Gloucester BID is delighted to announce that it has been successful in securing a second term, with a ‘yes’ vote from businesses in the city. The second term will start on 1st October and the BID team now look forward to delivering on the priorities businesses have asked for.
BID, which stands for Business Improvement District, is an independent, business-led and funded body. Gloucester BID operates within Gloucester city centre and provides vital services for businesses such as patrolling City Protection Officers. It also provides summer planting, the Gloucester Gift Card and funds key footfall driving events in the city.
Gloucester BID balloted its 539 member businesses for renewal on Thursday 2 June. Businesses were able to vote on whether they wanted it to continue or not. Voting closed on Thursday 30 June. The total number of votes cast in the ballot was 213. The percentage number of votes cast in favour of the BID was 70.8% with the aggregate rateable value of businesses that voted, and voted in favour of the BID: 80.8%.
BID Manager Emily Gibbon said, ‘A huge thank you to the businesses who voted in the renewal ballot. After such a challenging time for everyone, we’re now more committed than ever to support Gloucester businesses and deliver on our priorities. We are delighted that business have voted overall to keep us as their city champions. Gloucester BID is incredibly proud of what it has achieved during its first term, much of which has been set against unprecedented challenges for traders thanks to lockdowns, restrictions and ensuing economic uncertainty. We’re looking forward to another five years of working collaboratively with businesses and partners in the city during a pivotal time with so much regeneration happening. It’s great to be part of it!’
Co-Vice Chair of Gloucester BID Peter White said, ‘It’s fantastic news for Gloucester that the BID has been successful for a second 5-year term and I’m looking forward to working with the team to deliver the new business plan. There’s so much positivity in Gloucester right now, and lots of development taking place which, along with the investment from the BID, will all help to attract people to the city. The BID team will continue to work hard to support the levy payers and have a clear vision and 5-year term to deliver on all its priorities, including supporting events and crime reduction initiatives.’
Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, the BID has been able to put together a second-term proposal that will see the levy members pay drop, from 1.6% of their rateable value to just 1.5%. This is part of the total commitment to providing value for money and the best possible return on investment for businesses.
Gloucester BID has set out to deliver on three key priority areas – safer city, attractive and vibrant city, and supported and promoted city – and it is these pillars around which the next five-year business plan is built.
See the Second-Term Gloucester BID Business Plan here: https://www.gloucesterbid.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022-BID-Business-Plan.pdf
