FIRMS in north Colchester could join forces to create a Business Improvement District.

A steering group has been set up to investigate the option and to canvass for more ideas to improve the Severalls Business Park and surrounding areas.

BIDs involve businesses being charged a levy on rates to develop projects to benefit them all. Partnerships between businesses are created through a ballot process.

The steering group was formed after north Colchester business representatives met although the BID process is still in its earliest stages.

At the event, concerns were also shared over traffic management around Severalls Business Park, added security following break-ins to businesses, and obtaining sustainable investment.

Steering group member Laura Mansel-Thomas, who is partner at Ingleton Wood architects, said: “This is our chance to make a real difference to northern Colchester and have our say on making vital improvements that will transform the area.

“A steering group will be able to get to grips with what matters most to businesses in the region and give us the opportunity to be proactive in seeking solutions that can boost our offering within the business community.”

Co-member Tony Fisher, who is the managing partner of Fisher Jones Greenwood solicitors’ firm said: “Northern Colchester has so much to offer business with a great community built on working together.

“We need to keep north Colchester at the top of the agenda when it comes to securing investment through making the region as appealing as it can possibly be.”

A petition was previously launched by Severalls businesses calling for new exit routes off the park or traffic lights.

Other business leaders who have stepped up to be part of the steering group to date are Ashleigh Seymour Rutherford of Colbea, Pam Nelson of the Colchester Travel Plan Club, Steve Rudd of Marel, Will Johnson of SES Mechanical and Katie Skingle of KAT Marketing.

A separate Our Colchester BID was formed last year in the town centre, aiming to revitalise and promote the town centre over the next five years.

For more information email contactus@katmarketing.co.uk.