Does Bradford need a BID?

Does Bradford need a BID?

This autumn businesses in Bradford city centre will be invited to vote on the proposed formation of a business improvement district (BID). If successful, the BID will generate £2.5m over the next five years, which will be used to fund a range of projects designed to improve the city centre. As well as tackling key issues around cleanliness and safety, the BID will also have a huge impact on Bradford’s cultural scene. To find out more we spoke to BID Chair Ian Ward.

What impact will the BID have on events and culture in the city centre and how much will be invested in promoting new and existing events?

The BID will play a huge role in helping to make Bradford a more vibrant and exciting place to be. As part of the overall plan to invest £2.5 million over its five-year term, a budget of £425,000 will be available to fund and support events including the introduction of an annual Festival of Light, vintage bus trips, heritage trails and street markets. It will also fund art installations, visitor routes and lighting schemes throughout the city centre. The BID will also look to create a support package to help organisers deliver successful

city centre events. The BID will be investing a further £445,000 in promotion and marketing, ensuring greater lobbying, representation and championing of the city. Which will give our events a much better platform to promote themselves from. So, all in all, it should be fantastic news for Bradford’s cultural sector.

The business plan sets out a range of objectives under the ‘Alive’ and ‘Promoted’ headings, how were these established and how will they be delivered?

All of the proposed projects in the business plan were in response to feedback from city centre businesses. An extensive feasibility study identified areas of concern and highlighted what businesses felt was needed to improve

the city centre. A development board, made up of business representatives used this feedback along with case studies from other successful BIDs to create what we feel is an ambitious and achievable business plan. If the BID vote is successful, then a small team will be put in place to run the BID. It will be their job to deliver the aims set out in the business plan, under the watchful eye of the BID board!

Is the BID a closed shop or are individuals/organisations encouraged to come forward with ideas and suggestions?

It’s definitely not a closed shop. The BID would welcome proposals from anyone, providing they meet the objectives of the business plan. There are some fantastic examples of collaborations involving BIDs across the country. Any levy payers will of course have the opportunity to influence how the BID money is spent.

Is the BID accountable for its success/failure and if so how?

Yes, absolutely so. When the BID goes to ballot this August, businesses are voting on the strength of the proposals set out in the five-year business plan. If the BID is given a Yes vote then it is accountable to that business plan. Ultimately the BID will be judged when it comes to its renewal ballot in 2023, similarly to an elected government or council. Furthermore, the BID team will be under the scrutiny of the BID board, who will be making sure it is delivering what it has set out to do.

www.bradfordbid.com

What have neigbouring BIDs delivered?

There are over 300 established BIDs in the UK and while budgets vary depending on their demise line and levy rates, it is worth looking at some of the projects these BIDs have delivered.

Leeds BID

Leeds Indie Food, Leeds International Festival, Leeds BID does Yoga, Evening Ambassadors, Leeds Boost business networking, Purple Flag Status, Leeds Sports Awards, Christmas in Leeds, MOBO Awards, Big Disco, Welcome to Leeds.

Leeds International FestivalKeighley BID

Keighley by the Sea, Town Centre Guides, Sand Sculpture Workshops, Bank Holiday sports day, Keighley’s Big Day Out, Cycle Fun Day.

Manchester BID

Chinese New Year, MCR Student Social, Mystery Shopping Awards, The King Street Festuival, Bee in the City Weekender, Haloween in the City.

King Street Festival