1. An Introduction to Business Improvement Districts
British Destinations Conference
Southport 16th June 2014
Mark Ross
BID Programme Manager
ATCM

2. What is a BID? BID = Business Improvement District
Non-profit management company limited by guarantee
Business-led
Business funded
Business focused
Specific to a defined area

3. KEY Fact
184 BIDS IN UK – 10 Year

4. Evolution of BIDs First BID 1969 in Toronto
Now over 2000 BID in North America
(New York = 64 BIDs)
160+ BIDs in UK
Examples also in Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Serbia, South Africa & New Zealand

5. What do BIDs do? Represent the needs of business & consumers
Provides a strong collective voice
Ensures a sense of ownership in local desicion making
Create sustainable funding for 'additionality'...

6. How is it Funded? 1) Through the BID Levy
Based on a % of local business rates
Money is collected by Local Authority & given to BID company

7. The BID Ballot Process Select a defined area
Conduct a Feasibility Study & prepare the database
Consultation – understanding business needs
Prepare a Business Plan & promote this
Commence your ballot
50%+ of those voting must say ‘yes’
50+% of the aggregate RV of voters must be a ‘yes’
Maximum five year term

8. ‘A BID should be driven by the local businesses…’

9. Cleansing & Maintenance
What type of projects could go into the Business Plan?
Safety & Security
Cleansing & Maintenance
Marketing & Promotion & Events
Economic Regeneration
Destination Management

10. Now your plan needs to go to ballot

11. More than
of those voting and the total aggregate RV must be in favour and vote yes

12. It will take about
months to deliver, give or take

13. Tourism BIDs

15. Businesses voted 70% by number and 90% by Rateable Value for it to proceed.
The Greater Yarmouth Tourism BID is the largest in the UK by area covering over 15 miles of coastline.
The business plan concentrates on expanding the marketing and promotion activities significantly with increased use of TV and targeted advertising in its key markets such as the Midlands.
It will also be supporting area specific campaigns. Improving the resort facilities and developing higher levels of customer service will also be a priority.

16. The objectives for the Coastal BID are to:
◦Increase the number of people visiting Bournemouth and persuade them to stay longer
◦Encourage visitors and local people to explore more of our unique coastal strip
◦Provide visitors and local people with reasons to spend more in local shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes
◦Improve everyone's experience and to encourage repeat visits
◦Help make your business more profitable by negotiating discounts with key suppliers

17. ATCM

19. Mark Ross
BID Programme Manager
Association of Town & City Management T: M: