The Cost Saving initiative, which is designed to help businesses secure cheaper rates on energy, utilities, merchant fees and telecoms bills as well as pest control and other services, was introduced in April 2013 when Cambridge BID - a collaboration of 1,100 businesses, working together to promote and improve the city centre - was established. It is just one of a number of projects being delivered by the organisation to support businesses and make them sustainable, through helping them to cut down their costs. It is offered as an exclusive benefit to BID member businesses.
Cambridge BID Chairman, Ian Sandison says: “Operating a business in today’s economy is expensive. Even though the service is available to all organisations, it particularly benefits independent businesses who often lack the buying power and resources of national chains. The initiative helps them make considerable savings on their running costs and improve their profit margins - for example, we’ve helped several small businesses identify over £26,000 worth of savings on their credit card processing fees.
He adds: “The process is simple. Once a business gets in touch, our independent cost saving consultant will visit their premises to review their costs. He will then advise them as to where they can make savings through sourcing the best contracts in the marketplace, on their behalf.”
bb+c architects on Bridge Street is one BID member business that has already benefited from the initiative.
Rachel Nicholas, bb+c, financial manager said: “As a business, it’s really important to keep running costs as low as possible, which is why we decided to make use of the cost saving initiative. The process was quick and easy and we saved a substantial sum on our gas and electricity bills. I’d recommend the initiative to any other Cambridge business.”
To schedule a visit to review your business costs contact Becky Burrell on 01223 903300 or visit http://business.cambridgebid.co.uk for more information.