Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are business-led partnerships that agree by ballot to pay an extra levy based on rateable value to fund activities, services and improvements that will benefit the businesses and the place in which they operate. As of November 2024 there are over 340 UK BIDs including three in Kent, investing over £154m every year, giving over 134,000 business an independent voice and investing in business-led initiatives.
Canterbury BID was established by ballot in 2014, 2019 and again in July 2024 for another five-year term, as an independent, business-led, not-for-profit initiative to ensure investment in the city based on the priorities of the business community.
The BID encompasses over 650 business, primarily within the city walls, and our mission is to help make Canterbury a vibrant, exciting, well connected and successful business community.
The management and governance of the BID is open and transparent and is accountable to the levy payers. The projects and activities of the BID are operated by a small team led by a voluntary Board of Directors, representing the business sectors who operate in the city.
All of the money raised by the BID – from the levy paid by businesses, to voluntary contributions, sponsorship and commercial income – is invested directly back into Canterbury.
To find out more about the work of Canterbury BID, see the Business Plan 2024-2029 and the projects and activities pages of the website:
