One of the most vocal critics of Chippenham’s Business Improvement District (BID) has joined its board, promising to bring passion to his role as a director.
Nic Puntis, pictured, who co-owns the town’s Sarah-Jayne’s Café with his wife, slammed the BID last year for what he claimed was a poorly organised Christmas Lights Switch On event. 
He was among a group of business owners who questioned the value of their contributions to the BID’s coffers.
But now he is determined to strengthen the work of the BID, which was formed in November 2014 to promote the town to bring in more visitors and improve it for residents. Town centre businesses pay an annual levy to fund the BID depending on the size of their premises. For small businesses the cost can be several hundred pounds.
Nic Puntis said: “I was publicly vocal in my dissatisfaction with the way the event was delivered. And I asked probing questions of the BID which, to the credit of the board and management, were answered in a professional way.
“The BID board also agreed there were lessons to be learned with regards the Christmas Lights Switch On event, which was encouraging as I felt they were listening to the concerns of the businesses they represent.
“I also felt that, as a passionate advocate of Chippenham’s business community and business owner myself, I could bring my passion, local knowledge and experience to the BID and have a positive influence, as well as helping with the organisation of future events.
“The BID levy is a substantial cost for many businesses, but I will be working closely with the rest of the BID board to help ensure the budget is spent on improvements and projects in the best way, and solely for the benefit of improving the trading environment.
“This will include the Christmas Lights Switch On, and I will be working within the events sub-committee to help make this the ‘must see’ event in the area.”
He said he was now convinced that the BID, given the support of the town’s business community, could improve the trading environment in Chippenham, and he urged all businesses in the town to support it by suggesting ideas for improvement, or by getting involved in steering groups.
The BID has introduced free wi-fi in the town centre, brought in a free-after-three parking scheme on Thursday afternoons and employed three welcome hosts.
Also more than 1,000 people have registered to use the free wi-fi service set up by the BID last October. The wi-fi can be used by anybody in the town centre and has been instrumental in encouraging users – including residents, businesses and visitors – to browse the BID’s Chippenham Connected website and app giving details of what’s on in the town, including offers and promotions from retailers and businesses.
BID chair Melody Thompson said: “We are pleased that Nic has joined the board. We have been calling for more representation on the board from a broader variety of sectors for some time, and it is particularly pleasing to see local business people bringing their passion, commitment and experience to the table.
“It is crucial that all sectors are represented within the BID to ensure that it delivers for all business types. The BID board echoes Nic’s call for more businesses to step forward and join. In particular we are looking for representatives from independent retail, national retail, entertainment, hospitality and leisure, and pubs and bars.”
Also joining the BID board are Emma Taylor, partner at Gough’s Solicitors, and Chippenham Council leader Desna Allen.
