Holt Business Improvement District idea faces backlash

But trouble seems to be stirring on the quaint Georgian streets of Holt, with a rebellion brewing against its well-healed establishment.

An attempt by some of the town's best-known and grandest retailers to get all traders to sign up to a scheme - complete with a hefty levy - to co-ordinate efforts to improve and promote the area, has been met with a fierce backlash from many of its less well-to-do traders.

People outside Byfords in Holt during the summer months (Image: Newsquest)

They are bridling at attempts - led by Byfords, the tea shop and self-described 'posh B&B' where rooms cost up to £288 a night, and independent school Gresham's - to introduce a Business Improvement District (BID) for Holt.

These are schemes which create a defined area in which all firm must pay a levy, in addition to business rates, which is used to fund things like flowerbeds, street cleaning and events, to bring in more visitors.

But many Holt stores fear they are being "sold snake oil" by being coerced into contributing cash to a scheme that will not deliver any financial benefit to them.

Anti-BID posters in the window of Posh Pets in Holt (Image: Owen Sennitt)

The mutiny comes amid growing backlash nationally to BIDs, which have been rolled out in towns and cities across the country, including Norwich, Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and Bury St Edmunds.

Critics say the schemes disproportionately benefit certain types of businesses and lack transparency.

In Holt, the row has divided the town along cultural lines, with firms catering for the more affluent - like second homeowners and tourists, not to mention members of the royal family - backing the BID and those aimed more at locals, such as the pet shop and discount store, more sceptical.

With a vote on whether or not to introduce the project looming, tensions are rising in the town, with posters appearing against the BID.

A busy day at Holt's Sunday market, which is held on the first week of each month (Image: Newsquest)

BID BATTLE
Business improvement Districts were first introduced by the government in 2004.

They work by businesses within a defined area electing to pay a fee to fund projects and services that aim to improve the district.

Under the rules, businesses can be taken to court if they refuse to pay - an act of protest that is becoming increasingly common.

There are 355 BIDs in the UK and Ireland, with a further 61 in development.

Lisa Lambert, outside her Posh Pets store in Holt (Image: Lisa Lambert)

'NOT HERE!'

While some businesses are sat on the fence, others are adamant the BID should not go ahead as it stands.

Lisa Lambert, who has run Posh Pets in New Street for three decades, has posters in her window calling for businesses to "stand up and speak out" against the scheme.

Bakers & Larners in Holt, a long-running department store in the town (Image: Newsquest)

The 58-year-old said: "BIDs have ripped other towns apart and I worry the same could happen here.

"Some businesses are suffering. Making them pay this new levy will only force them out of the town. If people don't pay they will go to court, which doesn't sit well."

She said the attitude of some of the BID backers appeared snobbish.

She added: "I asked one of the steering group what would happen if a business cannot afford it. He said they shouldn't be in Holt if they can't pay up.

"There is not enough transparency about the costs and where the money will go.

"They have made lots of promises but it feels like we are being sold snake oil. I do not feel anything they are offering will benefit a small business like mine but I will have to pay into it for the next five years."

Simon Williams, Holt town councillor and owner of S P Shoe Repairs (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Other business owners share her scepticism.

Simon Williams, a town councillor who runs SP Shoe Repairs, said: "The BID has some good ideas but unfortunately they have alienated small businesses as communication has been woeful.

"We want the town to improve but people feel like they are not been told the whole truth. It seems the larger businesses would benefit much more."

The First Class Discounts store in Holt, run by Kathy Neale for 28 years (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Another critic, Kathy Neale, who has run First Class Discounts for 28 years, said: "This will not bring any more business to me. The cost of living crisis is why people are struggling. It all seems airy-fairy."

BID's GRAND BACKERS

The steering group behind Holt's BID include well-known names like Charles Sanders of Sanders Coaches, Gresham's School boss Robin Gainher and Iain Wilson, owner of Byfords - a fixture in the picturesque town since the middle of the 19th century.

Iain Wilson, owner of Byfords in Holt (Image: Newsquest)

Consultant Martin Blakewell - the head of development for the Norwich BID - has been brought in to help develop the scheme.

A spokesman for the BID, Nigel Hadlow, admits that communication with businesses could have been better but he is adamant that everyone has received information about the proposal and invitation to workshops.

While it has been suggested that the levy could be 2.5pc of the rateable value of the business, he insists that nothing is set in stone.

Hopper's Yard in Holt (Image: Newsquest)

The consultation process is being extended until the end of September, giving businesses more time to share their views, with the secret ballot on whether or not to adopt it expected at the end of 2024/early 2025. 

Mr Hadlow said: "This will be for the whole town and not for the benefit of individual businesses.

"It is a democratic process - if people vote against it then that is that."

Nigel Hadlow (R), administrator of the Holt BID, alongside Holt Sunday Market curator, Aviva Leigh (Image: Newsquest)

Information about the project can be found on the Holt BID website, which includes a question-and-answer section. 

A list of businesses that will be included in the scheme is due to be announced imminently. 

NATIONAL BACKLASH

Mr Hadlow worries critics are being swayed by the backlash elsewhere in the country rather than focusing on the proposal locally.

Opponents to BIDs have been looking for help from Shawn Rutter, an advisor for the campaign group, Against Bid, which offers advice to businesses that want to challenge the creation of a BID in their area.

More than 2,000 people have joined his Facebook group, including business owners in Holt.

The disharmony among business owners has caught the attention of the new North Norfolk MP Steffan Aquarone.

Steffan Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "I am very interested in seeing how this proposal progresses.

"I have seen BIDs work well elsewhere but it is important for all members of the business community to be on board before it can be taken any further."

A spokeswoman for North Norfolk District Council, who also gets to vote on the scheme and will be responsible for collecting the levy, said: “The council is aware of the emerging proposals by some businesses in Holt for the BID, which were they to proceed would be subject to a poll of businesses in the town.

"However, the council is yet to formally consider any proposals which we understand are still subject to consultation by the group”.

Flint-knapped Georgian buildings in Holt (Image: Newsquest)

'A PRETTY TOWN'

Holt has become known as one of the poshest towns in the country and is the most expensive place to buy a home in Norfolk.

While the town has been in existence for centuries, the Great Fire of 1708 was a pivotal moment in its history, destroying many of its buildings.

It was rebuilt in the splendid Georgian architecture it is known for, with flint-knapped townhouses and shops.

Byfords, which is in the centre of the town, survived the fire and is thought to be the oldest building.

Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales are known to frequent Holt's shops (Image: PA)

In recent years, it has become a major tourist destination and has attracted visits from members of the royal family.

It is thought to be a favourite haunt of Queen Camilla and more recently has been visited by the Princess of Wales, with both known to choose Holt over London for their Christmas shopping.

The princess was spotted earlier this year, in Bakers and Larners department store. The shop is said to be where the Queen buys the King his favourite gin for Christmas.

But while it has a well-heeled reputation, there is another side to the town, which has previously been revealed as having high rates of child poverty.