WHAT THE BID IS ALL ABOUT

Wakefield BID is a driving force in the city. We act as a catalyst, transforming Wakefield City Centre with new projects and partnerships.

As a business-led and business-funded body, we aim to improve and regenerate our defined commercial area and represent over 400 city-centre organisations. BIDs were first introduced in the UK in 2004 and have become a great success.

Businesses are seeing the benefit of taking greater control of delivering a business plan to drive footfall into their commercial district. There are now over 320 BIDs across the UK. Within a defined BID area, a levy is charged on all business ratepayers in addition to the business rates bill (excluding exceptions defined within individual BID rules).

This levy is used to develop innovative projects which will benefit all businesses in the local area. Through consultation, businesses express the areas of investment and projects that can be provided authorities.

Improvements may include, for example, exciting events programmes, additional safety and security features, street cleansing or critical environmental measures.

Moving forward, Wakefield BID will focus on delivering an ambitious business plan, building on the firm foundations of our first five years in operation.