Business Improvement Districts
BIDDING FOR QUALITY Christina Ewbank on the towns that like to say “Yes!”
H
astings has just won a “Yes” vote to create a Business Improvement District (BID) for the first time ever. Brighton is renewing their BID for the second time after a successful “Yes” vote and Eastbourne is progressing towards their first BID vote in February 2017.
So what exactly is a BID? A Business Improvement District or BID is exactly what it says on the tin! A business-led and business funded body formed to improve a commercial area, normally, but not exclusively a town centre. In a BID the businesses decide and direct how they want to improve the area in order to increase footfall, improve sales, cut costs, improve promotion of the area and improve the general environment of the BID area. This could include marketing, floral planters, winter lighting, Christmas lights, street ambassadors, security wardens, seasonal events, positive image and/or wayfinder signage.
“The combined annual BID levy is over £63 million; averaging £352,000 per BID per year” In a shopping area, for example, a BID will aim to provide an attractive environment to persuade shoppers to visit the town with their friends on a regular basis rather than merely shop online.
Key BID Facts • In the UK, the majority of BIDs exist in town centres, however they are also in industrial, commercial and mixed-use locations. For example, some towns like Bournemouth, have two BID areas; in the town centre and on the seafront. • The BID mechanism allows for a large degree of flexibility and as a result BIDs vary greatly in ‘shape’ and size. • Annual income is typically £200,000-
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