A SCHEME which allows non-levy payers to benefit from the advantages of being part of Sunderland Business Improvement District has attracted some of the region’s top communications and marketing companies.
Sunderland BID launched its affiliate scheme last year, giving companies the opportunity to enjoy some of the services the organisation provides for its city centre businesses.
And the advantages of being part of the BID have been recognised by a range of communications experts, who have now all signed up.
The recruits include MMC Research, social media company, The Social Type, design and advertising agency, The Works and PR companies Sorted PR and Creo Communications.
Natasha McDonough, CEO, MMC Research is fully behind the scheme.
“As a Sunderland-based professional services business, being an affiliate member means that we can wholeheartedly continue to show our support for the tremendous work that the BID does,” she said.
“As an additional bonus, we also get to enjoy exclusive events, networking and have even used the giant Keel Square screen to promote a survey that we put out to residents.
“I’d strongly urge anyone that is serious about doing business in Sunderland to join.”
The benefits to affiliate members include opportunities to promote their businesses through the BIDs many channels, unique networking and staff volunteering opportunities and invitations to a range of events, meetings and training sessions.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID is delighted by the response to the scheme. 2
“We set up the affiliate scheme so that businesses that were not BID levy payers could still be involved and enjoy the range of opportunities we can offer,” she said.
“These top comms and marketing companies can see the benefits and we are very glad to have them as part of the scheme.
“We now have more than 30 businesses from across a diverse range of industries who have joined and we look forward to signing up more in the future.” Anyone wanting to find out more or who wants to join the scheme – which has a small annual fee – should contact roberta@sunderlandbid.co.uk or visit https://sunderlandbid.co.uk/about-us/become-an-affiliate-member/
