About the BID

To improve a local area by investing in services and improvements. BIDs focus on activity on behalf of local businesses to enhance the overall experience for visitors and residents alike, driving footfall and prosperity.

There are more than 320 BIDs already operating across the UK, with the majority focusing on town or city centres. The benefits they have brought about include increased footfall, improved marketing, more events, better security, and enhanced streets.

A BID is funded by businesses paying a small proportion of their business rateable value to the BID. This money is then ring-fenced for use only in the BID area, unlike Business Rates, which are re-distributed by the Government.

A BID can only be formed if a successful ballot takes place where the majority of businesses vote to adopt the Business Plan they have developed. The maximum term for any BID is 5 years, and if businesses wish, a further 5-year term could subsequently be proposed and taken to ballot.

Christchurch BID is a business-led and business-funded not-for-profit company formed to improve a defined commercial area. We enhance, animate, promote, and support businesses in our area with events, apply for Christchurch-specific grants, manage improvement projects, and support businesses with group discounts, training, and memberships to Chamber networking.  The Christchurch BID area generates approximately £120,000 per year, which can be supplemented by the application of specific town improvement grants.

Christchurch business contributions power community improvements, enhancements & events via Christchurch BID, who manage projects and organises events.