Gloucester’s Business Improvement District has now been in place for a little over a year. Few people know a great deal about what it does, but it is having a major impact on what happens in the city centre.

The BID, as it is known, was approved by city centre businesses (including those in the Docks and Quays) last year, who agreed to pay a small levy on top of their business rates to fund activities to support the city centre. Nearly 90% of businesses voted in favour – one of the highest approval ratings in the country. A board made up of representatives from businesses themselves decide how the money they raise (around £500,000 a year) is spent.

The introduction of City Protection Officers

So far, they have funded the introduction of City Protection Officers – the people in high viz jackets you see walking around the city centre dealing with any issues of antisocial behaviour (and much more) and providing a reassuring presence for the public. This is funded jointly with the City Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner. They have also funded a number of events taking place in the city centre, such as the zip wire along the gate streets in the summer. They are planning more for Christmas, as well as providing support for some of Gloucester’s key events including next year’s Tall Ships Festival.

Gloucester was, earlier this year, awarded Purple Flag status for its management of the night-time economy. The BID are a key partner in this, funding taxi marshals to help disperse club-goers at the end of the night – or, more accurately, in the early hours of the morning!

One of the key principles of a BID is that it only funds activities over and above what the local council already does and doesn’t simply pick up the bill for things the council should be doing anyway, and that’s a rule we are very careful to stick to.

An incentive to make a positive difference

The mandate of a BID lasts for five years, after which they have to seek approval by ballot again from businesses for another five year period – so there is a real incentive for them to make a positive difference.

We all know how town and city centres are having to change, as a result of the rise of online shopping, and become destinations that give more of an experience than just retail. That is a real challenge for Gloucester, as it is for everywhere else, but one I believe we are up to meeting. Having the BID alongside us in that challenge gives me even more confidence for the future.