What is a BID? A Business Improvement District is a partnership between a local authority and the local business community to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment within the boundary of a clearly defined commercial area. Over 42 Business Improvement Districts have now been established across England and Wales (see Established BIDs).
Legislation has been passed in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Although most UKBIDs are currently in town centres, the principle works just as well in other places, and there are already BIDs established in industrial estates with considerable further interest.

Bids in Warwickshire?

The BID in the North Warwickshire town of Rugby is on of the 40 nationally that have been successful since the legislation came into effect at the end of 2004.  The 40 Business Improvement Districts will invest over £150m in their town and cities over the next five years, thus improving trading condition and footfall.

Neighbouring town such as Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are already well down the road of looking at the feasibility of a BID supported by Warwickshire County Council, District and Borough Councils and funding partners.

Will there be a Bid in Stratford-upon-Avon?

The Stratford-upon-Avon Town Management Partnership has worked with all three local authorities to secure funding to develop a feasibility and consultation exercise to see if a BID will be a solution in addressing town centre issues in Stratford-upon-Avon.

It is early days and the post project co-ordinator has been advertised. Click here to see the advert

Further information about the consultation and progress of the Stratford BID will be posted to this site ( www.stratfordbid.org)