BUSINESS Improvement Districts in Northwich and Winsford have joined forces with Chester to promote the towns and help attract investment.

The Northwich, Gadbrook, Winsford, CH1Chester and West Chester BIDs will make up the new West Cheshire BID.

The new venture aims to champion projects currently operating within west Cheshire, representing almost 1,200 businesses and tens of thousands of employees between them.

Collectively, members will invest more than £7 million of private sector-led investment over their BID terms.

By working together, the five BIDs will be able to share information and methods of best practice, and help members reduce costs and save money.

It is hoped that a collaborative approach will also enable the BIDs to explore further funding opportunities which will be vital in trying to secure inward investment and raising the group’s influence.

Northwich BID’s Jane Hough said: “This is a positive and exciting partnership which will not only benefit each BID area within west Cheshire but the businesses they represent too.

“Activities, initiatives and events can be honed by discussing best practices, and by working together we stand a better chance of championing west Cheshire and raising awareness of the brilliant businesses and professionals that do amazing work in the region every day.”