1. A project for the Auckland Council BID Team November 2017
BIDs Annual Research
A project for the Auckland Council BID Team
November 2017

2. Background
Through the Business Improvement District (BID) programme, Auckland Council is working with business districts to improve the local business environment and grow the regional economy.  This programme creates a partnership between the council and business associations, which are separate entities. There are currently 48 BIDs in Auckland, representing over 25,000 businesses with a combined capital value estimated at $24 billion.
Each BID represents businesses in a business town centre or local area who pay a targeted rate to be members of the BID. These funds go towards initiatives such as community events, retail drives/competitions, CCTV, security, etc.
Auckland is growing fast with another one million people expected in the next 30 years. This growth means challenges and opportunities for town centres and key business areas.
Therefore, the Auckland Council BID Team has undertaken research amongst its BID Managers to better understand how to meet the needs of their members in this changing environment of increasing growth and diversity.

3. About this survey Online survey of 33 BID Managers
Conducted from a survey list provided by the BID team
Interview duration: 15 minutes
Fieldwork: 8 to 24 November, 2017
Note:
Given the small sample size, all findings are reported as numbers rather than percentages
As the survey was completed multiple times by one individual (albeit in different capacities), given the small base size, results will reflect inherent biases

4. Summary of key findings and insights

5. Summary (I)
There are considerably more BID members vs. registered Business Association members in the and size categories (11 and 10 BIDs respectively), with more registered Business Association members in the category (10 BIDs)
Key member types that business associations are made up of are the number of representative members within the BID area (53% of BIDs) and the number of business owners (50% of BIDs)
The most important factor by far when considering board composition is business type / sector representation (28 of the 33 BIDs)
Key areas of support and information provided by BIDs are strategic / business plans and budget (31), nominations forms and instructions (29), BA financial reports (27) and governance induction / training (25)
The majority of Local Board BID representation at Board Meetings are non-voting board members (18), followed by voting board members (9) and guests / observers (6)
Key areas of strategic focus for BIDs for this financial year centre around events / marketing / promotion / advertising (27) and member engagement and communication (20)
Currently all BIDs are in full compliance with the policy requiring that they meet with their local board at least once a year, with many who do so more frequently. Around a third of BIDs (12) meet with their board every 6 months, with a quarter who meet monthly (9) and 1 in 5 who meet quarterly or annually (6 and 5 respectively)
Key areas of council services / family currently worked with are Auckland Transport (28), Arts, Culture & Events (14), and ATEED (12)
Key areas of council services or family that BIDs would like to work with are ATEED (12), Auckland Transport (11) and Arts, Culture and Events (10)

6. Summary (II)
Place-making is a key area where help is required for BID programmes (17), followed by making the most of vacant stores (14), collaborative opportunities (13) and calendar of council plans / programmes (13)
Key areas for professional development are social media (15), promotions / events / marketing (13), board governance (11) and keeping a strategic focus (11)
Satisfaction with the BID team is high. Almost all BIDs are extremely satisfied that the BID team responds in a timely manner when required (27 are extremely satisfied)
22 are extremely satisfied that the Bid team provides useful advice and support with 21 who are extremely satisfied with the overall level of service provided (therefore, some room for improvement)
All 33 BIDs received their grant payment on time and almost all (32) have visited the website
However, the majority of BIDs (18) say that they do not feel more informed compared to last year and only 11 say that they do (another potential area for improvement)
Overall, the majority of feedback is positive with BD Managers appreciative of the support they get from the BID team
However, there is some feedback in terms of evolving the BID programme to respond to the changing business landscape

7. Structure of Business Association and BID Programme

8. There are considerably more BID members vs
There are considerably more BID members vs. registered BA members in the and size categories, with more registered BA members in the category
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

9. Key member types that Business Associations are made up of are the number of representative members within the BID area and the number of business owners
TOTAL NUMBER OF BIDs: 4,521
2,410
2,240
1,253 69 17
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

10. The most important factor by far when considering board composition is business type / sector representation
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

11. Key areas of support and information provided by BIDs are strategic / business plans and budget, nominations forms and instructions, financial reports and governance induction / training
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

12. The majority of Local Board BID representation at board meetings are non-voting board members
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

13. Strategic Focus of BIDs

14. Key areas of focus for this financial year centre around events / marketing / promotion / advertising and member engagement and communication
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

15. Around a third of BIDs meet every 6 months with a quarter who meet monthly and 1 in 5 who meet quarterly or annually
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

16. Key areas of council services currently worked with are Auckland Transport, Arts, Culture & Events, and ATEED
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

17. Work currently conducted with council services
Auckland Transport
Anything from street lighting, pot holes, parking issues and traffic flow
Commercial Project Team engagement
Involvement with changes to bus timetables
Improvement of parking, roads, footpaths
Upgrading the streetscape through the BID area
Otahuhu Upgrade project
Footpath infrastructure maintenance (trees / planting etc.), install new pedestrian crossings, access to lamp posts for potential CCTV
Help them understand the importance of supporting the local economic environment any include ED when considering any changes, projects and strategies regarding the street and roading network
Footpath renewal, lighting plan
Parking solution in Beachfront lane - angled parking & one-way only. However, they are difficult to get results from
To influence AT to recognise the importance of economic outcomes in their development of areas
Better communication with AT
We largely advocate for members on local congestion issues - would like a dedicated conduit to AT; currently developing a local hotspot map for minor works division
AMETI project
Streetscape upgrades & improvement
Discussion and implementation of strategies that address signage, place-making, wayfinding, community event space in ferry terminal, bike paths, green routes, good urban design that allows for 'bump in'
Public Transport, alignment of projects
Carpark
Multiple - parking/ traffic flows, trains, bus routes
Transport complaints and issues
Shuttle services around Manukau from Train / bus station; help with CCTV coverage in Manukau
As little as possible
Obtain approval to put up gateway signs
Congestion management
Complete pedestrian improvement project

18. Work currently conducted with council services
Arts, Culture, Events
Making events and artworks happen for Ellerslie
Event permits
Develop and promote
Help with consents and funding
Creative Arts promotion, event facilitation
Have the Auckland Live arts events featured on our Chameleon TV screens throughout the town centre
CPTED, design and beautification
Events
Events - Carols by Spider-light
Public art strategy
Event permit support where required
Event support
Chinese Korean New Year Celebrations
ATEED
Free business workshops and Commercial Project Team
Economic development
Grow economy
Developing the Little India concept creating a tourist destination
Business mentor programme
Doesn't align with question asked in 4a
Business training
We promote their services (esp. business support; youth employment) to members
Value proposition and branding
V8, events, tourism
Economic development in Manukau
Local economic development
Licencing & Compliance
Busker and stallholder and event licencing
For any events we deal with
Display of goods bylaw
Update on compliance and policies and advocating for best outcomes for businesses
Already work with them on compliance issues in the BID
Work collaboratively to resolve social issues - we have increasing homelessness and social issues
Liquor licensing and other trading within BID
Beggars and homeless
Outdoor dining and street activations
Compliance issues
Obtain approval for markets
Environment & Waste
Illegally dumped rubbish is one of our major issues. We are also working on a waste management programme with our businesses
Improve and communicate
Spill and pollution education
Waste minimisation projects and assistance - for businesses and events
More recycling facilitates in the town centre, zero waste events
We have a waste minimisation work-stream - we promote their services (e.g. ecobiz); we're involved in the Otara Lake and Waterways remediation
Illegal dumping policies and signage re alcohol ban
Ongoing rubbish control
Rubbish collection in Manukau
Waste management. Minimising landfill

19. Work currently conducted with council services
Community Facilities
With community facilities for events, innovation and creative programmes
Community facility feasibility study
I assume this is working with the likes of sally at the ECBCP
Greater understanding of area’s community facilities and improved maintenance
Better communication with AT
Routine maintenance and upgrades
Leveraging off one another's events to gain critical mass
Community centre and library improvement
Maintenance of precinct
Education and relationship building
Panuku
We are part of their stakeholder group
Overpriced of one day rental of market site: $24,000pa
Transformation consultation
Develop and improve
Panmure Transform
Redevelopment, public and private partnership(s)
Get the Avondale Activation on the way as needed badly in Avondale
Engagement in the Transform Manukau project
Town centre development
Civil Defence
We are looking to create an area ER Plan
Working on a Civil Defence Plan for the town
Information
We promote business continuity planning and AEM resources
Update of community plan
Member and employee engagement and education
Maori Initiatives / Building Control
Arts and design
Nothing that is not covered under the Unitary Plan and AT Parking Strategy

20. Key areas of council services that BIDs would like to work with are ATEED, Auckland Transport and Arts, Culture and Events
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

21. Work BIDs want to conduct with council
ATEED
The last 2 letters in ATEED stand for Economic Development. ATEED should be supporting BIDs
I would like them to support events in the Ellerslie area
Share knowledge and connections to be able to advertise our town centre as a destination for tourism
Promote Hunters Corner as an upmarket Indian Town
We have tried (unsuccessfully) to get 'satellite' break offs of the large events, into Orewa and the smaller town centres i.e. hold a pre or post lantern festival in Orewa to appeal more to the local market and increase the accessibility of the event to the wider public
Business training
Better to connection to their communication networks to benefit all BID's
Town centre economic development - specialist assistance with best practice town centre development initiatives specifically for the KBA area
Get Devonport on the events map: Would like to be a satellite location for the Reader's & Writer's Festival as well as host any major heritage events. We want to host Auckland Festival events as well as be centre stage for Artweek Auckland
Economic development in Manukau
Work together to bring an annual event to Ponsonby
Auckland Transport
I would like to know what AT projects are happening that effect Ellerslie such as roadworks, parking changes, bus changes, etc.
Review and updates on local issues
Replace the old street furniture and rubbish bins and upgrade the streetscape
Increased footpath infrastructure i.e. more seating with a seat back and arms, more maintenance of the town cobblestones, extension of the cycleway at the south end of town, through Orewa
Increased lighting in the town centre
Maintenance, upgrades, CPTED, pedestrian facilities, and beautification initiatives
Would like to know more about the ferry terminal usage and tenancies, get better street signage, wayfinding maps, signage that reflects our 'place' etc. Better bike paths and pedestrian areas / communal picnic spots and a Windsor Reserve upgrade.
Parking
Better understanding and recognition of BID by AT
CCTV coverage; shuttle transport connecting to bus / train services; parking; signage into Manukau
Arts, Culture and Events
Create spaces that draw people into lingering in the town centre
Ongoing Creative Arts Promotion and Event facilitation
More art and cultural events
Programmes to develop the cultural and events offerings in KBA area
We would like public art! A sculpture walk that helps people navigate their way around the village. We'd like to be part of the Reader's & Writer's Festival
Carols by Spider-light
Arts: pop up, engagement for activities in town centre
Event support

22. Work BIDs want to conduct with council
Panuku
I would like to work with them on future plans for Ellerslie, supposedly we are a transport hub and should expect intensification in the next 10 years but there is no plan for our area.
Reduce costs of BA rentals of spaces for weekend markets and community events.
Improved community facilities
Finalise a community lease on 3 Victoria - have the building earthquake strengthened and upgraded and make best use of it for our community. We need an exciting masterplan for Devonport that gets people out of cars and onto bikes - that allows us to lead big events and build our local economy. We need communal spaces that offer opportunities to dine outside in groups (think Ponsonby Central, Elliot Stables) we need apartment living
Start on Activation project for Avondale
Development
Transform Manukau project. Local community initiatives
Environment and Waste
To see how we could work together more
Understand and gain visual representation of town centre maintenance and upgrade of gardens, waste collection points and facilities
Review and updates on local issues
Educate the public and retailers into recycling with special bins provided
Ongoing waste minimisation works
Help with developing a waste minimisation project to move the centre to reduce, reuse and recycle business packaging and waste
Recycling facilities increased
Would like to be a waste-free community. Starting a boomerang bags initiative. Would love to have worm farms on the streets for green waste and compost generated locally going into hospitality gardens etc. Would like public bins to be separated and work towards being a single-use plastic free community
Licencing and Compliance
We often have questions on compliance issues from our members and never know who to talk to
Review and updates on local issues
Bylaw enforcement
Issue licence for beggars and homeless
Obtain permission to have a licensed 'long lunch’ event in May 2018
Maori Initiatives
New initiatives for local Maori
Discuss common areas and opportunities - we do Matariki celebrations but want to do a richer programme
We'd like to bring our Maori narratives to the fore with led walks around our significant maunga, content for our website that's accurate and agreed as well as a representation of these narratives in public art and place-making projects

23. Work BIDs want to conduct with council
Community Facilities
Advocate for a new Community Centre
Education, funding, connecting relationships with strategic broker and staff. Making connections
Building Control
Review and updates on local issues

24. Additional types of information required to enhance BID programmes
Internal contacts sometimes it is difficult to meet or talk to the right person
Assistance with Marketing and Business plans workshop to do our own BID ones Networking maybe with the other BID group from the other side of town Someone from the group doing a little presentation of what has worked well in their town for us to hear about and maybe use - networking of events and ideas
I'd like more information on legal requirements - from privacy laws e.g. can I share photos of shoplifters, or event goers, to how long I have to keep records etc. I'd also like a session where people could share the apps and tech solutions to make work easier e.g. databases, event management, photo apps, etc.
Financial transparency representation.. (not for me, but others) / Fraud prevention workshop
Contacts within Council
Opportunities for improvement, best practice, ideas
Crime Prevention, Activating Space, Marketing, Tactical Urbanism
More bylaw information food safety, compliance, signage, etc.
Increasing member engagement Customer attraction Digital media options and which platform works best for which type of business
Future business trends and developments. Tourism opportunities - using local attractions, etc.
Environmental, recycle, reuse and renew opportunities for business centres
New ways of promoting business districts how to hock up all FB users in a BID to create a big FB community
Make sure your invite database includes all people working in each BID office, not just the manager. I think that there is a need to get into the area of how town centres respond to capital works and development - how to ensure economic outcomes. ATEED needs to step up into the operational ED space within town centres and develop programmes - this is not a AC problem, ATEED needs to do this. BID managers need to develop place management skills rather than BID management
RIMU; economic development
How ATEED and Panuku can support our BIDs
Partnerships with COOs and info relating to better relationship management with them
Wish I had been to all of these. Looking forward to your future meetings.
Council Plans for the area. Improve History of Mainstreet
The programme seems to cover most things
Retail strategy. Place-making
Strategies for Building a Powerful and Sustainable Membership Organisation - run by Strategic Membership Solutions from Australia. Over here regularly to run workshops, could piggy back on those.
Crime prevention, beggars
How to work positively with Auckland Transport

25. Place-making is a key area where help is required for BID programmes, followed by making the most of vacant stores
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

26. Key areas for professional development are social media, promotions / events / marketing, board governance and strategic focus
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

27. Almost all BIDs are extremely satisfied that the BID team responds in a timely manner when required
High levels of satisfaction with providing useful advice and support and overall service, but with room for improvement
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

28. The majority of BIDs do not feel more informed compared to last year
However, all received their grant payment on time and almost all have visited the website
Alternative sources of information are the Auckland Council and ATEED websites
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

29. Additional comments: mostly positive responses
It's all working well for me and I appreciate all the support I get
Website is great for finding docs
Great Work! So happy to feel supported, with a great team who provide ideas on issues, and respond in a timely manner. Thanks, I very much appreciate you all!
No, waste of time
Thank you
The support from the BID team is fantastic.
Love ya work :)
No, it’s all good
The BID programme is great and it would be good to give it more profile across the region by council and the CCOs. The bids as a group recognized as a stakeholder group by the CCOs.
Please don't make every question mandatory
The BID team and other TCM's are always helpful and supportive
It’s a great program and seems to be getting more and more competent mangers
The BID programme needs to evolve - specialist advice about a BID programme should respond to the future Auckland region changes – it’s clear commercial area residential growth is going to increase, infrastructure projects are booming, business growth increasing and transport patterns changing = what changes does the BID model need to consider to respond to these challenges. For example, KBA has just talked about putting our target rate up significantly for the years of the CRL to respond to AT infrastructure. What other ideas should we be considering?
The newsletter has improved; I would like to see a refined system for BIDs to report issues to Council that bypass the call centre as it is a total timewaster - we could help to make the Council look good in the eyes of our businesses
I think we are lucky to have the BID programme and support from the BID team. I find it useful to know that there is someone I can go to, to give independent advice
Visits by the BIDs team and/or reps would be a good idea to implement formally
Feel the BID team is undervalued within Council. Feel that BID's are not seen as key stakeholders
Excellent work, keep it up
These questions are mainly inappropriate for our needs. The BID team didn’t even ask about management skills. The local board relationships are critical. In previous terms the Chair didn’t bother to keep to MOU which in itself is poor. Only reason we’re engaged now is my desire to improve relations and keep to BID MOU and policy. Get your politicians to understand agreements
I would like to acknowledge the BID team and thank them for all their help this year

30. Demographics

31. BID Demographics Position Business type Size Area
Total Base: N=33 BID Representatives

32. Please contact Deb Donaldson Citizen Engagement and Insights
Questions?
Please contact Deb Donaldson
Citizen Engagement and Insights