The Falmouth BID (Business Improvement District) is the latest official partner to be announced for this summer’s Tall Ships Regatta in Falmouth.

Voted in for a second five-year term in November after an overwhelming 87 per cent ‘yes’ vote, the highest result achieved for any BID in the south west of England, the Falmouth BID is a not-for-profit company that delivers and supports numerous innovative projects to improve the trading environment of Falmouth. It is business-led, with over 450 businesses being part of it.

In terms of the Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta, the BID’s support is varied and comprehensive, working across numerous areas to ensure the festival benefits the town and its businesses in as many ways as possible.

The BID will fund and help co-ordinate economic evaluation of the event, part of a new and sustained data-capture element in its second five year term. Such work is vital to ensure value-for-money for businesses is achieved when undertaking town activity, as well as providing valuable information on Falmouth’s visitors that can help support future marketing and business-to-business activity.

Working in partnership with the town management function, the BID will also help spearhead shore-side and commercial opportunities with town businesses, thereby ensuring a fantastic array of activities and events take place throughout the town to complement the breath-taking spectacle on the water.

Substantive input towards the marketing, PR and operational plans will also form part of the BID’s commitment to Cornwall’s biggest festival of 2014.

Richard Wilcox, Falmouth BID Manager said: “We are delighted to support the Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta, helping to provide and support visitor and business services, including marketing, shoreside events and visitor information.

“Such festivals, for which Falmouth is renowned, are a superb occasion – memorable for visitors and residents - but we are keen to ensure that they also reach out and support hundreds of our local businesses and enterprises. We will work alongside the key partners and others as we have done for many other initiatives, to help generate a positive economic impact and legacy.

“It’s that strong sense of community and the ethos of collaboration that is enabling Falmouth to be recognised nationally as a wonderful place to live, work, study and do business in.”

Sam Groom, festivals and events manager at Visit Cornwall, who is heading up the Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta, said: “We are delighted to confirm Falmouth BID as an official partner of the event. Their support enables us to maximise the benefits of the regatta for local businesses, which is one of our main objectives.

“Producing an evaluation study of the event is crucial, confirmation of the significant economic and social benefits such an event can bring will help secure funding opportunities and improve planning for next time.”

The regatta takes place in Falmouth from August 28 to 31, with the large square rigged vessels berthed in the docks open to the public for the first three days, before the spectacular parade of sail as the vessels make their way to the race start on August 31. A wide programme of events will be offered throughout Falmouth from live music and entertainment, exhibitions and displays, children’s activities and a grand firework finale. For up-to-date information visit www.falmouthtallships.co.uk.