On 10th June, Kwasi had lunch with the Staines-upon-Thames Business Improvement District (BID) board members. The BID is a not-for-profit and business-led initiative working to create an optimal environment for businesses in Staines town centre. The BID operates through a levy that is paid by all business ratepayers in the area, and the funds are used for initiatives such as the BID Rangers, town Christmas lights, hanging baskets, free high street Wi-Fi, the Farmers Market, and the Open Air Cinema.
Kwasi was very impressed by the work that the BID team have done to promote Staines-Upon-Thames and its many excellent businesses. He was delighted that businesses in Staines voted to renew the town’s BID for 2022-2027, with a projected £1.8 million of levy payers’ money being used to attract shoppers and visitors to the town centre over the next five years.