• A BID is an arrangement whereby businesses get together to decide what improvements they want to make in their trading environment, how they will manage these and what it will cost them. This all goes into a business plan which is voted on by all those who would have to contribute. The BID lasts for a maximum of five years and must be able to demonstrate how a BID benefits the businesses that have funded it.

  • BIDs can deliver projects or services that are agreed by the businesses in the BID area and must be services and projects that are over and above anything that the Public Sector already provides. Before a BID business plan is produced all the services being delivered by the Local Authority are benchmarked and they must continue to deliver that level of service for the 5-year term of the BID. BIDs can deliver projects or services that are agreed by the businesses within the BID area.

  • A BID is a mechanism which allows businesses to raise a sum of money to manage and deliver projects that they have identified to improve their trading environment.

  • Based on the detailed business plan put together by the Task Group, the cost to each business is worked out on a pro-rata basis. This is called the “BID Levy”. If the majority of businesses vote YES then ALL within the BID area have to pay. The BID levy is normally paid by the occupiers of a property. In addition, BIDs can draw in other voluntary funding, grants and in-kind contributions to supplement the BID levy. The successful BID has a mandate for a maximum of 5 years after which the BID would need to seek a re-ballot.

  • The majority of successful BIDs are delivered through a company limited by guarantee. The BID Company is responsible for the delivery of the BID projects and services and directly responsible to all businesses through a board elected from those businesses that pay the BID levy.

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  • Since September 2004, when BID legislation was introduced there have been more than 300 BIDs in the UK, which over the next five years will bring in more than £100 million of new finance to develop BID areas.

  • The following streets are included in the BID in whole or in part:

    Anyards Road

    Between Streets

    Cedar Road

    Church Street

    High Street

    Hollyhedge Road

    Oakdene Parade

    If you are unsure whether your business falls within the BID boundary, please get in touch with a member of the BID team.

If you have any further questions or would like any more details, please contact us.