Dorchester BID (Business Improvement District) is celebrating after receiving an overwhelming 'yes' to continue supporting the local business community.

The BID has been supporting the town's businesses and local community with a range of projects and initiatives since it's inauguration in 2008. Back then, it was the 39th BID in the UK and now there are hundreds all over the British Isles.

Every five years, the businesses in Dorchester are given the opportunity to have a democratic vote to either keep or lose their BID status for the town.

The results are now in from CIVICA, the independent balloting company appointed by Dorset Council, and businesses voted 89% yes by voter numbers and an emphatic 95% by rateable value – a record for the town.

This result allows the Dorchester BID to continue providing popular projects, such as its team of Town Ambassadors, town promotional activities, and subsidies to reduce business costs, which is a benefit particularly to the smaller, independent businesses.

The BID also helps fund the Keeper of the Walks, hanging baskets, flags, Christmas trees and lights, sponsorship for town events and much more.

Chairman Neil Strudwick commentedL "The size of the 'yes' vote was a huge surprise and shows that the town businesses have belief and confidence in Dorchester BID.

"In our last term we achieved so much against a backdrop of uncertainty. Now is not the time to rest on our laurels but to push forward and make Dorchester a shining light with the full support of the businesses. 

"As Dorchester BID chairman I want to say a big thank you to all the BID team for their hard work hard over the past five years and a massive thank you to the levy payers who help make Dorchester BID the success story it's become."  

Phil Gordon, Dorchester BID project director, added: "It has been my privilege to run the BID over the years and we will now be able to go continue our popular DorchLive music performances on Saturdays in South Street and continue to partner the towns businesses to run our Park4FREE scheme.

The town's Dorchester_FREE Wi-Fi network will not only continue but be extended over the next five years -all great news for Dorchester!"

The Dorchester BID works in partnership with Dorchester Town Council to provide the excellent Discover Dorchester town app and Website as well as other initiatives like the hanging baskets, street furniture and Christmas lights.