"Golden vote" gang fight moves to close Boston BID

Is Boston BID on the skids?
Mounting dissatisfaction with the organisation that has been inflicted on the town’s traders led to a chorus of protest at the BID’s annual meeting last week - led by local accountant Darron Abbot.
Here’s his report of the proceedings.
“As Dennis Bambridge opened the meeting, he surely must have glanced out of the window behind the considerable number of business owners assembled in the room, and, as the lightning struck and the thunder crashed before the heavens opened, must have realised the omens were not good.
“There was a very good turnout form the businesses within the BID area, in fact greatly underestimated by the organisers, who had to double the amount of seating provided.
“The meeting was opened by Dennis Bambridge, taking apologies. One business owner suggested Mr Bambridge apologise for getting them into the mess they were in, which he politely refused.
“The one thing I noticed was that some of the board members were not present, but had not had the decency to forward apologies - how committed are these people?
“Then came questions about the accuracy of the accounts that were being laid before the meeting, “Unfortunately in their arrogance Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce had not brought their own accountant who had carried out the book keeping and prepared the accounts (a service for which Lincolnshire Chamber of commerce had charged Boston BID Limited Just over £3,600.
“Instead they had brought in a gentleman from a firm of external accountants, who in fairness to him had very little idea of the contents of the accounts not having prepared them, and had certainly not been briefed on what to expect. I personally feel this was very poor on behalf of Boston BID Limited, and really showed the contempt with which they hold the businesses within the town.
“After questions about the cost of the computer software purchase and the cost of accountancy services provided by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce that the accountant could not answer the crowd were obviously becoming restless.
“This was the point when the chairman lost control of the meeting, angry questions being fired at the board. The answers were given with a certain amount of arrogance. It was pointed out by the chairman that, the only people who had a real say in what was to happen were the Directors from Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce who had the ‘Golden vote.’ This just promoted more angry feelings.
“Then common sense prevailed from one member of the board, Mr Martin Puttick from Lincolnshire Co-op. This gentleman spoke very clearly and was the only one of the board who recognised the feeling within the room. It was he that urged the chairman to have a show of hands as to whether the business should continue (for this I would thank Mr Puttick). The chairman finally relented and a show of hands took place. The vote was pretty unanimous in favour of the company being wound up.
“Still resistance from the board with the two directors from the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce appearing to be quite smug and arrogant that they were the only ones that could have the company wound up.
“The matter was then put in the hands of Simon Beardsley from Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce to further investigate the public feeling about winding up the company, and when pushed it was decided that an answer would be given within three months.
“The meeting then moved on to the appointment of the directors, at which point Dennis Bambridge said he was standing down and would not seek re-election. After a considerable amount of discussion regarding a vote of no confidence in the board, a ballot was taken. Most people in the room voted for none to be appointed, but as the current board members voted, new directors were appointed. It was a real shame that two of the people who were elected did not appear to have turned up at the meeting.
“Then came any other business I read out a statement (asking for the lifting of a restriction on the voting rights of the business members giving them no say on any resolution put forward - Ed.) you can probably guess that Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce refused to vote which I assume means they do not want to bring democracy to the company, but to retain their dictatorial hold over the businesses of Boston.
“The meeting ended with the future of Boston BID in the hands of Simon Beardsley - let’s just hope he sees sense and actually listens to the businesses of Boston.
“I would urge all businesses to let Simon Beardsley know exactly what they want by contacting him on ....
simon.beardsley@lincs-chamber.co.uk
Mobile 07795440221
Phone 01522 546928
Fax 01522 546667
“During the meeting one good very suggestion came from the representative of Dawson Butchers. This was to wind up Boston BID Limited, and start a group to make Boston Borough Council provide the services they should and not leave to others, a suggestion that seemed to make Councillor Dungworth a little uncomfortable in his seat. Could this be the start of the something to make the Council sit up and take notice. It appears the peasants are revolting!
“Now on to the Council chamber for on the 26th July with a question to Councillor Lenton.”

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