BUSINESSES in Northallerton are being invited to learn more about a scheme that involves retailers pooling resources to attract more trade to the town.

Northallerton Retail and Business Forum (NRBF) is inviting business owners and community leaders to hear how another Yorkshire market town has funded improvements at an event planned later this month.

The forum, together with Hambleton District Council, has invited representatives from Skipton’s Business Improvement District (BID) scheme to share their experiences.

It comes after a similar presentation organised by the forum in October, when colleagues from Morpeth in Northumberland came to talk about their scheme. There, a service charge from tenants of the Dransfield retail development is used to employ a centre manager, who has the remit of improving the town’s football overall.

A similar scheme has been in place in Skipton since 2009, where all businesses in a defined area paid a levy based on rateable value, with the smallest businesses exempt. That money is used to fund a BID group made up of local businesses. The group determines how the funds are used for the benefit of all.

The majority of affected businesses have to ballot in favour of a BID going ahead.

Gareth Dant, NRBF secretary, said: “The idea of a Business Improvement District as a potential way forward for our town was mooted at our very first meeting more than two years ago.

“We have observed how the idea has been working in other towns and cities – Leeds has just voted to go down that route – but want to hear about how it can work in a market town such as ours.

“We’re delighted to be able to welcome representatives from the Skipton BID, who have kindly agreed to share their experience, to explain how the idea has worked for them, and the benefits it has brought.

“We don’t yet know whether a BID scheme would be the most appropriate way forward for Northallerton – or our neighbouring towns – but this will be a good opportunity to find out more.”

The event is 6pm until 8pm on Monday, March 23 in the upstairs restaurant at Barkers Northallerton, via the arcade entrance. Everyone is welcome to this free event, but booking is required via; http://goo.gl/H0Hz4Q