7053 bid plan single pages by harriet

Our Vision for Bath Business Plan 2016-2021

Building on five years of award winning achievement

THE BATH BID COMPANY LIMITED BUSINESS PLAN 2016-2021 CONTENTS

Journey of Success

Delivering a BID for Bath

What businesses said during the consultation

Welcoming and Promoting

Governance

Our Focus 2016-2021

BID Area Map

Bath and North East Somerset Council â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Backing the BID

Developing and Innovating

Performance Measures

Why do we need a BID?

What the BID has achieved in its first 5 years

Managing and Saving

Financial Projection

How to back the Bath BID

JOURNEY OF SUCCESS The Bath Business Improvement District (Bath BID) is an independent, not for profit, business-led initiative voted for by the businesses of Bath in 2011. There are now over 210 BIDs in the UK which equates to 75,000 businesses investing over £200m. BIDs have been in place since 2005 and are recognised as a successful mechanism for businesses to champion their interests and deliver tangible results in improving the local trading environment. In its first term, the Bath BID has focused on three areas of operation; anagement of the city centre, with priorities including M cleanliness and the night time economy Promotion of the city through marketing and events Saving businesses money, which in many cases has paid back the cost of the levy. All of the initiatives the BID has funded and championed, during its five year term, can be clearly mapped back to the original business plan objectives. In terms of the bigger picture, the Bath BID has been a linchpin in supporting better collaborative practices in the local business community. Consequently, businesses who actively engage with the Bath BID are inspired to think beyond their own business activities and work together. Business engagement and the number of businesses coming forward to voluntarily take part and support in kind with BID initiatives continues to increase year

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on year. 74 businesses outside and within the BID catchment area who are not obliged to pay the levy, are proactively paying into the BID in order to access the BID services, but also as a way to ensure they are an integrated part of the city’s business community. The money the BID has leveraged during the last five years is 3.5 times more than originally forecast, which has made a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of Bath. The Bath BID has been acknowledged as an example of good practice by receiving the National British BIDs accreditation. This is an award in recognition of its approach and implementation. In every sense the BID has shown best practice, particularly in its prudent financial management and financial transparency approach. While it has been important to show good value and, in many cases, find ways to pay the levy back in real financial terms, it is also equally important to avoid duplication of effort or to cross over into supplying services or activities that are already funded by other organisations in the city, including the Council.

“ I’m backing the BID because Bath is so much stronger as a retail destination when we work collaboratively across the city. Without the support of projects such as the BID Rangers our city would be less appealing for our customers to visit. I can see the overwhelming evidence that the city is a better place to live and work as a result of the work of the Bath BID.” Nigel Huxley Chairman

OUR FOCUS 2016-2021 The BID represents over 655 businesses that operate within the city centre and the BID designated area. This covers a broad range of businesses including large and small independent retailers, leisure businesses and the professional sector. This is reflected in the diversity of the business leaders who sit on the Bath BID Board. This Business Plan builds upon the great successes of the first five years of the Bath BID and clearly sets out the projects that will drive Bath forward as one of the most desirable places to visit in the UK.

The 3 areas of focus: MANAGING AND SAVING • WELCOMING AND PROMOTING • DEVELOPING AND INNOVATING How will you benefit?

How do you support this plan?

Events such as Bath in Fashion, Great Bath Feast, Christmas and seasonal events to drive footfall into Bath and enhance Bath’s position

The continuing success and ambition of the Bath BID and its direct impact on your business requires your support in October 2015

Enhanced welcome and marketing for the city through collaboration

We are asking you to back the BID in Bath securing a further five years of investment.

Provision of vital business services such as the BID Rangers and the management of the city centre & evening economy

Cost savings through innovative schemes such as the Trade Waste

In October 2015 all businesses in the BID area will be invited to endorse this proposal and will receive a ballot paper on the 2nd October 2015

Influence for future innovation that will directly meet the needs of the business community

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“ The Bath BID has a common sense principle at the heart of its approach. In every city there are inevitable issues that are not addressed because they are ‘too hard to do’. The BID has really come into its own by examining and then effectively implementing change for the good of the business community and the city.”

Andrew Cooper Chief Executive

WHY DO WE NEED A BID? Bath is an ambitious city which is reflected in the makeup of its burgeoning professional business community, world class educational establishments, diverse retail offering and its continual investment into the upkeep of its leisure attractions. Bath is steeped in historical significance and its world heritage status helps to attract 4.8 million day visits a year from UK and overseas visitors. On the face of it Bath is a city with a vibrant, prosperous future, however we cannot afford to be complacent. We know from visitor surveys that Bath is operating within a highly competitive environment and its relatively close proximity to other popular destinations means Bath must ensure it safeguards this future by continuing to be a well-managed and attractive destination.

•B ath provides approximately 70% of the areas employment and economic output

People come to Bath because it is a historic and beautiful city, with lots to offer the day and long term visitor, but also because it is clean, safe and welcoming. The Bath BID contributes greatly to the visitor experience ensuring customers leave with a good impression of the city centre environment and, crucially, that they have a desire to return. Equally, people choose to seek employment, live and locate businesses here in our City for the same reasons.

•£ 405m is the estimated spend by visitors each year

The Bath BID helps the city achieve its ambitions by providing a resource that guarantees first class city centre management, by stimulating engagement and collaboration among businesses, and by organising and funding events that give a reason for people to return to Bath time and again.

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• T hrough the BID, £1m commitment is made by businesses each year

‘ In a world that is changing fast, and with every city centre competing with one another to secure visitor numbers, the Bath BID gives the city an advantage over other local cities and towns. The BID does an amazing job co-ordinating and organising events, and then ensuring our city is setup to give visitors a world class experience; whether this is through the BID Ranger team keeping our streets clean or driving the evening economy. Since its introduction the Bath BID has certainly provided value for money for all levy payers.’ Paul Shillam

Store Manager Marks and Spencer

Over ÂŁ450,000 of in-kind Over ÂŁ500,000 of in-kind financial financial support from businesses support from businesses

The Bath BID represents over 655 businesses within the city centre.

The Bath BID has attracted over 3.5 times more additional income than projected

We work closely with partners to attract additional funding for seasonal marketing campaigns

The Bath BID has been accredited by the National British BIDs Association

DELIVERING A BID FOR BATH The BID Ranger service provides a fast, free and efficient response which is hugely valuable for small businesses and those without in-house resources to take care of general maintenance issues. Their visible presence, proactively helps to keep the shine on the city and is above the statutory requirements of Bath & North East Somerset Council. At peak times such as the Christmas Market and during festivals the Rangers are available to help in a practical and ambassadorial way. The BID’s Night Marshals and the Nightwatch scheme for all licensees considerably eases the pressure on the local emergency services and local businesses. Working in conjunction with the Police, CCTV, door staff and Street Pastors, significantly reduces the amount of emergency call out pressure on the police and ambulance services. Due to the BID, 80% of the incidents that occur at night in the city centre are handled without the need for emergency services. The National Purple Flag Accreditation is further testament to this partnership working, maintaining Bath’s reputation as a safe place to have a night out. Collaboration can be found across all BID activities, with the BID’s contribution unlocking additional funding or support for the city. These include: Your Kindness Can Kill campaign – addressing the issue of begging in the city. Community Payback – offenders undertake community service under the BID’s guidance.

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Working with Bath Tourism Plus to create new funding - a £1 million marketing campaign over three years. The Official Bath App providing free listing for BID businesses. One of the most successful city Apps in the UK. Events funded by the BID in partnership with others, such as the Great Bath Feast, Bath In Fashion and the Christmas Lights switch-on.

LOOKING AHEAD While much has been achieved, city centre management is an evolving process and so its objectives change as the needs of the Bath business landscape inevitably change. Funds for vital business services, events and promotion, new savings and development opportunities would stop and disappear overnight without a BID in Bath. The recent BID survey (May 2015) of businesses in Bath concluded that many value the BID and want it to continue to play an active, pivotal role in the city. The survey highlighted an overwhelming support for the BID to renew and demonstrated, beyond doubt, the BID is supporting and improving trading conditions. There are still more initiatives where the BID can visibly champion and help businesses, as well as working alongside Bath and North East Somerset Council, the emergency services and other organisations that are here to promote, manage and ultimately benefit the city.

“ I’m backing the BID as the benefits to the levy payers and city over the past five years have been clear to see. Notably the focus on street cleansing through the Ranger service; the event schedule that has been created and developed; and the Trade Waste project have all made big strides for the city. The next five years offer the exciting chance to develop this further and build upon the progress made so far.” Alex McLaren

Shopping Centre Manager, Milsom Place

BID AREA MAP M4, Chippenham, Bradford-on-Avon

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Bath Spa Railway Station

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Prior Park Landscape Garden Skyline Walk

The Bath BID Area

“ The BID has made a huge difference to Bath by making things we all need actually happen, for example, significant financial and environmental savings on the waste we all produce, effective joined up promotion of the city, and a cleaner, safer, well managed environment.” Jonathan Overton Sally Lunn’s

WHAT THE BID HAS ACHIEVED IN ITS FIRST 5 YEARS RAPID RESPONSE TEAM

Provide a Street Team focused on the management and cleansing of the city centre.

2011 – 2015 ACTUAL

A team of up to 5 BID Rangers with 2 electric vehicles and 1 specialised power washing machine which has spent over 2000 hours removing chewing gum in the city. Call out responses to the BID Rangers has increased by 45% in the last 12 months and over 4,000 hours have been spent cleaning and improving the city through Community Payback.

WASTE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE

In partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council to carry out a review of waste management arrangements in the city centre.

2011 – 2015 ACTUAL

Over 330 businesses now benefit from an award winning trade waste scheme saving businesses in Bath over £300,000 a year. Innovative solutions such as shared bin areas, working with shopping centres and supporting small businesses has meant we now have a more joined up approach to trade waste. All businesses involved have been issued with seagull proof waste sacks.

DEVISE AND IMPLEMENT

Awards scheme for clean and cared for premises within the city centre. An annual awards scheme recognises those who take pride in their premises.

2011 – 2015 ACTUAL

Working with the Bath Chronicle, The BID has supported the Bath Business Awards, Bath Pride Awards and the new Love to Shop awards as a way of celebrating businesses who actively get involved and make a difference. These awards have grown significantly year on year.

SAFE AND SECURE EVENING ECONOMY

Support the existing day time Bath and District Crime Reduction Partnership whilst enhancing the night time Nightwatch initiative.

2011 – 2015 ACTUAL

The BID created a new Nightwatch scheme for the evening economy businesses in Bath. This included a Night and Taxi Marshal service on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 3am but then, with the support of the Council, extended this to 4 am following its continued success. A Digital Radio System has been installed in the city’s CCTV room that connects the Police, Night Marshals, Licensed Premises and Street Pastors together – making Bath a far safer place to be at night. The Pub Watch scheme and old Knightwatch scheme dissolved and one Nightwatch scheme was created. This is chaired by the licensing community and attended by Police, BID, CCTV, Landlords and all those involved in the evening economy. This partnership working led to the city being awarded the Purple Flag and the city has maintained this accreditation and built on the success of this project. The radio technology installed has been made available to major events in the city and for use by other organisations.

CITY CENTRE MARKETING CAMPAIGNS

Continue and enhance the existing marketing campaigns to drive footfall to the city centre.

2011 – 2015 ACTUAL

The BID has created a series of seasonal campaigns for Spring, Autumn and Christmas each year during the BIDs first term. This marketing and branding has not only linked into the city’s seasonal events, it has also been used to leverage further funding by working with Bath Tourism Plus and the Regional Growth Fund. The BIDs marketing ambition was to create greater impact by working with other organisations across the city. This has clearly been achieved. Through the regional marketing campaigns Bath BID worked to promote Bath to customers within a 1.5hr drive radius. This has been achieved through a range of marketing and seasonal campaigns.

SPECIALIST EVENTS

Initiate and support specialist events for the city centre over and above those already provided.

2011 – 2015 ACTUAL

Bath In Fashion is now recognised as a well-established event in the city. It brings in over £100,000 of private sector support along with big fashion names. The event now has over 5,000 Twitter followers. The Great Bath Feast has grown year on year. The event is a collaboration with Bath Tourism Plus, and has provided a marketing and PR vehicle for autumn when historically footfall in the city has been lower. The Great Bath Feast has boosted trade in this period, with markets, food demonstrations and talks. The BID works in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council and the Bath Chronicle to continue the success of the Christmas Lights Switch-on event. This included celebrities such as John Cleese, John Bishop and Mary Berry along with a full outside broadcast of the BBC’s One Show. Last year the event was used to celebrate the digital unwrapping of the oldest department store in Europe (Jolly’s) when the store reopened after its refurbishment.

COLLECTIVE PROCUREMENT INITIATIVE

Develop a collective procurement initiative to provide cost savings to businesses within the BID.

2011 – 2015 ACTUAL

Businesses can now save in the following areas: A trade waste scheme which is subsidised by the BID to encourage greater recycling, more frequent collection and each business has seagull proof bags. Cost savings on utilities such as gas, electric, telephone and insurance. This is delivered free of charge by BCR Associates to all businesses Cleaning, maintenance and ‘handy man jobs’ delivered by the BID Rangers to all businesses.

INNOVATIVE MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES

Use of new and innovative technologies to integrate with any city centre promotion campaigns that drive footfall and boost retail sales.

2011 – 2015 ACTUAL

The Official Bath App is now the most comprehensive source of visitor information for the visitor to the city. Created in a way not to rely on mobile signals, the preloaded data gives accurate guidance. With over 1,000,000 hits, the app developed in partnership with Bath Tourism Plus is available to all businesses. The Bath BID actively uses social media to support its many campaigns such as Bath In Fashion, The Great Bath Feast and Your Kindness Can Kill and, of course, the BID’s activity.

TRANSPORT PROMOTIONS

Working with others to facilitate co-ordinated transport promotions. Supporting and resourcing promotions to make it more appealing and affordable to travel into the city centre.

2011 – 2015 ACTUAL

The BID was successful in working with the Council and First Bus to extend Park and Ride to a 7-day service. The BID worked with First Bus to create a discount travel scheme for businesses and their staff in the BID area.

WHAT BUSINESSES SAID DURING THE CONSULTATION From February to May 2015 all businesses were consulted on the performance of the BID over the last 5 years. This was achieved through the following: • All 655 businesses were posted a paper copy of the survey • An online survey was available to all stakeholders in the city. www.bathbid.co.uk/haveyoursay • Businesses were visited by the BID team to encourage them to feedback face to face

THE NUMBERS: • There are 655 levy payers in the city. These are businesses above the levy threshold of £25,000 who pay 1% of the BID levy. These levy payers are made up of 54% retail, 21% office, 19% leisure, 6% other.

RESPONSES BY THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

• 38% of businesses responded to the survey • 47% came from the retail sector 33% from the leisure sector 12% from the office sector and 7% from others businesses • 56 businesses and organisations who are exempt from paying the BID levy also responded

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Retail

Office

Other

Leisure

‘ Eligible businesses were asked if they would vote yes and support the renewal of the Bath BID. An overwhelming 85% stated they would vote in favour.’ Melanie Heath

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BID Services Manager

‘ The Bath BID continues to do a very good job in helping to manage the day-to-day operations in the city centre. In addition to this it is heavily involved in a number of events that increase footfall and make the area a more vibrant, interesting place to spend time and money. e are eager to support our levy payers and make positive W improvements to the city for our next tenure.’

Phil Lodge

Retail Director Specsavers Bath

WHAT WE ASKED Business were asked to review our current themes and priorities. They were asked to score each theme on a scale of 1 to 4. 1 Essential

2 Important

3 Quite Important

4 Not a priority

Top 5 Priority Areas • Ranger response and deep cleaning service • Collaborative working through annual marketing campaigns •N ightwatch – the safety scheme for the night time economy which includes the Night and Taxi Marshals • Trade Waste & Recycling scheme • Events organised by the BID cross all sectors, these existing areas of work were scored high with a strong A response that they should continue.

THIS GRAPH SHOWS THE RESPONSE BY ALL SECTORS IN IDENTIFYING THE NEW THEMES GOING FORWARD Streetscape Research Analysis Waste Initiative BID Forum Evening Economy Seasonal Events Welcome Hosts 0

Office

Leisure

Retail

100

Other

BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL – BACKING THE BID The BID’s activities have been well-received and importantly, the BID has enabled a more effective dialogue between the Council and the business community. Bath and North East Somerset Council is a major landlord, levy payer and service provider and is keen that Bath city centre continues to be a great place to do business for organisations across all sectors, and is particularly supportive of the BID’s activities in the following areas:

MANAGING THE STREET SCENE

The BID’s additional services – such as the rapid response BID Ranger Team, deep cleaning and trade waste scheme – have helped to keep the city centre looking attractive, particularly in the busy tourist season. The Council is keen that local cleansing services continue to meet business needs and that the BID uses its expertise to improve other elements of the streetscape, such as the presentation of street trading pitches. The BID has also effectively worked with the Council to stabilise the number of gulls and the council is keen to continue this work.

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Ensuring community safety in the evenings is essential to boosting business at this part of the day. The Council has been a major partner in the Nightwatch scheme and the achievement of the Purple Flag Accreditation, and is keen that the highly successful taxi marshalling is continued so that workers, residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe on busy evenings.

COUNCIL CONTRIBUTION TO THE BID

The Council has agreed to cover the cost of the collection of the levy, in addition to its significant contribution as a BID levy payer and the delivery of its non-statutory services in the city centre (as set out in the baseline agreement).

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SUPPORTING SMALL AND INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

Small and independent businesses play a key role in contributing to the city’s economic success. The Council is keen that smaller business can access and benefit from BID services. The BID has representation on the board for small business as well as a representative for businesses who fall under the levy threshold.

EVENTS AND MARKETING

Bath In Fashion, The Great Bath Feast and Dress to Impress have all been important to drive footfall at quieter times of the year. It is vital that the Bath BID works with the Council and other partners such as Bath Tourism Plus to co-ordinate a vibrant events programme. Council budgets are under significant pressure, and it will be extremely important in a new BID term for partners to work together to ensure events (such as Christmas events) are creative and cost-effective. The Council would like the BID to ensure that the benefits of events are spread as widely as possible across the city centre.

“ The BID has helped to breathe new life into Bath, supporting local residents, visitors and traders. By working together we can continue to maintain a beautifully inventive city centre full of independent shops, multiple retailers and creative and cultural businesses, creating new jobs for the benefit of the community as a whole.” Cllr. Tim Warren

Leader, Bath and North East Somerset Council

MANAGING AND SAVING In response to the BID survey we will continue to provide the following services to businesses.

A Ranger team to provide a rapid response service to clean doorways, basements, remove graffiti, algae and bird mess, as well as delivering high-level cleaning, weeding and small maintenance jobs.

A trade waste service that looks holistically at the challenges of disposing of commercial waste in a World Heritage City, while at the same time saving businesses money by working collaboratively. With over 330 businesses benefiting from this scheme, our aim is to grow this further looking at new solutions to address the challenges of food waste disposal and the impact on the seagull population.

Support the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aspirations to have an improved system of banners and street dressing. The Rangers will continue to instal street pennants and banners, working to improve the city at critical periods.

Management of the evening economy with a team of Night and Taxi Marshals, with medical support, to work with all licensed premises, the police and CCTV to keep the city safe and well-managed at night. The BID will build on the success of the Purple Flag accreditation achieved by the city and support a burgeoning evening economy.

Deep cleans to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streets to remove chewing gum and ingrained dirt, adding a level of cleanliness above the statutory obligations of the local authority and working in partnership with all organisations to raise standards.

WELCOMING AND PROMOTING The Bath BID has created Bath in Fashion, The Great Bath Feast and developed the Christmas lights switch-on, which are important footfall drivers during quiet periods. There is a desire to see additional events spread across the city and the BID will continue to lead and manage its established events.

Bath In Fashion

A spring event that brings together retailers, businesses, museums, celebrated designers, influential fashion editors and writers.

Early Evening Economy

A significant opportunity exists to increase footfall within the city from 5pm. This will be achieved by building on the ‘Bath after Five’ campaign working in collaboration to develop the early evening trading period.

Welcome Programme

The new welcome programme for the city will ensure that visitors, residents and shoppers have an excellent experience when visiting Bath. The objective will be to encourage them to stay longer and spend more money. Welcome host programmes exist around the country but Bath will seek to develop this basic concept further working with volunteer organisations, business, shopping centres and transport arrival points.

Seasonal Campaigns

To continue to market and strengthen the city’s national and regional position, through developing new and existing marketing campaigns.

Christmas

To build on the success of working with retailers, businesses and partner organisations to ensure a cohesive approach to marketing Christmas in the City.

Great Bath Feast

Now in its 4th year, the BID will grow the event which is designed to support the leisure, retail and hospitality sector. A total of 150 businesses have participated each year.

New Events

To provide new events similar to the Green Street Sunday Markets which create identity and energy within a specific area. The BID recognises the role it could play in providing feedback and data for all events in the city. The BID would look to implement an event evaluation system using web-based technologies.

DEVELOPING AND INNOVATING The BID has been instrumental in setting up a City Dressing service to support all festivals and animate the city through the use of banners and lighting. Additionally, business response to the BID highlights a desire for further innovations.

New Trade Waste Initiative

The Bath BID will continue to explore new trade waste initiatives that not only save businesses money but improve the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance. This will include new solutions such as the collection and disposal of food waste and improved collections for glass thereby reducing the impact of noise.

Professional and Creative Sector

Bath has a strong creative and professional sector and these businesses have expressed a wish to meet more frequently. This would enable them to share their expertise and ideas on matters that affect them. This will be achieved through regular breakfast events, forums and meetings. The BID will harness this enthusiasm and engagement to strengthen and enhance the opportunities for businesses. The BID will continue to work with business organisations such as the Bath Chronicle, Insider Business and Business West.

Managing the Streetscape of Bath

Bath is a thriving city and this high level of activity impacts on the street management needs. Pedestrian signage, on-street paraphernalia, street trading, busking and transport initiatives all add to its vibrancy and challenges. Following the recent survey, businesses from all sectors identified this as an aspect requiring more leadership and co-ordination from the Bath BID. Working in partnership with businesses, traders and the local authority, the BID will aim to create a single point of contact for street management issues.

FINANCIAL PROJECTION • The BID levy has remained at 1% throughout the BID term 2011-2016. The BID Board consciously chose not to inflate the income during this period as it was considered that sufficient income existed to meet the objectives of the Business Plan • The BID Board will agree on an annual basis whether the levy will assume a growth rate for inflation of 2% and if so, this will be applied on the 1st April each year • Bath and North East Somerset Council will not charge for the levy collection. This will save the BID £190,000 over the life of the BID 2016-2021, increasing the cash flow to deliver projects

• The BID received in-kind support of £500,000 not shown in the budget opposite. This demonstrates the commitment of the city, making the total reach equate to nearly £1 million a year • Additional income received is higher than the industry guidance. Over the last 4 years the BID has generated an additional £490,465 (in 2014/2015 for every £1 of levy 0.37p was generated) • Contingencies of 5% have been applied to the budget as recommended in the industry guidance

• Management and overhead costs stand at 14%, well below the industry criteria of 20%

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“ I am backing the BID as it helps put the needs of the business community at the forefront of all aspects governing the direction of our city.” Julian Newton

Business Development Manager, Barclays Business

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“ For Thermae Bath Spa, the BID has become an indispensable asset to Bath and we have seen the direct benefits of a city which is better managed and better promoted. We have been continually impressed by the sheer dedication and hard work of the whole team.” Peter Rollins

Director of Marketing, Thermae Bath Spa

Bath BID

Income and expenditure account forecast - five years ended 31 March 2021 2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21

BID Levy Income 1%

615,000

627,300

639,800

652,600

665,700

Additional Income

100,000

715,000

727,300

739,800

752,600

765,700

59,000

59,180

59,350

59,540

59,760

Ranger Services

154,000

157,080

160,250

163,440

166,730

Evening Economy

59,000

59,180

59,350

59,540

59,730

272,000

275,440

278,950

282,520

286,220

100,000

20,000

111, 500

113,730

115,925

118,190

120,555

52,920

53,980

55,050

56,140

57,230

284,420

287,710

290,975

294,330

297,785

23,500

23,770

24,025

24,310

24,595

BID Office administration costs

53,460

54,480

55,650

56,740

57,930

Other staff costs (training etc.)

5,000

5,100

5,200

5,300

5,400

Rent, IT, stationery and other

33,000

33,700

34,400

35,100

35,800

Audit and professional fees

10,000

10,200

10,400

10,600

10,800

101,460

103,480

105,650

107,740

109,930

33,620

36,900

40,200

43,700

47,170

715,000

727,300

739,800

752,600

765,700

Income

Expenditure Managing and Saving Trade Waste

Welcome and Promoting Established Events New Events Marketing Welcome Programme

Developing and Innovating Innovation and Evolution of Place

BID Management (less than 20%)

Levy Collection Cost

Contingency* TOTAL EXPENDITURE Surplus/(Deficit)

Assumptions There is a 2% inflation applied to the BID levy each year Collection based on 98% collection rate which has been consistently achieved in term 1 (2011–12 – 99.8%, 2012–13 – 99.4%, 2013-14 – 98.4%) Additional income based on current performance which is 2014-15 – £213,151, 2013-14 – £119,193, 2012-13 – £60,448, 2011-12 – £97,673. Costs of delivering projects through are built into the project headings *Contingency budget exceeds the industry guidance of 5%

GOVERNANCE BID Levy Rules • T he term of the BID will be for a period of five years

• S hopping centre tenants paying a service charge will

•B ID levy will be fixed at 1% of rateable value using

• T here will be no VAT charged on the BID levy

from 1st April 2016, ending 31st March 2021

the 2010 ratings list as at 1st April 2016

•B ID levy will be applied to all business ratepayers with a rateable value of £25,000 or more

• A ll new hereditaments entering the list after 1st April 2016 will be charged at the prevailing list at that time (ie. from 1st April 2016 to 31st March 2017 these will be charged on prevailing values from the 2010 rating list. From 1st April 2017 these will be charged on prevailing values from the 2017 rating list)

•A ll hereditaments in receipt of mandatory charitable

receive a discount of 25% on the levy rate

•W hen a hereditament is untenanted, the eligible

ratepayer will be liable for the BID levy with no void period, except in the case of listed buildings which are exempt

• T he BID Board will agree on an annual basis whether the levy will assume a growth rate for inflation of 2% and if so, this will be applied on the 1st April each year

(hereditament = rateable business premises)

relief will be exempt, apart from those listed on the Non-Domestic Rates List as Shop and Premises

Board Structure The BID has a board of 16 business leaders elected each year by those who pay the BID levy. Each board director represents the sector in which they do business. They oversee the running and governance of the BID on a voluntary basis and are voted in at the Annual General Meeting.

There are also many others who volunteer and give their time freely to support the work of the BID, whether through our working groups, events or day to day activities.

Property Landlord 2

Small Retail 3

Local Authority 1

Office Sector 3

Large Retail 3

Non levy paying businesses

Leisure Sector 3

Non-Executive Directors

For the details of individual board representation visit bathbid.co.uk

PERFORMANCE MEASURES The BID will maintain a positive and active dialogue with the businesses in the BID area through the following ways: • A n Annual General Meeting in September each year, where board directors are nominated and voted onto the Board. In addition there is a comprehensive update of the BID including a review of the full audited accounts for the previous financial year • A spring meeting informing businesses of the work of the BID • R egular Business Breakfast events with the Bath Chronicle and other business organisations • Regular feedback and engagement surveys with BID levy payers • A nnual survey for those who participate in any BID events, e.g. The Great Bath Feast and Bath in Fashion • A n evaluation report for each event in which the BID participates or operates • A n abbreviated report is sent out with the levy bill each year • A full annual report is posted to each levy payer and made available online

LEGAL AGREEMENTS The Operating Agreement and the Baseline Agreement are available from the BID office or online at bathbid.co.uk

HOW TO BACK THE BID FOR BATH 2016 - 2021

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT In order to secure a further five years of investment in Bath’s city centre, you can back the Bath BID by voting during October 2015. From 2nd – 29th October 2015, eligible businesses will be asked to cast their vote in a formal ballot. To ensure neutrality the ballot will be administered by Electoral Reform Services and will be a secret ballot.

ELIGIBLE VOTERS All defined rate payers will be entitled to one vote per hereditament. Some businesses will occupy more than one hereditament within an area and therefore will have more than one vote and receive more than one ballot paper. It will be possible to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. Proxy applications will need to be made to Bath and North East Somerset Council by 5pm on 19th October 2015. Ratepayers that have been exempt from paying the BID levy will not be eligible to vote.

FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2015 • Your ballot paper will arrive

The Bath BID will continue to deliver on the success of its projects from the last five years if two tests are met:

FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER - THURSDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2015 • You will need to post your vote

• A simple majority of those voting in the ballot must vote in favour

FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2015 • The ballot result will be announced on the BID website and then notified by post.

• Those voting in favour must represent a majority of rateable value of the hereditaments.

STEPS IN THE BALLOT PROCESS THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2015 • Your notice of ballot will be sent out

“

“ I’m backing the BID because like every winning team Bath Business Improvement District is greater than the sum of its individual parts. As a collective the BID is able to manage and promote the city, and save the 600 plus levy payers many thousands of pounds. The BID has an ability to develop a clear strategy and then successfully deliver it. Firm foundations have been laid in the BID’s first 5 years and with even more energy, enthusiasm and expertise available for phase two there is no limit to what Bath businesses can achieve.” Lynne Fernquest

Editor, Bath Chronicle

Bath Business Improvement District Third Floor, 21 Stall Street, Bath BA1 1QF t 01225 430640 e info@bathbid.co.uk w www.bathbid.co.uk Twitter: @BathBid Bath BID is a member of British BIDs and The Association of Town and City Management Company No. 6642936 The Bath BID Company is a member of British BIDs and The Association of Town and City Management.