Electing the Kendal BID Board

Electing the Kendal BID Board

At the ballot held in October 2013, business ratepayers voted in favour of the proposal to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in Kendal town centre. As stated in the BID Proposal documents[1] the BID will be managed by a new Kendal BID Company, with its own ring-fenced accounts, and with membership open to nomination and election from all eligible BID levy-paying businesses, organisations and individuals.

One of the first tasks in setting up the Kendal BID is to elect a Board of Directors through a process of nomination and, if needed, a ballot.In order to take part in this procedure, either as a nominee or as a voter,you must register to be a member of the Kendal BID. All Kendal BID levy payers will be eligible to be members and, if registered, may vote at Annual and General Meetings including the inaugural meeting.

The completion and submission of the Nomination Formdoes not guarantee a seat on the BID Board of Directors. In order to ensure that a range of relevant sectors & skills are represented on the BID Board, candidates will need to set out their experience and their commitment to ensuring the success of the Kendal BID.

If the number of nominees exceeds the proposed number of Directors’ seats, then a ballot may be held. This should only be necessary to select between candidates representing specific sectors which are over-represented, for example, if4 nominees are small retailers butthere are just 2 seats for small retailers on the Board then a ballot will be held to select 2 Directors from the 4 candidates (refer below). Voting will be by registered membersonly and the result determined by simple majority. In the event of a tie, the decision will be deferred pending the appointment of the Chair of the Board who will carry the casting vote.

Purpose of the Board

Please refer to the Constitution of the Kendal BID Company– copy attached.

The Kendal BID Board will be composed of up to 12Directors[2].It will be accountable for:

• Upholding and promoting the BID vision and objectives;
• Delivering the four priorities of the BID Proposal efficiently and effectively;
• Promoting the mutual and active support of businesses and partners;
• Making appropriate arrangements for the holding and spending of the BID levy.

This is a voluntary role, as none of the Directors will receive any remuneration.The Board is committed to meeting at least 4 times per year with meetings anticipated to last no more than two hours and held at times carefully planned to maximise attendance and minimise any inconvenience. Sub groups may meet more frequently, for example, todetermine the detail of the marketing elements of the programme.Board members will be expected to give their time, experience, passion and expertise to the success of Kendal BID for free.

Composition of the Board

The Kendal BID Board will be composed of a broad cross-section of BID levy paying businesses, organisations and individuals. Ideally the elected Directors of the Board shouldrepresent the following:

In addition to the above, Board Directors may, at their discretion, agree to invite the following non-voting attendees:

i)Persons with knowledge or information appropriate to the aims of the BID;

ii)Persons with professional or technical expertise to advise the Board on specific matters.

Where possible the correct sector & skills mix will be satisfied by election of an appropriate Director. However if this is not possible it should be provided either through co-option or attendance as an observer or advisor.

The rules governing the conduct of BID Company Directors will be set out in the BID Company Memorandum & Articles of Association.

If you wish to stand for election to the Board, please complete the form attached, providing the informationrequested and return it to the Kendal BID Co-ordinator by 14 FEBRUARY 2014.

Kendal BID Board Nomination Form

Please complete and return this form by email to: or by post to:

Chris Kolek, Kendal BID Co-ordinator, c/o Kendal Futures, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal LA9 4DQ.

RETURN BY FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2014.

PLEASE TICK THIS BOX TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER OF KENDAL BID.

YOU MUST BE A MEMBER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR DIRECTORSHIP.

Signed………………………………………………………………………………Date…………………………………………….

Print Name………………………………………………………………………

[1] Kendal BID proposal and business plan documents can be viewed and downloaded at:

[2]The Business Plan ‘envisaged…6-8 Directors’ but the Shadow Board agreed that a slightly larger number is needed to represent the broad range of business types in Kendal. This may, at the discretion of the Board, be extended to 14 by co-opting up to 2 additional Directors.