Worldwide BIDs

Through our relationship with ATCM, and the unique reciprocal membership scheme with the International Downtown Association (IDA) based in Washington DC, the UKBIDs network is the largest BIDs network in the world. In this section you can learn more about our partnership with the IDA and access valuable experience from BIDs in Europe and beyond.

First European BIDs Conference

The First European BIDs Conference was held in London in April 2006. As well as providing an unparalleled networking opportunity for new and established BIDs, this high profile conference gave invaluable insights into the development and delivery of successful BIDs from national and international experts. Summaries of some of the key speakers' presentations are given below.

A Government perspective on BIDs - Tim Pope, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Against a background that included threats to town centre vitality, lessons from abroad and a desire for sustainable funding, the National Pilot project was undertaken and legislative principles developed for the introduction of BIDs in England and Wales. BIDs activity has been seen to strengthen previous voluntary partnerships, empowering business communities and emerging from strong local partnerships between business and local councils, but challenges were also identified. The ‘next wave' includes making linkages to emerging agendas and sharing the learning.

A Tourism Association for Town Centre Management - Inga Horny, MD Tourism Association Old Quarter Salzburg

While all nine federal states have theier own tourism law, an ammendment in Salzburg in 1998 allowed a tourism association to undertake town centre mangement, and in 2003 the Tourismusverband Salzbuger Altstadt was established as a legal entity with responsibilities that include economic and cultural vitalization and TCM. Early problems included having two organisations with responsibilities for the same area and some lack of flexibility due to a reliance on the City of Salzburg for some funding. As these are overcome the achievements of the organisation become clearer - enthusing partners and visitors alike through a focus on identity, appreciation and image. Different quarters have developed their own USPs, business clusters are growing and know-how and support are offered to attract customer loyalty.

Making the case to retailers - Rob Morray, Marks and Spencer

Rob Morray identified a number of key issues for retailers, from understanding what BIDs will mean for your organisation, deciding on a policy and putting a process in place - which might include agreeing the role of the local store manager as well as the head office and recognising the benefits of early involvement. Tracking results is crucial, using simple systems of ongoing measurement such as Key Performance Indicators, and always remembering the local view.

BIDs and their evolving mandate - Anne Steffny, Kasigo Urban Management, South Africa

Anne Steffny introduced Johannesburg, its historic problems and the adoption in 1997 of the first City Improvement District Act in Gauteng to address some of these issues. CID principles have been taken up across Johannesburg with two main types of partnership emerging - Improvement Districts, addressing ‘crime and grime', and Management Districts, which focus on place marketing - with both sharing an ambition to create an exceptional sense of place, and thus an environment for investment. Five case studies illustrated some of the specific tools developed for individual places and partnerships that together aim to make Johannesburg a more competitive place.

The Role of Property Owners in BIDs - Nigel Mason, York Consulting

While two-thirds of BIDs are likely to be a continuation or expansion of scope of existing town centre management schemes, many others may be initiated by local businesses/property owners. Research shows that of property owners already involved in BIDs, 69% consider there has been sufficient opportunity for their organisation to influence BID development but 30% consider there are significant barriers, mostly cost and time. The research also outlines the relative financial contributions made by different categories of property owners. A concluding thought was that limited resources for BID development also impacts an engagement with owners.

Embracing the evening economy - Jon Collins, BEDA

The Evening Economy has evolved into an increasingly important sector, with a rise in both YPVs older customers, and a homogenisation of the High Street - with research showing that 80% of customers are influenced by cost. However there may be a gap between perception and reality in terms of crime and safety - figures showing 98% of customers feel safe in venues and 85% feel safe on the street - and pressure on operators can result in what is perceived as knee-jerk enforcement. But along with this regulatory tension a new partnership approach is emerging. BIDs can be a sustainable solution to funding additional late night services and can provide an important vehicle for dialogue with the industry, leading to the establishment of a pubwatch or Licensing Forum. Partnerships underpinned by BIDs can offer a win-win situation, where safer town centres deliver more customers to venues, pubs and clubs.