About The BID
Overview
York Business Improvement District (BID) is a not-for-profit, independent organisation. We are funded by city centre businesses to deliver projects and improvements that enhance the city centre and create a more profitable trading environment for our business community.
Since launching in 2016, the BID has invested more than £7.6m into projects that support the vitality of the city centre and businesses. It has proven itself to be a forward thinking and effective delivery organisation, driving lasting and positive change. Our community is primarily made up of businesses from the retail, hospitality, leisure and professional sectors with a large number of independent businesses.
The York BID is one of over 350 operational BIDs across the UK. All hereditaments (rateable commercial premises) within the BID area with a rateable value of over £17,500 are required to pay the mandatory levy. Please see the BID Levy section for further details.
In March 2021, we were delighted to be voted in for a second five-year term with an overwhelming level of support from York’s business community. 86% voted in favour by number, with 94% voting in favour by rateable value. Learn more about the declaration of results.
“The York BID started as a body to deliver tangible programmes on behalf of the business community. It has become much more than that, with York BID now viewed as a key strategic partner in the city, allowing central businesses a voice on all major decision making.”
Andrew Lowson, York BID Executive Director, York BID
910
levy paying business in York city centre
Over
350
BIDs currently active in the UK
£7.6m
invested into improving and enhancing York to date
86%
of eligible businesses voted in favour of a second BID term
1%
levy charge remaining unchanged for 10 years
Over
£1m
of additional funding leveraged from external sources
What is the BID?
A Business Improvement District is a specifically designated area where businesses within it work together to invest in services, special projects and events with the aim to increase economic development and growth. BID projects and programmes are in addition to services provided by the City of York Council and funded by an annual contribution of 1% of the rateable value from businesses that are within the BID Area. During the current BID term levy calculations are based on the 2017 business rates evaluation.
How can my business benefit?
York BID is committed to delivering improvements that strengthen and make a difference to York city centre’s economy, environment and reputation. The BID aims to raise standards of safety and cleanliness, and draw in more visitors, families, professionals and investors to our great city.
The BID offers events and business support programmes that businesses can participate in, and encourages engagement and feedback with its levy payers. The best way to stay up-to-date with BID projects is to sign up to the BID newsletter via the sign-up on this page.
The BID Area
The York BID area is largely within the city’s inner ring road, contouring the ancient city walls and has 910 levy paying business residing within it. The York BID area remains unchanged from the first term and is made up primarily of retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. The map on this page shows the boundary line of the BID’s geographical area. View the full list of street included in the BID area.
