EYUP FROM BID CHIEF EXECUTIVE

THOMAS WALES

As I look back on the past 12 months, I want to take a moment to thank all of our levy payers for your ongoing support. It’s been a year full of hard work and positive change, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together in making Wakefield a better place to work, live, and visit.

This past year has been about getting things done. We launched WalkSafe, a key initiative to help improve safety in the city centre, and our Training Hub has given businesses the tools to develop and grow. We’ve been busy bringing people into the city with events like the Classic Car and Bike Show, Panto Mice Trail, Pumpkin Carving Competition, and other activities that highlighted what makes Wakefield so special. These events not only bring the community together but also boost footfall and support local businesses.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about what’s to come. This year, we’re rolling out our Chewing Gum Removal and Jet Washing services to keep the city looking its best. These projects are all part of our commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. We’ll also continue expanding our Safer Wakefield initiative and push forward with Ey Up Wakefield, working to promote the city and drive more visitors our way.

Another big milestone this year has been our move to Wood Street, which gives us a new base to continue supporting businesses even better. If you’re ever in the area, don’t hesitate to drop by and say hello – we’re always happy to chat and work together to make Wakefield the best it can be.

We’re making great strides, but there’s still a lot more to do, and with your continued support, I know we can achieve even more. Here’s to another year of progress, collaboration, and success.

Wakefield BID: A Year of Impact and Success

Over the past 12 months, Wakefield BID has continued to drive positive change in the city centre, delivering initiatives that enhance safety, boost business resilience, and strengthen Wakefield’s identity. Our work has made a tangible difference to businesses, visitors, and residents, proving that when we come together, we create a thriving city for all.

Our Priorities

Place – A Cleaner, Safer, and More Welcoming City

We remain committed to ensuring Wakefield is a vibrant, safe, and attractive destination for businesses, residents, and visitors. Through continued investment and action, we are transforming the city centre into a place where people want to work, shop, and enjoy themselves.

• Make a Difference Days – Our ongoing commitment to keeping Wakefield looking its best through dedicated city clean-ups and improvements.
• Seasonal Window Display Competitions – Encouraging businesses to take part in themed displays, making Wakefield’s streets more vibrant for events such as Christmas, the Dragon Trail, and the Rhubarb Festival.
• Wakefield in Bloom – Expanding our floral displays with hanging baskets and planters, adding colour and life to the city centre.
• Enhanced Safety Initiatives – Supporting businesses with real-time updates on potential unrest and working with partners to ensure city-wide safety measures.
• Launch of Safer Wakefield – A new partnership with West Yorkshire Police, Wakefield Council, and businesses to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, making our city centre safer for everyone.

Provision – Supporting Business Growth and Resilience

Wakefield’s businesses are at the heart of everything we do. We continue to invest in practical support, funding, and advocacy to help businesses thrive in an ever-changing environment.

• Wakefield BID Learning Hub – Providing free access to 200+ training courses for BID members, covering topics from health and safety to retail and hospitality management.
• Pavement Café Licence Victory – Successfully lobbying Wakefield Council to keep pavement café licences free, supporting hospitality businesses and outdoor dining.
• Shake Up Wakey Workshops – Expanding engagement sessions with businesses to take action on the issues affecting Wakefield city centre.
• Clear Out and Give Back Campaign – Helping businesses give back to the community with a city-wide CSR initiative.
• New BID Office on Wood Street – Providing free meeting rooms, a business hub, and free advertising space for BID members.
• Campaigning for Better Transport Links – Advocating against the discontinuation of Wakefield Westgate stops, ensuring the city remains connected.
• Backing Wakefield’s Cultural Icons – Supporting Wakefield Cathedral and Wakefield Theatre as key partners in the city’s cultural identity.
• Fundraising Success – Raising over £8,000 for Wakefield Hospice through our Abseil Challenge, and £600 for local charities at the Wakefield BID Awards.

Promotion – Elevating Wakefield’s Profile

From large-scale events to creative marketing campaigns, Wakefield BID is making sure the city gets the recognition it deserves. Our promotional efforts have driven footfall, increased spending, and positioned Wakefield as a must-visit destination.

• Ey Up Wakefield – Launched as Wakefield’s new consumer brand, celebrating local pride and attracting visitors.
• Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail – A highlight of Wakefield’s famous Rhubarb Festival, designed to showcase and support local hospitality businesses.
• The Yorkshire Grinch – A festive hit, bringing entertainment and increased footfall to the city centre.
• Wakefield BID Awards 2024 – A night celebrating the best businesses, individuals, and organisations in Wakefield.
• Exciting City Trails – Encouraging movement across the city with creative trails such as the Panto Mix-Up, Pumpkin Carving, and Dragon Trail.
• Wakefield Pride 20th Anniversary Sponsorship – Demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the city.
• Supporting Artwalk Wakefield – Backing the city’s beloved bi-monthly arts and culture event.
• Wakefield Classic & American Car and Bike Show – A crowd-pulling event that boosts local businesses and tourism.

5-Year Budget

				Actual 2023/24	Forecast 2024/2025	Forecast 2025/2026	Forecast 2026/2027
INCOME
BID levy				189,632	228,167	234,187	245,896
External, other funds & income				8,131	19,409	220,000	75,000
Total income				197,763	247,576	454,187	320,896
EXPENDITURE
Place				125,940	57,577	164,601	134,443
Provision				68,947	57,077	81,923	52,509
Promotion				40,303	46,131	105,612	76,566
Central Costs				27,265	13,677	15,000	15,500
BID levy collection charge				8,500	8,500	8,500	8,500
Contingency				15,000	15,300	43,000	33,000
Total expenditure				285,955	198,262	418,636	320,518

Finance Notes

The collection rate for Wakefield BID in the second year of term 2 is 95.54%, the average in term 1 was 94.23%

We continue to estimate in kind support of £60,000pa, which includes free support from the directors and treasure, and office space; this support lowers overhead costs and allows us to allocate more funds to BID priorities.

A contingency of 6% has been applied at the start of the term and increasing by 2% each year. All reallocations of unspent contingencies will be agreed upon through the Board. The levy collection is charged at a flat rate throughout the BID term of £8,500 (£24 per hereditament per annum).

Project costs continue to be directed to the three themes of the term 2 business plan. Decision on budget allocation will be governed by the Board and will be minuted accordingly. Any variation to the percentage theme allocation beyond 15% of the whole will be subject to an extraordinary general meeting (EGM).

Looking Ahead

Wakefield BID continues to push forward with initiatives that drive growth, improve safety, and promote the city. With more events, business support, and city-wide improvements on the horizon, we’re ensuring Wakefield remains a thriving and dynamic place for businesses and visitors alike.

Together, we’re shaping the future of Wakefield.