Your York BID 
Business Cost Saving & Advice
Support initiatives designed to advise and assist businesses through periods of financial difficulty
Your York BID
Business Cost Saving & Advice
Support initiatives designed to advise and assist businesses through periods of financial difficulty
In response to the current economic crisis, York BID has launched a suite of support initiatives designed to advise and assist businesses through periods of financial difficulty. We are hopeful that a large number of our levy paying businesses will be able to take advantage of one or more of the free or subsidised schemes listed on this page:
Free BIRA Membership
British Independent Retail Association (BIRA), is a one-stop-shop for business support and advice. Any levy-paying business that fits the SME trading definition is eligible to apply for a year’s membership completely free of charge. As a member, you’ll have access to a wide variety of useful business support services and benefits, such as:
- Utilities review - BIRA members save £1,030 on average!
- Preferential rates on merchant fees
- Unlimited legal advice
- Specialist business insurance for retail
- Financial planning
- BIRA Direct - Buying group for office equipment and supplies, fixtures, and fittings, stationary, etc.
View the full list of benefits on the BIRA website.
All places on this scheme have now been filled. If you would like to register your interest in similar schemes for the future please get in touch on info@theyorkbid.com.
Subsidised LED Lighting
York BID have partnered with Forrest Electrical to offer a 50% subsidy (of up to £500) against the cost of switching to LED lighting. Due to the vastly reduced power consumption offered by LED lights, businesses can look to make a significant, long-term saving on their energy costs.
Please note that the number of subsidised schemes is limited, and applicants will be considered on a first come, first served basis. To register your interest in this service, please email carl.alsop@theyorkbid.com.
“Forrest Electrical recently carried out these works at the York BID office, which has increased our lighting efficiency by 85%. They provided a swift and professional service, which we believe will pay for itself within a year.”
Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at The York BID
Trade Waste Collection
York BID have partnered with Forge Recycling to offer levy paying businesses competitive rates on their trade waste collection contracts.
This service offers typical annual savings of £135.
By using Forge, BID members can access collection services 7 days a week and typically save £135 on annual charges.
Forge guarantee that no waste they collect goes to landfill, and all waste streams are either recycled or sent to an energy from waste plant.
For more details, please call 0345 505 0905 or email yorkbid@forgerecycling.co.uk.
Green Olive Utility Consultants
Green Olive Utility are a trusted independent utilities broker based in York. Their extensive industry knowledge means they are well placed to assist businesses with managing their electricity and water contracts.
They also provide an auditing service aimed at helping businesses improve their energy efficiency through simple but effective solutions.
Green Olive Utility services are completely free and they are ready to assist you today. For more information and to book a consultation, please visit their website or call 01904 395113.