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How To Get Involved

BIDs are funded by a business rate levy of 1% for the businesses in an area, a BID can only be formed after a ballot of local businesses and majority vote in favour.

BIDs exist for a range of different reasons but largely to enhance local business areas to increase footfall and trade. BIDs may also include provisions for discounts or exemptions from the levy (for example, for properties below a certain rateable value).

BIDs want to engage with all businesses in their area to understand their needs and views on the local strategy. British BIDs is the leading organisation for BIDs and there is more information their website on where to find your nearest BID or how to set up your own BID.

There are over 330 town teams that operate across the UK, many of which have received central Government funding to support their activity. These partnerships will hold regular meetings with local businesses that trade on high streets and local parades. You can find the latest work by town teams on the Association of Town City Management website.

 

Case Study: Ravi Jhangiani, 
Tavistock One Stop

Ravi, a One Stop retailer from Tavistock, engaged with the Tavistock BID and their programme to promote the town centre. At the request of the local BID Ravi store offered to host the local
tourist information centre in his store. This was in response to the closure of the local information office that was viewed as essential to the town .

Ravi saw an overall increase in footfall as result of taking on the tourist information centre but also made invaluable contacts in the local BID and the wider community.