Tuesday, October 2, 2018 PAGE 27 More Business news @ telegraphandargus.co.uk BUSINESS The Calendar Museum votes ‘yes’ in Girls have an historic ballot for city eye on future BID would ‘offer BENJAMIN Opticians celebrated 65 years in business significant benefits in Skipton with the launch of its updated practice – with the for us and many Calendar Girls dropping in to add a touch of glamour. other businesses’ It was smiles all round for the 22-strong team at the evening By Perry Austin-Clarke celebrations, ahead of the grand 01274 705292 newsdesk opening. The staff welcomed @telegraphandargus.co.uk friends and family, those involved in the building and nearby businesses. BRADFORD’S own national mu- seum says it has already voted in Owner Liz Ellis said customers favour of setting up a business could be forgiven for thinking improvement district in the city they had entered a boutique centre and now it is urging oth- hotel lobby, describing the new ers to get behind the “exciting” shop as’ chic and stylish’ and having a ‘wow factor’. plans. LOOKING Jo Quinton-Tulloch, direc- TO FUTURE: She said: “With new test rooms, tor of the National Science and three stunning dispensing Media Museum (NSMM), says Jo Quinton- rooms and state of the art the BID will provide significant Tulloch with equipment, you’ll feel well cared benefits for the city if it gets the the Vote for and leave knowing you have go-ahead when the ballot result Yes board received the best possible eye is announced on October 12. outside the care.” “Since the Bradford BID busi- National Pictured are Calendar Girls, ness plan was launched here at Science from left: Tricia Stewart, the National Science and Media and Media Christine Clancy and Beryl Museum to a great reception, ex- Bamforth. citement around the project has Museum only increased,” she said. Ms Quinton-Tulloch said: “A t a business with an RV of £65,000 “It is clear to me that the Brad- the museum we hope the BID would pay £15.63 weekly. ford BID offers significant ben- will mean continuing to attract The levy income will be man- efits for us and the many other numbers from beyond Bradford aged by a new company run by organisations and businesses in district, and the improved visi- local businesses, through an op- the city. tor journey will have benefits erating board, which will decide “Bradford already has a lot for the city’s hotels, shops and how the money will be spent in to offer, more than some people restaurants. delivering the four pillars of realise. Delivering the BID’s am- “We’re excited to be helping the business plan – Safe, Clean, bition to promote and animate Bradford be seen as a place to Alive and Promoted. the city will only make it more spend a day, a weekend, or even Ian Ward, chair of the BID de- attractive.” longer, benefitting all those in- velopment board, said: “We have Earlier this year, the NSMM volved in this scheme.” had fabulous support for the BID celebrated its highest annual Voting in the postal ballot of project from the NSMM right visitor figures since 2009/10. Be- 630 city centre businesses and from the start and I’m thrilled – tween April 1, 2017, and March 31 organisations which make up but not surprised – to hear that this year, it welcomed 505,000 vis- the BID area has been taking they have already voted Yes in its, compared to 405,000 for the place since September 13. The the ballot. same period in 2016/17—a 25 per ballot closes on October 11. “The museum already does cent increase, year-on-year. If the BID goes ahead, it ex- a huge amount for Bradford by During that period the mu- pects to collect about £2.5 mil- bringing in tourists and visitors seum rebranded to focus on the lion over five years through a which, in turn, help to boost the science and culture of image and levy on businesses with a ratea- local economy, and if the BID sound technology, opened a new ble value of more than £12,000. A goes ahead we will look forward permanent gallery, Wonderlab, small business valued at £15,000 to working closely with them to and exhibited Tim Peake’s space- would pay just £3.61 a week and help make the experience even craft. better for those who come here.” Estate agency buys rival A YORKSHIRE estate agency has to Linley & Simpson’s town cen- its Yorkshire heartland. strengthened its presence in one tre branch in Brook Street. The independent agency’s of the county’s most sought-af- The owner and managing di- growth strategy is being accel- ter places to live with the acquisi- rector of Angus Roberts, David erated thanks to an investment tion of a rival. Waterhouse, who lives in Ilkley, into the business of £10m earlier Linley & Simpson, which has will also join Linley & Simpson’s this summer by the Leeds team a growing network of 11 offices senior team as part of the deal. of LDC, the private equity arm of across North and West York- He is also the Yorkshire rep- Lloyds Banking Group. shire, has bought the long-es- resentative of ARLA, the profes- “Ilkley commands ever-grow- tablished Angus Roberts letting sional body for the letting sector. ing appeal as a place to live and agency in Ilkley for an undis- The acquisition of Angus Rob- we are delighted to cement our closed sum. erts marks the latest stage in a position in the town,” said Linley The deal will see its letting programme of major expansion & Simpson chief executive Will portfolio of 240 homes transfer by Linley & Simpson throughout Linley. Send your Business news to [email protected].