The Bishop’s Stortford Business Improvement District (BID) is currently awaiting the results of our reballot. As we come towards the end of our first term, here are some frequently-asked questions about the BID and our role in the town centre as well an update on the ballot and our business plan.
How is Bishop’s Stortford BID funded?
The BID is a government scheme funded by over 300 town centre businesses and is a business-led organisation. We are not connected to Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, East Herts District Council or Hertfordshire County Council but we work alongside them to organise additional initiatives that make the town centre a better place to work, shop and socialise.
What has the BID done so far?
Over the last four years, our main areas of focus have been marketing and events, backing business, and parking and accessibility. We have created the Discover Stortford brand and website; organised themed trails, Christmas shopping evenings, business training sessions, car park offers and parking marshals; launched the Bishop’s Stortford Gift Card; supported businesses throughout the pandemic, and much more.
Why is the reballot happening?
A BID can only exist for a maximum of five years. It must then be voted back in by town centre businesses; there is no public vote. We are currently in the 28-day ballot period which is due to close on 13 October, with the result announced on 14 October. If successful, the new BID term will start on 1 April 2023 and run for five years.
What is planned for the next five years?
We have consulted with town centre businesses to establish which areas they would like us to focus on. If the reballot is successful, our business plan includes:
- Marketing and promotion of Bishop’s Stortford to reach a wider audience
- Events and street entertainment, including working towards Purple Flag Status
- Supporting Bishop’s Stortford businesses to create an even stronger local business community
- Place making to improve the appearance and capitalise on the history of the town centre.
You can read the business plan in full here.
