London’s Business Improvement Districts Maria Diaz Economic Business Policy Unit
The Mayor and London BIDs • The London Plan states support for partnership-based approaches like BIDs. • In his 2012 electoral manifesto, the Mayor endorsed the work of BIDs and committed to support the creation of up to 50 BIDs. • The GLA commissioned a research on London BIDs and it is impact in London.
The BIDs research • The research was conducted by Shared Intelligence and ATCM between October 2012 and January 2013; • The methodology included: review of policy and strategies; review of literature on BIDs, including international best practice; • A review of existing information on London BIDs which has produce a comprehensive database; • An e-survey of all London BIDs • Detailed interviews with 10 BIDs (5 inner and 5 outer London)
London BIDs Research – outcomes • 30 BIDs in London within 16 boroughs – currently 34 BIDS. • 18 outer London BIDs and 16 inner London BIDs • London BIDs contain over 32,000 firms, which make 7,6% of total London companies • Create over £72 billion in turn over generated by business (8.2% of London’s total business turnover) • Over 475,000 people employed (11.3%) of total London’s employment • Raise more than £20 million levy per year which is invested directly into their BID area.
London BIDs Research – Outcome (II) • BIDs across London are very different and it is important to recognise their particular characteristics. • Average levy income in London £638,000. But smallest is £40,000 in Argall and £3.4m in NWEC. • BID areas turnover grew by 4% between 2005-2012. • London BIDs are becoming more experienced and knowledgeable; they are diversifying their income, functions and responsibilities. • BID services range from: basic improvements; cleanliness; safety; marketing; events; business support; CSR; environmental sustainability; regeneration.
London BIDs Research - outcomes(III) Key issues for BIDs : •Composition of the board •Engagement with Local Authorities; non-levy paying businesses; property owners and residents. •Constant engagement with levy paying businesses •Set up of performance indicators and use of data before balloting and during lifetime of BID •Demonstrable impact of the BID in the area
GLA and London BIDs LDA and GLA working with BIDs since its inception. Examples of current projects include: •Green infrastructure •Food-waste •Cultural events in High Streets •OLF •Portas Pilots •Workspace
What next? The Mayor and GLA have taken on board most of the BIDs report’s recommendation and these are currently being implemented. For example: •The London Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has embedded BIDs in its work programme.; •BIDs steering group has been set up to advise GLA on strategic and funding matters (Co-chaired by Camden and Ilford BIDs); •GLA to coordinate all functional bodies to work closely with BIDs (Met police, TfL); •GLA has allocated a small budget for BID activities; •Grants programme to part-fund new BIDs to be launched in the next few days; •Monthly Newsletter for BIDs on topics of interest to BIDs; •Regular meetings between GLA and London BIDs; •Workshops on relevant topics;
For more information or receive the BIDS bulletin Maria.diaz@london.gov.uk