Links which you may find useful

BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) were first established in Canada and the US in the 1960s and now exist across the globe. The Dorchester BID runs www.dorchesterdorset.com the town promotion website and www.dorchesterdorset.co.uk the BID website to keep levy payers in the BID area and voluntary contributors informed.

The Local Index based in Weymouth provides cost-effective, targeted advertising in annual printed directories, delivered free to every business and private address locally.

Savecard Ltd, is a publishing/promotion and incentive company, the largest of it's kind in Dorset offering businesses and services the opportunity of being promoted on our web-site, and in our publications.

 

A BID is a business-led and business funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area. A BID can only be formed following consultation and a ballot in which businesses vote on a BID Proposal or business plan for the area. The ballot is run by the local authority.

All businesses eligible to pay the levy are balloted. For a BID to go ahead the ballot must be won on two counts: straight majority and majority of rateable value (the value of a commercial property unit). This ensures that the interests of large and small businesses are protected.

The BID Proposal or Business Plan sets out businesses' priorities for improvements for the area and area services, as well as how the BID will be managed and operated.

In 2009 we produced directories for Dorchester (circulation 20,000+) and Weymouth & Portland (circulation 34,000+). This year, we are planning to produce an additional directory for Bridport & Beaminster... giving a combined 2010 total of more than 75,000 copies delivered by Royal Mail to people’s doors.

Each local index directory is an essential resource for people living, working in or visiting the area, - containing classified listings, an indexed street map and useful local information (such as council services, doctors, dentists, pharmacies, schools, transport information & local events).

Our promotional activities are targeted towards the resident and tourist markets whether in the UK or abroad. We would welcome business in the BID Dorchester scheme, to participate in our promotions during 2010 leading up to and including 2012. We would be happy to offer any businesses wishing to participate FREE ADVERTISING during this period, all we ask in return from the business is a discount (minimum 10%) to be offered to the customer (member) of Savecard.

All customers (members) will have an identification card which they must show at the time of purchase. This promotion is part of our incentive scheme, whereby a customer who has joined Savecard becomes a member who then receives a discount card and information which shows participating businesses.

This page has been set up for links to websites which may be of use to businesses in Dorchester or visitors to Dorchester. If you think your website fits and want to see it here get in touch with us with a description.

The Dorchester BID proposal went to ballot at the end of February 2008. Dorchester businesses voted 81.3% in favour by number of votes and 84% in favour by rateable value to become the 63rd Business Improvement District in the UK. Turnout was 56% of those eligible to vote.

Ring 07799 494886 or visit the Dorchester BID website

It’s also great for people moving into the area – free additional copies are available throughout the year in estate agents, lettings companies, holiday parks & other outlets.

Please visit our website www.thelocalindex.co.uk for more information, or call us on 01305 839391.

In less than 1 year over 140 businesses in west Dorset alone have signed up to the scheme which now includes among others RSPB, Europcar, McDonalds and English Heritage. Businesses now, can gain further free advertising through the launch of Savecard's STUDENT DISCOUNT CARD. Already enquiries from Australia, USA, China and Nigeria have been made.

Ring 01305 780796 or visit the Savecard website