07 August 2008

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What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?

BIDs are a new partnership approach between the private and public sectors designed to improve a local area in line with business’ needs.

BIDs around the world vary hugely in size and scope. They can deliver one particular project, such as a marketing campaign, or installation of a security system; or they can work on a range of projects that businesses in all sectors in their area benefit from.

So long as they are additional to services already provided by public bodies, such as local authorities and the police, most BID projects cover the following aspects of the trading environment:

Services

  • Maintenance: (street cleaning) faster litter, graffiti and flyposter removal; and cleaning of street furniture
  • Security: linking modern CCTV systems directly to a police station; uniformed ambassadors linking with local police force and providing assistance to visitors
  • Marketing: ways to link the day-time and night-time economies, leisure guides; collective advertising campaigns and special events are all initiatives that can be taken forward by BIDs
  • Public realm: delivery of enhancements to improve pedestrian flow; make streets more welcoming and increase footfall
However this list is not exclusive and any initiative that a business community agrees on (so long as it does not contradict local authority plans for the area) can be taken forward by a BID. The agreed services are outlined in a business plan that is put to the vote in the chosen BID area and, if there is a majority in favour, the BID will be formed and paid for through a mandatory levy on businesses in the BID area.