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 Thomas Hardy Explorer site provides details of tours, walks and talks avaliable from Dorchester's Town Crier, Alistair Chisholm.

Checkatrade - When you need work doing around your home, finding reputable tradesmen can be difficult. Can you really trust them? Checkatrade is a free service that gives you the background information you need to make a confident decision.

 

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.

We offer you a directory of trades and services who have been vetted to our high standards, for example by verifying their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships. Not only that, but we also monitor their work on an ongoing basis by collecting feedback directly from their customers.

Since 1998 we have collected 403,540 customer reports which give you the facts about the strengths and weaknesses of our listed companies. You know what you are getting. Recommendation, reputation, and a standard you can trust.

For tradesmen - 0ur stringent vetting and monitoring only allows the best to join and remain. Consumers recognise this and in turn trust us to offer them only quality trades.Often new members state they were very wary about joining us; many of them now state that joining Checkatrade has been one of their best business decisions.

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

Please visit our website www.thomas-hardy-explorer.co.uk for more information, or call Alstair on 07773 286197.

For consumers the website allows you to search for what you need in your area. Every business has been vetted and monitored: read all their feedback and results for yourself, including what their past customers think, and what work they have completed.

Ring Gordon Kiy for more information on m 07919 007634 or visit the Checkatrade website