Businesses could save money on costs with new scheme launched by Southport BID

Andrew Brown
4 Min Read
Southport Business Improvement District Chief Executive Officer Rachel Fitzgerald

Southport businesses could see their costs reduced under a new scheme launched by Southport Business Improvement District.

The BID has today announced that it is now working in partnership with Meercat Associates, the only UK-wide BID-buying group. 

Acutely aware of the impact lockdown and the current crisis has had on small businesses’ cash flow, the BID has launched the partnership to help businesses to reduce their costs and aid their recovery.

Meercat are specialists in sourcing and managing contracts for individual businesses and are looking to help Southport-based businesses. Harnessing collective buying powers, Meercat has a reputation for achieving substantial cost savings in telecoms, merchant fees, stationery and  print, utilities, pest control and testing. Typically, a business saves 34% with average member savings of £622 from other BID case studies.

BID CEO Rachel Firzgerald said: “Over the last three months, we have been working hard to redirect our focus on measures to help aid recovery for Southport, and to do all within our power to support businesses as they reopen and rebuild. 

“Helping our members to reduce their costs and access better service is important.

“The BID is in a unique position to bring businesses together in a partnership approach, which coupled with our collective buying power can deliver real financial benefits to our members.

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“This is a FREE service to all Southport BID members. There are no additional costs or commissions payable; your BID levy funds this service, along with many other projects.

“A representative from Meercat will contact our members soon with further information on the scheme. You are under no obligation to meet with them, but we would urge businesses to take advantage of the opportunity and book a visit as there is significant evidence that they will be able to help you make substantial savings.”

The BID has worked tirelessly throughout the current crisis to provide guidance and support to local businesses, providing updates on the financial support available and directing their members to official sources of information throughout.

Their ‘Back to Business’ campaign provides summary guidance on the preparations businesses need to make for reopening and provides free resources, including downloadable social distancing posters.

Through their ongoing ‘Southport Independents’ campaign they have also promoted those businesses who delivered throughout the crisis and as others open. 

Find all the resources and support, along with details on all the projects the BID delivers at www.southportbid.com.  If you are a BID member and wish to book a consultation to see how you can start saving money please email savings@meercatassociates.com or call 01444 416 529.

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