The Chippenham Business Improvement District (BID) was voted in by Chippenham businesses in November 2014. Making it one of the newest of the UK's 200+ ballots. Click
A BID is a business-led initiative whereby businesses within the BID area pay an additional levy which is used to better manage and promote the area, as well as establishing a range of money-saving initiatives for the businesses. It gives businesses more control over the trading environment.
BIDs have proven success, which is why there are so many of them. However, the Chippenham BID will not only benefit levy paying businesses in the BID area, but will benefit the wider town through an improved reputation and higher profile.
The Chippenham BID will raise over £300,000 a year from its 377 levy payers, plus additional voluntary donations. This money will be spent on the things businesses think are important for the BID area, including events and promotion to attract visitors and shoppers, cleaner and better managed streets, and ways to improve access to the town centre.
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have proven to be an effective way in which businesses can take control and improve their trading environment. You as a business will have the opportunity to identify projects that you want to introduce and be given a say in how your money is spent through the Chippenham BID.
BIDs are an arrangement whereby businesses come together and decide which improvements they feel could be made in their town or city centre, and also how they will implement these improvements and what it will cost them. BIDs are financed and controlled by the businesses within the selected area. BIDs can run for a maximum of five years and during this time they must be able to show that they are benefitting the businesses which fund it. After this five year period businesses are balloted on whether they want to continue with a subsequent five year period.
It’s up to you as a business to help shape what the BID in Chippenham Town Centre might deliver. BIDs can deliver any projects or services that are agreed by the businesses in the BID area. These projects must go over and above anything that is already provided through business rates and by the local authority.
The aims of a BID are outlined by the businesses in the area, initially through a survey. After this, levy payers' priorities for the Chippenham BID are collated and levy payers are invited to attend a series of informal business meetings where they are updated on the progress of the BID and are able to ask questions and give feedback – this is part of the detailed consultation phase. After this, a Task Group (made up of businesses in the area) produce a business plan which is issued to all businesses. Finally, there is a confidential vote on whether levy payers wish to say yes to a BID in Chippenham Town Centre.
Why do businesses support BIDs?
BIDs have the proven ability to increase footfall to an area, reduce premiums and improve the business environment and services. As they can run for up to five years they also give businesses the opportunity to plan ahead. BIDs put the control into the hands of the businesses themselves. BIDs do not substitute services provided through business rates, they provide additional services.
Since the introduction of the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004, there have been 200 BIDs in the UK
A BID in Chippenham Town Centre will raise over £360,000 per year to spend on things that businesses feel are important
Over 100,000 businesses have been involved in BIDs nationally
BIDs are run by not-for-profit companies and are run by the businesses which vote for and fund them
The office team is joined by two Town Hosts - Matthew Corr and Becca Collins - whose job it is to support levy paying businesses and welcome people to Chippenham and the town centre. When the Town Hosts first took to the streets of Chippenham in July 2015 wearing their specially designed BID uniforms they become the first widely visible sign that the BID was up and running. If you would like to get in touch with the BID team, visit the Contact Us page.
The Chippenham BID Town Hosts are here to help assist businesses and the local community in Chippenham. You can contact them on,
A four-point strategy for improving the profile, appeal and business environment of Chippenham.
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Where we are and how to contact us.
We work with local recruitment agencies and businesses to find the perfect candidates to fill.
