BID joins forces with Sussex procurement specialist to save Darlington businesses money

The Business Improvement District (BID) overseen by District Darlington has partnered with Meercat Associates Ltd to launch a scheme to reduce costs for traders.

Businesses in Darlington could save thousands of pounds on services and utilities thanks to a new initiative.

Affected businesses range from hair salons to photo studios, clothes shops to delicatessens.

The scheme utilises the collective purchasing power of the BID to negotiate reduced bills for a wide range of services, such as energy, telecoms, print and pest control.

So far, Meercat Associates, which works exclusively with BIDS of all sizes, has helped retailers in BIDs across the UK save hundreds of thousands of pounds.

In London’s Camden Town it achieved savings of £60,300, it saved £87,500 in Winchester, with Ipswich and Ealing BIDs saving around £75,000 between them – and Distinct Darlington now hopes to follow suit.

Alex Hirst, manager of Distinct Darlington, said: “Meercat Associates has already met a few of our independent retailers and identified potential savings of around £20,000.

“Now, with that information to hand, the businesses are able to make informed decisions when their existing contracts come up for renewal.”

To find out more about the scheme or for further information about Distinct Darlington visit www.distinctdarlington.co.uk.