Bath Business Improvement District (BID) chief executive Andrew Cooper – who has been at its helm since its launch in 2011 – is to leave to take up a similar role in Leeds, it was announced today.
Mr Cooper, pictured, will be joining the newly launched Leeds Business Improvement District – the UK’s third largest. His departure will take place as Bath BID prepares to hold a ballot later this year among its 700-plus members to continue in operation. 
Bath BID said today it had started the search for a new chief executive and anticipated having the replacement in post by the time Mr Cooper leaves on October 1. One of more than 200 BIDs across the UK, it raises money from businesses in the city centre through a levy based on their premises’ rateable value.
It has attracted more than three-and-a-half times more additional income than its original business plan projection in 2011 through initiatives such as Bath in Fashion and The Great Bath Feast, which attract sponsorship and bring in money from ticket sales.
The BID also operates the night marshal and taxi marshal schemes.
BID chair Nigel Huxley said today: “Andrew leaves behind him an enviable legacy. Under his leadership the Bath BID has achieved phenomenal success, not only for the levy payers and the Business Improvement District, but also for the wider city.
“In its first term the BID has delivered on its remit, and indeed excelled. We now have a city centre which is better managed, better promoted, and with a range of initiatives that are delivering true value to levy payers. The business environment has improved to the benefit of all businesses in the BID area, as has the reputation of Bath as a place to visit, enjoy, and conduct trade.
“The foundations have been laid for ongoing success and further improvement to the city centre. Andrew’s successor will inherit a Business Improvement District in good health and with clearly identified areas for further work and improvement. This is an opportunity for fresh new ideas that build on the momentum we have. It is an opportunity to push on to the next level with renewed vigour.”
The BID also introduced night marshals in 2011 and the Nightwatch scheme the following year both of which have helped protect the evening economy and earned the city Purple Flag status.
It also brought in the award-winning city trade waste scheme as well as establishing the high-profile, award-winning Great Bath Feast and Bath in Fashion Week and the launch of the hugely successful Official Bath App.
In May it was awarded an Industry Standard Accreditation from British BIDs – the professional industry body focused entirely on Business Improvement Districts.
Mr Huxley added: “Since launch the Bath BID has brought the city’s business community closer together.
“The seasonal events that have been introduced ensure Bath is even more of a destination than it was before the BID, the night time economy has been strengthened, and our city is cleaner and safer.
“Andrew Cooper has delivered his role with award-winning transparency and honesty and he has endeared himself to the business community. As his tenure comes to a close he should be congratulated on a job very well done.”
Mr Cooper has been working in Bath since 2008, firstly as city centre manager before being part of the team that established the BID. He worked for Boots The Chemist for 13 years before his career in Bath.
