Cause UK specialise in supporting ethical businesses, good causes, festivals and the arts with award winning public relations services.
Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID) announced its Business Plan for 2025-2030 at an exclusive event on 17 September 2024, unveiling ambitious plans for the next five years. Hosted at the…
Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID) announced its Business Plan for 2025-2030 at an exclusive event on 17 September 2024, unveiling ambitious plans for the next five years.
Hosted at the Queens Hotel in the city on Tuesday 17 September, LeedsBID will outline its plans to levy paying businesses in the city.
The event marks just under a month until the ballot opens on 11 October, where levy payers will have the opportunity to vote for LeedsBID to continue their work into a third term, with the new Business Plan.
Established in 2015, the not-for-profit, non-political organisation works to improve Leeds city centre for all. It is the largest multi-sector BID outside London, investing £14m into the city centre from 2020-2025.
Its plan for the next five years revolves on themes to ensure a Welcoming , Inspirational and Ambitious city.
A major component of the plan, in recognition of the city’s growth, is a proposed extension to the BID boundary, ensuring it covers key areas from the ring road in the north to Crown Point Road in the south, and from Wellington Street and Holbeck in the west to Quarry Hill and Leeds Dock in the east.
This expansion will see LeedsBID represent 790 businesses in its third term, and incorporate major new developments around the river, including the Royal Armouries and Aire Park – the largest new city centre green space in the UK.
It aims to capitalise on the city’s riverfront assets, acting as a catalyst for new initiatives which maximise opportunities for the riverside.
Nat Edwards, Director General and Master of the Royal Armouries in Leeds, expressed his support for the BID’s vision for the river. “The Royal Armouries is excited to be part of this transformative vision for Leeds. The proposed Park and Glide service is a brilliant example of how we can enhance connectivity and visitor experience, linking our historic site with the vibrant city centre.”
LeedsBID will also host the largest continuous outdoor projection onto The Queens Hotel in the UK this Christmas over an 11-day period. Last year half a million visitors came into the city to see the Christmas projection with nearby retailers reporting an uplift of 40% in takings.
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID said:
“We are excited to present our next chapter, which builds on the success of the past ten years and focuses on making Leeds an even more welcoming, inspirational, and ambitious city. We are asking businesses to continue to support and endorse the work of LeedsBID as we drive further positive change.
“LeedsBID is unique in its ability to bring people together for the improvement of our city. We look forward to discussing the plans with businesses and stakeholders across our city, who share the same values, ambition and vision.”
Key pillars of the plan include:
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Business Improvement Districts in the United Kingdom.
There are now over 340 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) which are not-for-profit, non-political organisations established for the places they serve. BIDs represent businesses in a defined area and bring new investment into a town or city centre. Collectively BIDs in the UK contribute £152m a year.
Professor Steve Millington Director of the Institute of Place Management said, “since their establishment in 2004 UK BIDs have delivered over £1bn of funding in town and city centres. BIDs have been proven to have the partnerships and leadership skills required to support vital and viable high streets.”
Leading on innovative projects and providing key investment, LeedsBID aims to make Leeds city centre a cleaner, safer and more welcoming place, raising its profile nationally and internationally with new, diverse, and prestigious events and exciting marketing campaigns.
LeedsBID’s annual £2.5m budget generates significant value, with every £1 spent by the BID delivering an additional 20p in value to the city.
Its popular street animation projects alone, such as this summer’s interactive Monopoly Leeds Takeover, and the Leodis Space Agency and Leeds Jurassic Trails have driven over 1.3 million visitors, generating nearly £8m in economic activity.
LeedsBID also hosts the annual Leeds International Festival of Ideas attracting world-leading speakers, thought leaders and innovators to the city, and has delivered iconic art for the city too, such as Athena Rising, which hit the headlines as the UK’s tallest mural.
Andrew Cooper added:
“Part of our remit is to enhance the city’s vibrant cultural offer, so we are delighted to be hosting this event at the Queens Hotel, the location of the stunning audiovisual projections, which attracted thousands of visitors last Christmas. Ultimately our cultural remit is designed to boost footfall to our city centre businesses.”
With major retail centres such as Trinity Leeds, and flagship stores like Harvey Nichols and John Lewis, Leeds remains a strong retail destination.
The results of the LeedsBID Ballot are announced on 8th November.
For press and media enquiries, contact: clair@causeuk.com 0753 194 8014.
About Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID):
LeedsBID is a business-led, not for profit organisation, which currently represents 790 businesses and organisations in the city centre (LS1 and LS2 postcodes) and works collaboratively across the city on a range of bold and initiative projects.
Leading on innovative projects and providing key investment, it aims to make Leeds city centre a cleaner, safer and more welcoming place, raising its profile nationally and internationally with new, diverse, and prestigious events and exciting marketing campaigns.
LeedsBID is the third largest in the UK and largest outside London and is funded by a 1.25 per cent levy on business rates based on properties above £60,000 rateable value.
The annual fund is set against a business plan to bring numerous improvements including public realm, business investment and increased footfall into the city centre.
Business Improvement Districts have proved to be highly successful, with more than 340 BIDs in the UK.
Photo credit: Jo Ritchie