ABOUT US
Discover Christchurch BID
Supporting the thriving destination for businesses, visitors and the wider community of Christchurch
Your BID . Your Business . Your Christchurch
A BID is a business-led, independent, non-profit company. A BID invests in a designated BID area, providing extra services and projects beyond what local authorities offer. BIDs are funded by a mandatory levy on hereditaments (businesses) within the designated BID area after a successful ballot. Each hereditament located in the designated BID area pays a small percentage of its business rateable value to a collective fund administered by the BID Operations Managers and overseen by the levy-paying volunteer Board of Directors.
A BID is voted on by all eligible hereditaments, and if a majority votes YES (by both number and by rateable value), the BID is established for up to five years. The revenue generated is entirely devoted to investment into the designated BID area. The collective funds are carefully monitored and strictly regulated. There are over 300 BIDs across the UK, including neighbouring ones like Poole BID, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Bournemouth Coastal BID and a little further afield, Wimborne BID and Southampton BID and many others.
History of Christchurch BID
2021
Christchurch BID was set up and the BID Not For Profit Company was Established
2022
Arts by the Sea
Jubilee Tea Party
Christmas Yuletide
Sponsored Christchurch Business Awards
2023
Food Fest Local - Back on the High street
Summer Streets
Park Yoga
Elf Hunt
What’s on Distributed to 7500 homes
Sponsored Christchurch Business Awards
2024
Feb Pancake Race
Easter Trail
Park Yoga
Food Fest Local
Sponsored Stompin on the Quomps
Sponsored Christchurch Carnival
Elf Trail
Carols in the Square
What's on Christmas to 10,000 homes
Hanging Baskets
Sponsored Christchurch Business Awards
2025
Feb Pancake Race
Grant Funding to replace rusted flower pedestals and replace with three tiered planters
Grant Funding to purchase electric utility vehicle for Maintenance
Install lamppost banners in Bargates to welcome visitors
What's on Summer to 15,000 homes
Food Fest Local
Sponsored Christchurch Carnival
Sponsored Julia's House Tail Trail
Sponsored Rivers of Hope Flag Festival
Sponsored Christchurch Business Awards
UKPac Introduced
SEEDL Free online Training Introduced
Dec - Carols in the Square
What's on Christmas to 15,000 homes
2026
What's on Summer to 15,000 homes
May - Distinguished Gentlemans Ride
May - Food Fest Local
SEEDL Free online Training Continuation
Chamber Membership Continuation
UKPAC Continuation
Jul - Aug
Dinosaur Trail, Dino Craft & Dino Dig
New BID Website
31st Oct BID Term one ends
Pumpkin Trail & Pumpkin Patch
Business Crime Reduction Panel Discussion
1 November 2026
After a successful vote - BID Term Two begins
December 2026
Carols in the Square
Elf Trail
What's on Winter to 20,000 homes2027
Christchurch Comedy Festival
Feb Pancake Race
I am proud to support the BID as it enters its second term, having significantly transformed our town into a destination for tourists through regular events and initiatives, such as vibrant floral displays and the successful food festival. These efforts have brought much-needed foot traffic to Christchurch’s town centre.
My journey as a BID director began after attending a bi-annual update, where I was inspired by the BID’s vision and plans for our community. Eager to contribute more actively, I sought a role that would allow me to influence the positive developments in Christchurch. Through this involvement, I’ve forged strong relationships with fellow local businesses, enabling us to support one another in challenging times.
Anna Thomson
GM at Pizza Express
Many towns across the UK have seen their sense of identity eroded over the past decade. As an independent business owner, I can see how having a BID in Christchurch has helped to foster the right environment for my business to thrive and strengthen our unique identity. It has promoted our town and helped secure visitors, ensuring a steady trade all year round. Having a strong business community who value and champion Christchurch to be a safe, welcoming and attractive place to visit and spend time in only makes things better.
Fi Herbage
Proprietor at Kimmeridge
I support Christchurch BID because I genuinely care about the experience people have when they visit our town. With a strong passion for tourism and hospitality, I see every day how a welcoming and well maintained town shapes guest impressions, reviews, and repeat visits. The BID brings businesses together, raises standards, and invests in making Christchurch a place people enjoy visiting and want to return to. I am proud to play a small part in supporting work that helps our town continue to thrive.
Chamane Epps
General Manager at Kings Arms Hotel
I joined Christchurch BID in August 2024 as I wanted to see how my investment in the BID was being used. Initially my knowledge around BIDs was limited, since joining, my understanding of what our BID brings to the area has expanded and I view the BID as a valuable asset to any business community. We have a dedicated operations management team and committed (levy-paying) Directors who are actively shaping our town’s future, and this can only lead to a better Christchurch for everyone.
Dave Burns
Proprietor at Thomas Tripp
I have been involved in the BID since its inception back in 2021, where we faced the biggest challenge, COVID-19! We found it critical to come together, pool our resources, and help one another. I believe that we are stronger together when we shop, live, and spend locally. This is an opportunity to build on the good work that has been started for the combined benefit of the town.
Tim Lloyd
MD at Captains Club Hotel & Spa
I believe that collective investment in our town will continue to help ensure its future prosperity and maintain Christchurch as an attractive area of cultural beauty where people can be proud to live, work, and visit. The BID’s work is delivering real, tangible benefits to all businesses in Christchurch. Whether you’re a bustling high street shop that sees a surge in footfall during the Food Fest Local weekend, or a company that relies on local services like accountants or solicitors for HR advice, the positive ripple effect is apparent. When one business thrives, it contributes to the prosperity of the whole community, creating a stronger, more vibrant Christchurch for everyone.
Chris Guest
Volunteer BID Chairperson
