October 2024 marks 20 years since the anniversary of the first business improvement district pilot, with £1bn invested in local services and events to improve towns and cities for communities and business. 20 BIDs were formed with the original pilot in 2003 and then brought into law with the UK regulations act the following year. Using a model from Canada, Business Improvement Districts allowed for businesses to have access to additional services, like street cleaning, improving the environment and public realm, or events and activity to increase footfall and animation.
The number of BIDs has now grown to over 340, with BIDs appearing in all four nations of the UK. A business improvement district is a defined area of a town or city where a levy is charged on all eligible business rate payers. BID levies are voted for via a ballot that takes place every five years.
Currently, BIDs invest £152m in local economies across the country, helping to support investment in towns and cities at a time when public sector funding has been impacted by budget cuts across a range of departments.
Over two decades, the role of BIDs in the UK has evolved. The BID model has evolved to create Accommodation BIDs, driven by the hotel and serviced accommodation sector. The tax to fund the Elizabeth Line led to the emergence of property owner BIDs.
BID services day to day include street cleaning, removing graffiti, security, connecting businesses, and networking. But BIDs increasingly create spectacle and organise events and projects enhancing the lives of those living in local communities.
Wakefield BID: Transforming the City Centre
Wakefield Business Improvement District (BID) has been at the heart of transforming Wakefield City Centre since its establishment in 2017. With over £1.5 million invested and representation of more than 400 city-centre organisations, Wakefield BID is dedicated to making the city a fantastic place to live, work, and visit. As part of a national movement, Wakefield BID focuses on bringing fresh ideas and improvements, from vibrant events and street art to enhanced security and cleaner streets.
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, expressed: “Happy anniversary to the UK Business Improvement Districts movement, which has been instrumental in driving local change. At Wakefield BID, we are dedicated to collaborating with local businesses to enhance our city centre, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all who live, work, and visit. Together, we can make Wakefield shine even brighter!”
Michele Wilby is the CEO of Colmore BID and Co-Chair of The BID Foundation.
“20 years is a significant milestone in the relationship between the management and development of the public realm and between the public and private sector. BIDs are a key mechanism to enable businesses to have a greater role in the animation, the narrative and the appearance of their towns and city centres.
Investment in the public realm is vital if we are to continue to create places where people can thrive, and we know the pressures that have been on the public purse over the last decade and a half. As a result, BIDs have proactively stepped into the role of delivering cultural activity, attracting visitors, enhancing tourism locally, as well as connecting and empowering the voice of business on both a local and regional level.
Investment and placemaking go hand in hand. For BIDs, it’s about everyone working together and everyone feeling they have a say – that’s what creates successful places.”
