This section provides quotes on the Value of BIDs from the key institutional investors and stakeholders.
We rely on input from BIDs, developing BIDs and those with an interest in BIDs to keep our data and research accurate and topical so we would be grateful if you would also consider providing information to help us keep this section updated.
Institutional perspective
The LDA has since 2003/04 funded Partnership Solutions to deliver The London BIDs Programme which will continue in its support of BID development in London until at least March 2011 through providing:
- Training sessions and providing expert consultancy advice; for the GLA group, and business networks and local authorities interested in developing BIDs – including on legal and operational technicalities, stakeholder consultation and agreeing baseline services with boroughs;
- Producing a monthly e-update which goes to over 350 people around London;
- Developing and maintaining a website which lists procedures to be followed in setting up and running a BID. This website is linked to the annual reports of BIDs and has won a regional award.
- Chairing/supporting regular BIDs meetings; Networking and Events for London BIDs e.g. Celebrating BIDs event hosted by GLA, Local Authority BID Co-ordinators Group, and the BIDs and Industrial Estates Network
Rickard O'Connell, London Development Authority.
“BIDs have enabled greater engagement with businesses, Local Authorities and other major stakeholders aiming to improve the business environment. BIDs also allow businesses to speak with one unified voice and a clear business mandate can be demonstrated. Connecting people in this way is core to both our work and to successful place-making. We welcome this report and remain committed partners of the BIDs movement.’’
Michael Ward, Chief Executive, British Urban Regeneration Association.
“When Business Improvement Districts are developed and implemented effectively they make a very valuable contribution to improving the local trading environment and benefit the wider local community. The challenge for BIDs in the future will be to continue to be realistic in their levy requirement, clear about the planned benefits and persuasive about how they will be delivered.”
Stephen Robertson, Director General, British Retail Consortium.
“CBI members value BIDs. The close cooperation between businesses and local authorities enables BIDs to offer a new service proposition to local businesses that they do not get elsewhere. Crucially the fact that businesses can vote on each proposal demonstrates that when they see the value of a BID, they are willing to provide the necessary funding.”
Dr Neil Bentley, Director of Business Environment, Confederation of British Industry.
“Business improvement districts (BIDs) are a valuable vehicle for helping to ensure the UK’s high streets and city centres are vibrant and alive. As property owners, our members understand the added value that BIDs bring to an area in both the short and long term. While the current economic climate is a challenge, we believe that BIDs can be part of the solution to help us out of the recession and we hope to see them continue on with lasting success.”
Ian Fletcher, Director of Policy (Real Estate), British Property Federation.
"Since 2004, the number and variety of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) has grown, and many members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have become involved in their local BID. The FSB calls for the small business community to continue to be involved as early as possible in discussions on how BIDs operate and for the needs of small businesses to be recognised in the process."
Roger Culcheth, Local Government Policy Chair, Federation of Small Businesses.
"We believe that BIDs can be an important tool in co-ordinating collective investment to improve their trading environment."
British Retail Consortium in "Advice for BID Practitioners" document.
"The Inter-Bank Rating Forum are keen supporters of BID's."
Inter Bank Rating Forum website.
"From our experience to date, IBRF members consider that BIDs are quickly becoming a "must have" as a means of delivering added value to the business environment."
IBRF in "BID Support" document.
Stakeholder Perspective
“The BID funded City Centre PCSOs have made a huge difference to our feelings of safety, trading in the town, as a major hotelier. The hotline number gives our staff a great deal of confidence.”
Michael Wood, General Manager, Copthorne Hotel.
Plymouth Business Plan, 2010 – 2015
“Since the Kingstonfirst BID started in January 2005, retailers have enjoyed three years of impressive sales growth, which has taken many of us to the top of our peer group. The BID period has also seen Kingston rise to 12th place according to Experian, and 13th place according to the Javelin Venuescore, in their respective retail super leagues of UK town and city centres. I am confident the platform that our BID provides will allow us to continue to maintain Kingston as the place that people love to shop and visit.”
David Barford, Managing Director, John Lewis Kingston and Chairman, Kingstonfirst.
Kingstonfirst Business Plan, 2009-2014
”New West End Company ensures that there is a body that can put significant investment into the West End, targeted directly to the needs of the area and particularly the customers. Great progress is being made to improve Oxford Street and make it a great destination.”
Sir Philip Green, Owner, Arcadia Group.
NWEC Business Plan, 2008 – 2013
“Becoming a BID and resolving our immediate problems through security patrols has enabled us to look in other directions to improve and enhance the area that we work in. On the back of all the BID initiatives is the development of a community spirit. Problems are tackled collectively and we share information and equipment where possible.”
Sharon Dean, PA to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Eurotek Office Furniture.
Southern Cross Industrial Estate BID Business Plan
"Marks and Spencer are keen supporters of the BID principle & are active participants in more than 20 locations across England and Wales. As a long-term contributor to town centre management projects, Marks and Spencer recognises the values that can be realised through this type of cross-sector team working and it is our hope that Truro becomes another location that benefits from a BID."
Beverley Williams, Commercial Manager of Store Operations at Marks and Spencer, Lemon Quay.
Totally Truro BID proposal
“The West End is one of the best-known and most popular retail destinations in the world but it is increasingly facing newer and stronger competition. New West End Company has established an excellent platform for inward investment and is delivering meaningful change in the renewal of the West End - it is to be congratulated on achieving such tremendous results in its first term and I encourage all retailers to support its renewal.”
Rob Templeman, Chief Executive, Debenhams.
NWEC Business Plan, 2008 – 2013
“Since I have been in Plymouth I have been impressed with the innovation of the BID in finding new solutions to the issues faced by modern city centres such as vacant shops, where the BID has kept vacancy rates amongst the lowest in the UK.”
Clint Jones, Store Manager, Waterstones Plymouth.
Plymouth BID Business Plan, 2010 - 2015
“The BID works are extremely important to Broadmead and Bristol as a whole – together they are rejuvenating a very dated city centre into a top class shopping destination.”
Gary Monington, General Manager, Bhs, Broadmead.
Bristol Broadmead BID2 Business Plan, 2008
“Pound for pound, compared with other operating costs, the services delivered by the BID are excellent value for money.”
Ian Silverberg, Managing Director, Silverberg Opticians.
Liverpool City Central BID2 Proposal, 2008
“The welcome investment that New West End Company contributes is already making a meaningful difference in supporting our shared vision for a better West End shopping experience for all our customers. Creating a safer, cleaner environment for shoppers and improved marketing and events are obvious manifestations of this, and clearly help to attract more domestic and international visitors. To ensure the ongoing success of the West End all retailers together with our many stake-holders should be encouraged actively to support New West End Company.”
Noel Saunders, Managing Director, John Lewis Oxford Street.
NWEC Business Plan, 2008 – 2013