BID Renewal
Introduction from the BID Chair
You may already be aware that we are beginning the process of renewing the Business Plan for the Halifax Business Improvement District (BID) for a third term. A BID can only last five years, and this BID term ends in March 2027.
Over the last 9 years we have achieved a lot together, but in these uncertain times we need to ensure that we create a new business plan which will be fit for purpose for the next five years, allowing us to build upon what we have already achieved and ensure that our businesses can take advantage of the new opportunities which are emerging in Halifax.
Your support is essential in helping Halifax realise its full potential. With your involvement, we can continue delivering the projects, events and business support that matter most – now more than ever. We encourage you to please complete a survey to help us better understand the wants and needs of levy paying businesses and to enable us to build the new business plan and proposal.
Jason Gregg
Chair of Halifax Business Improvement District.
Centre Director at Woolshops Shopping Centre.
Capturing Your Views
To help develop the new Business Plan, we would like to hear your thoughts, ideas, and ambitions for the future. We are inviting you to complete a survey to understand your views on the projects delivered so far and to identify the issues that are most important to your business going forward. You can access the survey via the link below.
Click here to complete the survey.
If you would prefer to complete a hard copy of the survey please call the BID Office on 01422 360035 or email ProjectManager@HalifaxBID.co.uk
What is a BID?
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a clearly defined area where local businesses come together and vote to invest collectively in initiatives that improve and strengthen their commercial environment. The creation and operation of a BID are set out in the BID Regulations 2004, which sit within the Local Government Act 2003. There are now more than 350 BIDs across the UK, each typically operating for a five-year term.
The BID Business Plan outlines the priority objectives for the area, with the BID team working alongside member businesses to deliver projects through agreed action plans. BIDs are led by the business community, with Boards and Committees made up of volunteer representatives from BID member organisations.
A fundamental principle of a BID is that all activity it delivers must be additional to services already provided by public bodies. During the development of the BID Proposal and Business Plan, baseline agreements are established with local councils and the police, setting out the level of service they will maintain throughout the BID term. Strong partnerships with councils, police authorities, and other recognised agencies also help ensure that the needs of local businesses are clearly understood and effectively addressed.
At the end of each term, a BID may seek renewal by presenting a new Business Plan, which businesses vote on to decide whether the BID should continue for a further term.
How Does the Renewal Ballot Work?
Under the BID regulations the renewal ballot is administered by the Electoral and Democratic Services within the Chief Executive’s Department at Calderdale Council., The ballot requires majority support in both turnout and rateable value: over 50% of voters must vote YES, and those votes must represent more than 50% of the total rateable value cast. If successful, the BID will begin a new five year term against a new BID Proposal and Business Plan and all eligible businesses will pay the levy regardless of how they voted.
What Happens if the BID is not Successful at the Renewal Ballot?
If you do not vote yes and the thresholds are not met then the Halifax BID will cease operations as of 31st March 2027. All its associated projects and activities such as our Business Liaison Team, Business Crime prevention, floral displays, events and sponsorship and its collective voice for the Halifax businesses will stop.
For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions, please click here
Contact the Halifax BID Team
We would welcome the opportunity to hear your views on Halifax and the priorities, projects, and support you’d like to see from the BID. Whether you prefer a quick catch-up or a more in-depth discussion, our team would be delighted to meet with you in person, online or speak over the phone at a time that suits you.
To arrange a business visit, call back, or virtual meeting, please contact the Halifax BID Team on 01422 360035 or email business@halifaxbid.co.uk and we’ll be happy to schedule a conversation.
