WITH reference to the Penarth Times reports and the ongoing deliberations in respect of the BID process for Penarth, it seems some business’s are for the proposal and others against the proposition. There appears to be objection from over 30 local traders to the imposition of the extra two per cent of the gross rateable value of each business in the BID area.

Additionally assembly member Andrew Davies is seeking a survey to ascertain how tourism can improve.

In relation to both of these ideas as local business is inextricably linked to tourism an option to consider is the excellent track record of Cardiff University in respect of their success in liaising with and working in partnership with business, commerce and communities.

Utilising ideas and initiatives to develop new business or enhance existing businesses, students achieve useful educational attainments based on their real life research and vocational experience whilst business, commerce and communities derive benefit from their participation.

Importantly the whole community are involved in such projects. This is a welcome approach as I am sure there are many residents who are not in business who may wish to put their views forward as to what we wish for Penarth.

My recent Cardiff University Alumni magazine outlines the University’s ambitious plans for sharing expertise passions and visions for communities both locally with the Community Gateway programme and internationally with students working in many other countries. Projects already organised by the University have already proved significant and their value has been measured as to the difference these projects have meant in the real world.

It is also interesting to note that 85 per cent of all intellectual property income in Wales is generated by Cardiff University and it is in the top five UK higher education institutes for the number of knowledge transfer programmes.

It may be worth those involved in the BID from both sides of the debate, and those concerned with tourism to consider contact with Cardiff University to ascertain if such a partnership approach is viable in these circumstances.

It may save local business having to pay for something that may possibly be achieved at less cost than that currently proposed and crucially provide practical and achievable answers to the conundrum.

Gordon F Shumack M.Sc.Econ

Penarth