A NETWORK which supports Witham businesses has celebrated the launch of its latest campaign with distinguished guests.

Witham Industrial Watch (WIW) launched its business improvement district (BID) campaign this month.

Guests included Witham MP Dame Priti Patel, Essex Police Chief Insp Martin Richards, Witham mayor Susan Ager, district councillor Ron Ramage and business people.

The event was to mark WIW’s official campaign launch as it is hoping to secure votes to achieve BID status for 2024 to 2029.

Braintree and Witham Times: Positive - Chief Inspector Martin Richards, WIW's Adrian Cousins, MP Priti Patel, WIW's Kate Carling, Billy Kent of BaverstocksPositive - Chief Inspector Martin Richards, WIW's Adrian Cousins, MP Priti Patel, WIW's Kate Carling, Billy Kent of Baverstocks (Image: Witham Industrial Watch)

A business improvement district (BID) is a partnership between a local authority and business which intends to provide improvements to a certain area, and it is decided by a ballot vote.

WIW was successful in achieving BID status for Witham’s industrial estates from 2009 to 2014, and 2014 to 2019.

During the event, Chris Dale, a founding member of WIW, which launched in 2009, reminded the audience that many businesses 15 years ago were concerned over thefts and lack of security.

Over the years with active BID status, WIW has installed eight defibrillators on Witham’s industrial estates, and provided training for more than 100 businesspeople to use them.

It has also worked on the industrial estates to replace CCTV and automatic number plate recognition cameras, add additional security cameras, and signage, in effort to improve general security.

Witham Mayor, Councillor Susan Ager is supportive of WIW’s push for BID status and is urging Witham’s businesspeople to vote for WIW.

She said: “On behalf of Witham Town Council, we have been delighted with what WIW has achieved and I would urge you to vote yes for BID 2024.”

Dame Priti has supported WIW’s many projects over the years.

She said: “Thank you to everyone who made WIW happen, and especially Chris, who was such a very active founder member.

“It takes a great team effort to ensure the success of the BID scheme.

“It is in our collective interests that all local businesses are successful but if there is any interaction you want with me, I am available.”

The vote for BID status will take place this July.