What is a Business Improvement District?
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led organisation created to support and strengthen a defined commercial area.
Through a small levy paid by city centre businesses, BIDs deliver projects, investment and initiatives that help make the area a better place to trade, visit and work.
Explore our Business planHow BIDs work
Businesses within the BID area vote on a Business Plan that sets out the priorities, projects and investment for a fixed term, typically five years. This plan is developed in consultation with local businesses and outlines how the BID levy will be used to support and improve the city centre.
For a BID to be established, a ballot of eligible businesses must take place. If the vote is successful, the BID is formally approved and the levy is collected from businesses within the defined area to fund the agreed programme of activity.
This means the work carried out by Wakefield BID is shaped and supported by the businesses that operate in the city centre, ensuring that investment is directed towards the priorities that matter most locally.
All BID levy funding is ringfenced, meaning it is reinvested directly into the BID area to deliver projects and initiatives that support businesses and strengthen the city centre.
Through this collective investment, businesses are able to work together to improve the local trading environment, support growth and help shape the future of Wakefield city centre.
How Wakefield BID supports the city centre
Business Support
Working directly with city centre businesses to understand their needs and represent their interests.
City Centre Environment
Supporting initiatives that help keep the city centre welcoming, safe and vibrant.
Promotion and Events
Delivering campaigns and events that attract visitors and support the local economy.
Partnership Working
Collaborating with organisations across the public and private sectors to deliver improvements.
Why BIDs matter for businesses
A BID allows businesses to work collectively to improve their trading environment.
Key benefits include:
• A stronger collective voice for city centre businesses
• Local investment reinvested directly into the area
• Marketing campaigns and initiatives that drive footfall
• Opportunities for collaboration and networking
• A shared vision for the future of the city centre
Working together for Wakefield
Business Improvement Districts give businesses the opportunity to shape the future of their city centre.
Through collective investment and collaboration, Wakefield BID helps deliver projects and initiatives that benefit businesses, visitors and the wider community.