Bishop’s Stortford BID working on North Street pedestrian priority area and tackling retail crime

Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) joint-manager Karen Burton writes for the Indie

You might have come across the term BID in conversations or comments on social media, from a councillor, a town centre worker or a business owner. Perhaps you’ve seen it mentioned here in the Indie. Depending on the source, the tone might have been positive or critical. Both are entirely possible.

So, what exactly is a BID and why is it such a hot topic?

BID stands for Business Improvement District. It’s a defined area where businesses’ needs are first and forefront, with the BID working on their behalf to improve trading conditions. BIDs operate on five-year cycles, with renewal decided by a democratic vote – the same system used for government elections. If a BID has a ‘no’ vote, it ceases to exist.

The funding for a BID comes from a small levy charged in addition to business rates, calculated as a percentage of a business’ rateable value. Larger businesses pay more and smaller businesses pay less. This pooled fund is then used to deliver meaningful improvements in the BID area.

Here’s where things can get contentious. If a BID is voted in, all businesses in the area must contribute – there’s no opting out. Each BID has its own collective voice and a seat at the table with local key decision-makers, including councils, government bodies and business leaders.

The only exception to this rule is for those with a rateable value below the minimum threshold. They are exempt, but they can join as Friends of the BID for a small annual fee, giving them access to most BID services.

Unlike other business groups, everyone contributes so everyone can benefit. This stable funding allows BIDs to plan budgets effectively and focus on long-term projects.

Bishop’s Stortford BID includes around 320 levy-paying businesses. This might surprise you: it’s not just shops and restaurants. BID levy payers include the town, district and county councils, police, doctors, dentists, gyms, charity shops and offices.

BIDs have a unique advantage: they can act as hubs, connecting businesses, councils, residents and other stakeholders. With access to local data and perspectives, they are equipped to tackle issues and implement projects in a way other groups would find difficult.

This was a key takeaway from last year’s British BIDs conference. Across the UK, over 300 BIDs are quickly becoming recognised as go-to organisations for fostering collaboration and delivering projects tailored to local needs.

Here are just a few examples of things Bishop’s Stortford BID is working on:

• North Street pedestrian priority area. The BID has worked with the town, district and county councils, plus a public realm specialist as well as businesses and residents, to develop a cohesive plan for this area. We hosted an event to showcase the initial concept, gathered feedback and built a business case to take the project forward.

• Tackling retail crime. Partnering with the police, the BID has helped fund essential equipment and is working on improving communication and reporting systems for businesses to reduce retail crime and anti-social behaviour.

• Marketing the town. Bishop’s Stortford’s unique strengths include its thriving food, drink, health and wellbeing sectors. These businesses drive footfall into the town and the BID promotes them strategically through its Discover Stortford platforms, without having to rely on raising advertising revenue.

BIDs bring people together to deliver projects and improvements that no single organisation could achieve alone. In Bishop’s Stortford and across the UK, this collaborative approach helps places adapt, thrive and grow.

If you’re curious about the BID or if you’d like to share your thoughts, we’d love to hear from you. Follow us at discoverstortford.co.uk and Instagram and Facebook @discoverstortford.