About The BID
Overview
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 operate independently of the City of York Council and exist 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.
York BID is part of a national network of over 340 Business Improvement Districts across the UK. Now well-established in most towns and cities, BIDs play an increasingly important role in supporting the vitality of high streets, particularly in light of reduced public sector funding.
During the 20 years since the legislation was introduced into the UK, BID’s are estimated to have invested over £1billion into towns and cities across the country.
976
levy paying business in York city centre
Over
340
BIDs currently active in the UK
£7.6m
invested into improvements over the last 10 years
86%
of eligible businesses voted in favour of a second BID term
1.6%
annual levy charge, based on 2023 rateable values
£1.5m
of additional funding leveraged from external sources
What is 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.
For the next term starting April 2026, the annual levy is set at 1.6% of the rateable value for properties with a rateable value of £17,500 or above. Click here to view the BID Levy Rules.
How can my business benefit?
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 £7.6 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.
Looking ahead, our ambitions and planned programmes for the next term, beginning 1 April 2026, are set out in the York BID Business Plan 2026-31.
The BID Area
To qualify as a BID member, businesses must be situated within the BID area and have a rateable value of £17,500 or above. Our community is primarily made up of businesses from the retail, hospitality, leisure and professional sectors with a large number of independent businesses.
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.
“The York BID started as a body to deliver tangible programmes on behalf of the business community. It has become much more than that, with York BID now viewed as a key strategic partner in the city, allowing central businesses a voice on all major decision making.”
Andrew Lowson, York BID Executive Director, York BID