Andover’s new Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, Bill Hawkins, has outlined his vision for the town centre, promising greater transparency, stronger partnerships and a focus on supporting independent businesses. Listen to the interview in
Speaking on Andover Radio’s Morning Show with Ben Tuffin, the former Army officer discussed his background, answered questions submitted by residents and business owners, and addressed some of the concerns surrounding the BID.
Mr Hawkins recently retired from the Army after serving for 37 and a half years.
“I’ve had a career that’s taken me all around the world,” he said. “I retired last year because I’m too old to stay in the Army, and I decided that I wanted to settle in Andover. I wanted to do something for the town and the opportunity came along to be the manager of the Andover Town Centre Business Improvement District. I thought, fantastic, what a great opportunity.”
He believes the leadership, management and communication skills developed during his military career will help him in his new role.
“Hopefully I can bring some managerial and leadership skills that I picked up through all my experience and training in the Army,” he said. “Communication is going to be really important going forward because we’ve got a good message to sell.”
Supporting Independent Businesses
Responding to a question from resident Paul Jeans about increasing shopping opportunities in the town centre, Mr Hawkins acknowledged that the retail landscape has changed significantly.
“We remember Marks & Spencer and other big retailers, and it is a shame that they’ve gone,” he said. “Let’s be honest, and this is the same in towns all across the country, they’re not coming back. Towns have to change. Towns have to adapt.”
Instead, he believes Andover’s future lies in attracting independent and boutique businesses.
“What Andover and other small market towns need to do is play to their strengths and become a haven for boutique shops, for independents, for stuff that you can’t get online.”
Mr Hawkins highlighted that despite concerns about shop closures, 20 businesses have opened in Andover town centre during the past year, including ALR Hair Studio, Divine Glory Beauty and Spa, Vicolo Lounge, Harvest Bistro and Bakery, Highscores Arcade, Aqua Lounge and The Travelling Cupcake.
“If you listen to that list, what you would notice is there’s a lot of independents in that list,” he said.
Addressing Criticism of the BID
One of the most challenging questions came from local resident Danny Whitehouse, who questioned the democratic nature of the BID model and whether businesses receive value for the compulsory levy they pay.
Mr Hawkins explained that BIDs operate under legislation introduced through the Business Improvement Districts Regulations 2004 and are approved through a ballot of eligible businesses.
“The BID is in its second term. This second term started in April 2024 and was based on a vote held in the previous autumn,” he explained.
“Our mandate expires on 31 March 2029. If I do a good job, hopefully we’ll win that third term and we’ll have another BID for another five years. If I do a bad job, or people don’t like the idea of the BID, that’ll be the end of it.”
He also stressed that he is accountable to a volunteer board made up of local businesses.
“I am being held to account by a board of directors drawn from businesses in the BID area. They are volunteers. They hold me directly to account.”
Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour
Responding to concerns from Samantha Jankowski about e-scooters, bikes in pedestrian areas and vandalism around the town centre, Mr Hawkins described the BID’s Town Rangers as one of its most valuable services.
“Town Rangers are the BID’s largest investment,” he said. “They are there to discourage anti-social behaviour, gather evidence, make reports to the police and render first aid.”
However, he acknowledged there are limitations.
“The Rangers cannot be there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We just don’t have the resource.”
Mr Hawkins pledged to strengthen relationships with Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire Constabulary to improve enforcement and accountability.
“What I’m going to do, and I make this a pledge now on the radio, is build stronger partnerships with Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire Constabulary, and I’m going to do a better job of holding the local authorities to account on the town centre’s behalf.”
On the issue of e-scooters, he confirmed discussions are already taking place with the police and local authorities.
“The police have asked Hampshire County Council to improve the signage. Once the signage is improved, they will enforce the law.”
Value for Money and Transparency
Explaining how the BID is funded, Mr Hawkins said businesses within the town centre contribute between 1.5% and 2% of their rateable value through a levy collected by Test Valley Borough Council.
“From the point of view of an average business in the town centre, it is less than a cup of coffee per day that they’re paying,” he said.
In return, businesses receive services including Town Rangers, a town-wide radio network, access to a crime management system, social media support and event delivery.
“A business, particularly a small business, could not possibly provide that out of their own budget,” he said.
Mr Hawkins also committed to increasing transparency around BID spending.
“I’m going to make it my mission to drive out waste, to be more efficient, and I’m going to make sure that all the money we spend in the next four years will be under constant scrutiny.”
He added: “I’m going to publish accounts so that not only businesses but also residents and visitors can see where we are spending the money. Transparency is really important.”
Engaging with Local Businesses
When asked by Mooch owner George Roberts whether he would visit businesses in person to discuss their needs, Mr Hawkins said he was keen to meet business owners but encouraged them to arrange appointments.
“With over 250 businesses in the town centre and me being part-time, if I visited every business I could only spend five minutes with every business and I wouldn’t have time to do any other work,” he said.
However, he stressed that his door is open.
“Businesses can email me, invite me to a meeting and I’d love to come and have a chat. I’d love to hear what they have to say.”
As he settles into the role, Mr Hawkins says collaboration will be key to the BID’s success.
“I don’t want listeners to think that I am the BID. We are the BID. The town centre, the businesses, we are the BID. We’ve all got to collaborate, otherwise this just isn’t going to work.”
Mr Hawkins is expected to return to Andover Radio monthly, where he will continue answering questions from businesses, residents and visitors about the future of Andover town centre. So if you have a question for Bill. please email hello@loveandover.com.
Listen to the full interview here: