbled by the support shown by businesses throughout the ballot process and know we have a lot to live up to over the next five years.

“We are on the brink of really exciting times for Lincoln – with the special Magna Carta Centre, which is part of the £22 million Lincoln Castle Revealed project, opening its doors in the Spring.

“The ground is also being prepared for the Lincolnshire Bomber County Memorial, which is being built off Canwick Road, and the Lincoln Tank Memorial – which is due to be installed on Tritton Road roundabout.

“All these exciting projects promise to increase footfall in Lincoln next year.”