The Southern Cross Industrial Estate, located just to the north of Bognor Regis, is the very first industrial estate in the South East to successfully become a Business Improvement District (BID).  We look at what this means for the estate’s residents.

A BID has wide reaching consequences for the area in which it is applied, as we discussed in the first issue of The Magazine.  For those of you who missed that feature, or need a refresh, here are a few of the salient points:

• BIDs are defined areas where all of the rate payers have democratically agreed to pay a levy on top of their business rates for the good of the area
• The monies raised in this way can be used for any initiative that is deemed to add value to the trading area – for instance marketing, security (see the box out to find out how the estate is tackling its security issues) or signage which the businesses themselves have suggested
• BIDs can also lever in money from outside sources (grants etc) to top the pot up and allow the traders to undertake more initiatives than they would have been able to afford on their own.

The BID process took a while, as it always does.  There were two rounds of voting procedures that had to be gone through as well as the many meetings, discussions and consultations that has to go into the process.  In fact, this process took the best part of three years to get off the ground.  They say that good things come to those who wait…

Even though the BID status is technically in its infancy, it has already begun to effect real change on the estate, as Chris Shephard, Coastal Business Parks co-ordinator, explains:

“Once the BID vote was passed, the BID company investigated other sources of funding. Single Regeneration Budget money was applied for by the BID company and received for two projects, CCTV and Signage at the entrance to the Industrial Estate. These projects were identified in the original business plan so as a result, the levy raised can be spent on other parts of the business plan. This will also benefit the estate through increased security, and by clearer, smarter signage, enhancing the estate's image.

“With the two new projects of CCTV and Signage, businesses on Southern Cross can see a direct benefit of being in a BID area before they start contributing their levy. These two improvements should begin to make an immediate and real difference to the safety and the image of the business park, and enhance its reputation as a great place to do business.”

As is to be expected, businesses on the estate are fired up about the potential offered by their new BID status.  Sharon Dean, Chairman to the Southern Cross BID Steering Group, explains.

“It’s been a long road to get to this point, but the sense of achievement that we’re all feeling is incomparable.  Going through the BID process has been quite a steep learning curve – since we started the process when the whole BID concept was relatively new, we didn’t have the luxury of being able to copy what others had done. 

“However, we made the transition from an informal group to a fully ratified BID and are now looking to the future.  By the time that The Magazine is distributed, the new signage should have been erected to help visitors navigate around the estate and the CCTV system will be fully bedded in.

“We’ve got great plans for the future as well, plans which will give us the opportunity to make best use of the money that our BID status has attracted.  We’re hoping to be able to work on the aesthetics of the estate, making it an even more attractive place to work, as well as continuing our security initiatives.”

When attempting any project on this scale, achieving ‘buy-in’ is crucial.

“We’ve been fortunate on Southern Cross,” Sharon continues.  “Before the BID process started, we always saw a wide range of companies at our estate meetings.  Once the BID process started and gave us a real focus, this spirit of co-operation became even more evident. 

“Companies of all sizes wanted to get involved and to offer their support to the process.  All involved have listened to the ideas of the others and added their own contribution, meaning that the maximum number of people have been ‘on-side’.

“In my opinion, this co-operation has been integral to actually achieving a successful BID.”

With help from Richard McMann and Chris Shephard, a willingness to work together and the dogged determination to go where few others had been before, the residents of the Southern Cross Industrial Estate have achieved something that they can all be justly proud of. 

For further information on everything that is going on in Southern Cross, have a word with Chris Shephard 07929 030816 or Sharon Dean – 01243 828921.

Security on Southern Cross

With vandalism, graffiti and boy racers, the Southern Cross Estate had more than its fair share of problems.  As the BID process was starting to come together, Guardian guards were employed to try and reverse these anti-social trends.

Following discussions with the steering group, Guardian implemented a solution to meet the unique needs of the estate’s residents.

“Previous security providers had failed to understand specific issues encountered by the estate, so we worked in partnership with the steering group to comprehend the problems and then proposed a range of measures to address them.” says Tony Woolcott of Guardian Facilities.

“I’m delighted to say that our targeted approach has seen a massive reduction in the levels of anti-social behaviour – and this trend started almost as soon as Guardian took over the contract.” 

“A combination of high visibility liveried vehicles, the correct calibre of Security Personnel together with random patrolling, often Security Dogs and flexibility in our approach has been fundamental to our success.”

Through regular meetings with client representatives of Southern Cross Estate, Guardian Facilities review and analyse performance in order to improve services still further.

With an approach based on need rather than an adherence to a ‘price menu’, Guardian Facilities have made life far more pleasant for the businesses on Southern Cross.  To find out more about their services, contact Tony on 01903 500999 or visit www.guardianfacilities.co.uk