What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led, business-funded initiative that works to improve a defined commercial area through targeted investment, local partnerships, and collective action. BIDs are designed to support town centres, improve trading conditions, and enhance the overall experience for businesses, residents, and visitors.
There are now over 330 BIDs across the UK, including over 30 in Scotland, investing more than £150 million each year into making high streets and commercial areas cleaner, safer, and more vibrant. East Renfrewshire’s BIDs - All About Barrhead, I Love Clarkston, and Giffnock Village - aim to bring local businesses together with a shared voice and a clear plan for improvement.
A BID is established through a democratic ballot process, where eligible businesses (those with a rateable value in the defined BID area) vote on a business plan that sets out the key priorities for the area. Typically this focuses on themes like safety, cleanliness, promotion, events, and business support.
For the BID to be approved, the ballot must achieve:
- A simple majority in the number of votes cast, and
- A majority of the total rateable value of those who vote.
In early 2026 all BID levy payers will be asked to vote on whether they would like All About Barrhead to continue for a third term.
Once approved, a BID can operate for up to five years before requiring a further vote to see if another 5 year term will be supported. Funding is raised through a small compulsory levy paid by eligible businesses within the BID area, which is then reinvested locally to deliver the agreed projects and services. Additional funding is also sought through grants and public/private sector funding sources to maximise impact.
The BID is overseen by a local board of directors, typically made up of business owners and key stakeholders from the area. The board is responsible for guiding the implementation and delivery of the Business Plan, ensuring it stays aligned with the needs of the local business community. To manage day-to-day operations, the board employs a dedicated BID management team, usually consisting of a BID Manager and an assistant, who are tasked with delivering the projects, services, and initiatives set out in the plan.
By working collaboratively, BIDs create thriving town centres where businesses can grow, customers feel welcome, and the local community benefits.
