The BID says helping to achieve that goal will be a major part of its Business Plan if it succeeds in securing a second five-year term.

Chairman Ian Ward, who is also general manager of The Broadway shopping centre, said: “Every town and city centre has faced multiple challenges with the change in shopping habits and the growth of online marketplaces and Bradford is no exception.

The BID’s city centre gift card encourages tens of thousands of pounds to be spent in local businesses (Image: Bradford BID)

“Over the last five years, the BID has built an excellent reputation for its business support and advice and we will aim to build on those achievements and accelerate progress, utilising initiatives such as City of Culture, Bradford Live and the new Darley Street Market to develop projects to encourage further investment.

“We will continue to support promotion of the city centre, encourage new partnerships and new approaches to bring in more visitors and encourage greater local spend, and we will aim to forge even stronger relationships with member businesses and build a more assertive city centre business community, lobbying and advocating on their behalf.”

Schemes like the BID’s Small Guide to a Big City help bring in tourists and visitors (Image: Bradford BID)

The BID is a limited not-for-profit company funded by a small levy on businesses and organisations within a specified area of the city. Its first term will end later this year and it is launching a ballot at the end of this month to secure its future to the end of 2028.

Almost 600 levy-paying businesses and organisations will be asked to support the BID by voting “Yes” in the ballot which closes on September 28.

BID training programmes help businesses to better support their staff and customers (Image: Bradford BID)

The £2.5 million total levy pot will be spent on schemes to improve the city centre under three key Business Plan objectives: creating A Positive Environment, Better for Business and A Vibrant Experience.

The Better for Business strategies outlined in the Plan include:

• Enact projects to encourage further investment into the city centre
• Oversee marketing and promotion activities to project the city centre to a far wider audience
• Arrange business updates, networking events and staff training focusing on specific sector needs
• Provide business growth advice or support to existing and potential new member businesses
• Co-ordinate greater lobbying, representation and championing of the city centre
• Continue to promote the city centre gift card scheme to reach a wider audience, increasing direct spend into BID member businesses

Why we’re saying ‘yes’ to the BID

James Mason, chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce (above left): I was involved in the formation of the Bradford BID whilst at Bradford City football club.

“I saw its value then and even more so in my role now, where I have the benefit and perspective of seeing what a difference the levy contributions have made and are making to the city.

“From cleanliness, new street furniture and decoration which contribute to a sense of civic pride, to the number of events and activities the team have orchestrated, which attract people and businesses to the city centre.

“Working in collaboration with the public and private sector, the Bradford BID is now a “must have” and not a “nice to have” entity that demonstrates tangible value.”

Graham Sweeney, managing partner at Schofield Sweeney (above right): “The BID has had a significant impact on the appearance of Bradford city centre, not just through its extensive programme of hot-washing and chewing gum and graffiti removal but also through the installation of hanging baskets, the repainting and renovation of street furniture and new street lighting schemes.

“There is no doubt that the centre is now a more appealing place for shoppers, visitors and for attracting staff.”

The BID’s new ballot timetable

Legally, all BIDs need to be established via a ballot of eligible business and the vote is conducted entirely by post over a 28-day period. The votes will be sent to either the tenant of the business or the landlord (in the case of vacant units), within the BID boundary and Civica Election Services will be carrying out the voting process.
The key dates are:
• August 31 – ballot papers issued
• September 28 – Ballot Day, the last day by which votes must be received
• September 29 – Results announced
For the BID proposal to be successful, there are two requirements which must be met: A majority of those who vote must have voted in favour; and The total rateable values of the business properties who vote Yes must exceed that of those who voted No.

NEXT WEEK: How the BID will help the city centre provide A Vibrant Experience