Bath’s Business Improvement District is preparing for another five-year term after being given the go-ahead to continue in a ballot of city centre firms.
It will now look to further develop Bath’s early evening economy and introduce Welcome Hosts in key areas such as the railway station as well as continuing with successful initiatives introduced during its first term including its BID Rangers and Night Marshals. 
It will also seek to expand its pioneering trade waste management and recycling scheme, which has transformed the way city centre businesses dispose of their rubbish.
Some 48% of the 655 eligible businesses, including retailers, offices, cafés and bars, voted in last month’s ballot.
Of those, 76% voted in favour of renewal, with 81% in favour by total rateable value of votes cast.
Writing in the BID’s regular Bath Business News blog, interim chief executive Jonathan O’Shea said: “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.”
High points of its first five-year term included working in partnership with Bath Tourism Plus to develop high-profile public events that promote the city and encourage footfall, he said.
Initiatives such as Bath in Fashion and the Great Bath Feast had brought in visitors in months when tourist cities such as Bath traditionally suffer from a decline.
The introduction of the BID Rangers and Night Marshals had ensured a safe and welcoming city centre environment, he said and promoted Bath’s vibrant night-time economy.
“The Bath BID has helped to breathe new life into the city by supporting the business community,” he said.
“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.”
