PLANNING for 2019 projects are starting to be put into place and a whole host of facilities and opportunities are about to be realised for the community and businesses in Ulverston.

Free Town Centre WIFI will be live at Easter! This will mean everybody who uses the town centre facilities can access the web free of charge together with the Loyal Free app, saving you money while you shop!

The bonus is it means we will have marketing information we can use to promote the town and the businesses and see who and when the town is used.

Parking: We are working with South Lakeland District Council to develop a new a parking solution for the town which works for everybody and will last. Watch this space.

Ulverston in Bloom: This wonderful group of volunteers had a fantastic result in the Cumbria and Britain In Bloom awards in 2018. BID is now looking at more ways to work together for 2019 and will enter the awards on behalf of the town for 2019. We will showcase the town and celebrate partnership working with businesses and the community.

Free Business Training: Starting on April 24 and 25 2019. We start the free business training with an opportunity to attend the Boost Business training. After these courses the BID is looking to give training in Social Media, Marketing, Food Safety, Mental Health First Aid, Emergency First Aid to the BID levy payers. This enables business to access professional training for themselves and employees. For more detail and to book a place go to www.ulverstonbid.org.uk/free-courses

Revote 2020: We will be busy working towards the revote so that we can continue the development of Ulverston for business and community. Have your say and visit the BID website and complete the Revote questionnaire. www.ulverstonbid.org.uk/revote-2020

Late night Thursday shopping for the community and visitors: This project started late in October 2018. With only two weeks to organise it, the event was very successful, and the BID is organising it again during the run up to Christmas 2019.

The event succeeded and traders reported good business. More than 46 businesses opened from November to Christmas Eve every Thursday for the convenience of the community. This was the first late night with the backing of BID. We are looking forward to enhancing this project and making it another great festive experience for Ulverston.

Funding applications: The BID still welcomes applications for funding from the community that fit with our objectives.

Tour of Britain signs: You may be wondering where the cycling signs that were produced by Northern Line for the Tour of Britain have gone. Well, the BID has funded them to be placed in the Market Hall for all to see. They will be suspended from the ceiling and adorn the walls for all to admire.

Visitor Information Point (V.I.P)/Market Hall: This project has been a great team effort from the BID, UCE and the town council. The facility has attracted both community and visitors. Manned by volunteers, it is a great source of information for Ulverston and is entering its second year.

This is just the start as things will develop and new opportunities arise. The directors of BID will look and evaluate funding applications, opportunities and relevant issues in the 12 board meetings that they have in the year, dedicating their time voluntary. With a fantastic mix of skill, the decisions made are fully evaluated by the directors and executed by the Project Officer with the longevity and dedication that the town needs.

Date for the diary: May 15, 2019, Ulverston BID, AGM, Coronation Hall at 6pm.

www.ulverstonbid.org.