By Jonathan O’Shea, interim chief executive of Bath Business Improvement District.
The Business Improvement District (BID) board is delighted that the city’s business community has chosen to endorse a second five-year term for the BID. Some 48% of eligible business voted and of those 76% voted in favour of renewal, with 81% in favour by total rateable value of votes cast. 
The BID board and staff consider the positive ballot result to be a stamp of approval for the great work that has been delivered in the first five years since the BID was first established in 2011, and is a vote of confidence in our excellent business plan that lays out the vision for the next five year period that will last until 2021. With such a clear mandate from the businesses community, the BID team can now embark with confidence on a range of initiatives to further improve the city centre business environment.
Nobody can deny the BID has achieved a great deal in its first five-year term. From working in partnership with Bath Tourism Plus to develop high-profile public events that promote the city and encourage footfall, to the introduction of the BID Rangers and Night Marshals that directly support businesses while also ensuring a safe and welcoming city centre environment, the difference to the city has been very tangible.
On a direct business front, the trade waste management and recycling scheme has proved hugely successful and has been widely appreciated by businesses, many of whom have more that recouped the cost of their levy. Many other initiatives and activities have improved the trading environment both for levy payers and for visitors to the city.
The Bath BID has helped to breathe new life into the city by supporting the business community. The financial contribution from levy paying businesses, along with many voluntarily donations, has resulted in more than £1m being spent every year on the city centre. The additional BID services provided, such as the rapid response BID Ranger team, has helped to keep the city clean, pleasant and inviting. Initiatives such as these are extremely important for a city when you consider Bath has such a high year-round tourism footfall on top of resident footfall.
The BID’s contribution to delivering events and marketing support that drive consumer spend at quieter times is equally important. Working collaboratively with Bath Tourism Plus, the council, and the local police and emergency services, the BID has proven its worth as a vehicle for closer collaborative working. During the next five years the BID will work to build upon its successes and continue its investment in Bath.
