In less than 24 hours, businesses in Silverdale can vote to have their own Business Improvement District (BID).

Theo Simeonidis, chair of the Silverdale Business Association said it has been a long challenging process to connect with the 1200 businesses that are within the BID mapped area, but it was worth it. 

When last reported, there were about 800 businesses in the mapped area and this growth shows that new businesses are opening and Silverdale is a fantastic place to start a business.

A BID is a local economic development initiative run by the business association in relationship with Auckland Council. 

It is aimed at a specified commercial area, town centre or industrial area (or a combination). 

The mapped area for the BID includes all businesses and commercial properties in these Silverdale areas: industrial, village, central, entrance, Highgate Commercial and Millwater Commercial.  

“I have the highest level of confidence in all the businesses in Silverdale,” said Theo.

The ballot paper will be emailed to all the businesses tomorrow, 1 March with a four-page information pack outlining and detailing the voting procedure. 

Businesses will get a code and a password and be able to vote online. 

There are a few businesses that will receive their pack via postal services and these packs can be posted back for counting.

The voting runs until 28 March and the results will be announced on 31 March. 

An independent ballot company is conducting the voting process.

For the BID to be successful, 25 percent of all ballot papers need to be returned and of these, 51 percent must be in favour of a BID. 

If the BID is successful, then a targeted rate will be paid by all business owners within the BID area. 

This money will provide the funding needed to target core priorities - such as security, advocacy, connectivity and marketing/promotions.

Silverdale has a thriving diverse mix of businesses: retail, manufacturing, professional services, healthcare and wellness, financial services, distribution, hospitality, trade services, real estate, technology… the list is endless.

There are currently 50 BID’s across Auckland, and the association is hoping to add one more to the list at the end of March. 

“Silverdale needs to be united and be able to communicate as one strong voice,” said Theo. 

Becoming a BID means the collective voice will be heard more; the increased funding will enable Silverdale to come together as one to improve local business.

“Together we can make Silverdale the best it can be.”