Good Morning
Please find an update on several council announcements you may have missed plus current BID projects and information about a fresh approach to cutting costs.
Cutting Costs
The BID has started to work with a locally based specialist to assist businesses to review and identify ways to reduce the cost of essential business services. Unyfi provide expert support through every step of the procurement process with tailored services, negotiate exclusive rates and simplify supplier management through one point of contact. If you are interested in considering this service please email us at bussiness@bedminster.org.uk.
Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ)
Please find below recent information and links from the council regarding the above. Go to: www.bristol.gov.uk/caz
You’ll find an overview of Bristol’s CAZ, with links to the zone map, what vehicles will be charged, exemptions, and the financial support available to help businesses upgrade their non-compliant vehicles or fleets. It’s worth noting that if you’re eligible for financial support but fail the financial checks, you can apply for an exemption..
If you’d like to talk to an advisor, please email CAZbusiness@bristol.gov.uk. You may be interested in our free business travel offers. These include 50% match funded grants, electric pool bikes, staff engagement events and equipment. Please visit the Travelwest website to find out more: https://travelwest.info/for-businesses
This website also has links to free individual sustainable travel offers for anyone that lives or works in Bristol: https://travelwest.info/for-communities/individual-support. Any questions please contact us at cazbusiness@bristol.gov.uk or call us on 0333 307 4162 or complete this form to register your interest
Gaol Fery Bridge Closes from 22nd August
Please find below the latest from the council:
As you know we are working to restore Gaol Ferry Bridge which is in need of essential structural repairs.We have been working with our contractors, Griffiths, since June and are now in a position to update you about the works.
We had thought it would take longer for Griffiths’ scaffolding design and revised method of working to be approved by an independent inspector.
The good news is that this has now been approved, which has enabled their programme of work to be devised. On Monday 15 August, Griffiths will close off a section of footpath next to Gaol Ferry Bridge on Cumberland Road to create a site compound for equipment, storage, parking and welfare units. The bridge will remain open during this site compound set up.
From Monday 22 August Griffiths will close Gaol Ferry Bridge to start the restoration and repair work on the bridge.
The works are now expected to take between six and nine months due to a need to change the scaffolding plan. However, the timeline will become clearer once the full structure of the bridge is uncovered. Thank you for bearing with us while we restore this important foot and cycle bridge to make sure it can be used for years to come. For more information, including the diversion routes, please visit www.bristol.gov.uk/gaolferrybridge.
Current BID Programmes
Funding is still available from the BID for:
Shutters Program - the BID has set aside funding to help businesses paint shutters with art to improve appearances in the evening in particular. If you are interested in the programme please email business@bedminster.org.uk with your business name and address.
Greening Programmes - the BID is launching two new greening programmes. Planters (mainly for wide pavements) and hanging baskets (mainly for narrow pavements).
· Planters – as these require permissions from the city council we wish to do this in a batch order that will also enable some economies of scale. If you would like to be part of this programme you will need a pavement at least 2m wide (a minimum 1.5m must be left for pedestrians plus allow c0.5m minimum for a planter). We envisage long thin low level planters that would sit in front of shop windows and be planted in order to complement and not obstruct the shop window. Please do get in touch as soon as possible if you wish to be part of this programme.
· Hanging baskets - The BID will pay for installation of brackets, baskets, planting and watering systems on a limited number of buildings. Priority will be given to buildings with narrow pavements in particular as other initiatives (such as planters) are limited here. We are seeking groups or 'clusters' of a minimum of 4-5 buildings grouping together as this makes a greater impact and enables investment in auto irrigation systems stretch further. If you are interested please email business@bedminster.org.uk stating the businesses and their addresses in your 'cluster' (minimum four - ideally more as this uses our limited funding more efficiently) and state which business will allow their water supply to be accessed (via a very small bore pipe c5mm). Applications for the first round of installations ie winter baskets is August 31st.
· Green Walls – if you have other ideas beyond hanging baskets and planters that you believe will improve the aesthetics of the area then please let us know.