About The BID
About The BID
York Business Improvement District (BID) is a not-for-profit organisation working to deliver targeted projects and initiatives that enhance the trading environment, improve the overall city centre experience, and support the prosperity of the local business community.
The BID operates independently of the City of York Council and exists to provide added-value services and enhancements that go beyond the statutory duties of the local authority. This relationship is governed by a formal Operating Agreement, which ensures clarity of roles and enables effective collaboration where appropriate.
In October 2025, 91% of eligible businesses voted to renew the BID for a third five year term, commencing in April 2026. The York BID Business Plan 2026-31 outlines our core ambitions and programmes of delivery for the next five years. Click here to see the declaration of results.
975
levy paying business in York city centre
Over
340
BIDs currently active in the UK
£9.2m
invested into improvements over the last 10 years
91%
of eligible businesses voted in favour of a third BID term
1.6%
annual levy charge, based on 2023 rateable values
£1.7m
of additional funding leveraged from external sources
Investing in York’s Future
York BID is dedicated to delivering initiatives that strengthen York city centre’s economy, enhance its environment, and build its reputation as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Our work focuses on raising standards of safety and cleanliness, while attracting more visitors, families, professionals, and investors to the city.
Since our launch in 2016, York BID has invested over £9.2 million in projects designed to support the vitality of the city centre and its businesses. We have established a strong track record as a forward-thinking and effective delivery organisation, driving meaningful and lasting change.
Our short film offers a snapshot of some of the projects we’ve delivered in recent years. To explore these in more detail, visit our Featured Projects page.
Understanding the BID Levy
The BID is funded primarily through a levy paid by occupiers of eligible commercial premises within the defined BID area. This creates a collective, ring-fenced fund dedicated exclusively to investment in the city centre.
The BID levy process is governed by the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004, and once a BID is established, payment of the levy is a legal requirement.
The levy is charged annually, at 1.6% of the rateable value on each eligible property. See the BID Levy Rules page to find out more.
A Proven National Model
York BID is proud to be part of a network of over 340 Business Improvement Districts across the UK. Over the last 20 years, BIDs have invested an estimated £1 billion into British towns and cities.
As public sector funding faces increasing pressure, BIDs play an essential role in ensuring high streets remain vibrant, safe, and competitive.
The BID Area
Our community is a diverse mix of retail, hospitality, leisure, and professional services, including a high concentration of the independent businesses that give York its unique character.
To qualify as a BID member, businesses must have a rateable value of £17,500 or above and be situated within our geographical boundary.
From 2026, the BID area will be extended to ten additional streets to align with our existing operations and extend the benefits of BID membership to more businesses. The map below shows the boundary line of the BID’s geographical area. Click here to view the full list of street included in the BID area.