Canterbury BID AGM and Annual Report (2022-23)

On 20 June, we presented the 2022-2023 Canterbury BID Annual Report to an audience of 120 at the Cathedral Lodge.

The evening started with delicious food and drink and a chance to catch up and network, followed by a welcome from the Chair of the BID Board of Directors, Clare Millett, and a financial report from the Board’s Vice Chair and Finance Chair, Paul Turner. The Year 3 accounts were approved by the Board and presented to the audience, and Paul also presented an account of the finances for this BID term so far (2019-2023).

Canterbury BID AGM – Networking

Canterbury BID started almost 10 years ago, and as we approach a decade of investment in the city, we wanted to report back on the impact the BID has had in the city and start the conversation about how Canterbury BID can make a difference, as we look ahead to the next five years.

The evening included:

• A Report on the impact of your investment through the BID levy and the additional income raised by the team.
• An update on other important city centre investments, in particular a presentation by Canterbury City Council Director of Place, Bill Hicks, on the projects the Council plans to delivery through the Levelling Up fund and the role of the Canterbury Tales of England board.
• A talk by Dr Julie Grail, Managing Director of The BIDs Business, with a national perspective on BIDs and place, including the call to be creative, relevant, brave and visionary.
• News that development on Biggelston Yard (the former Nason’s site) will begin later this year.

Canterbury BID AGM and Keynote Speakers

That lead us into an interactive session on priorities for Canterbury and for the BID with live polling and word clouds, giving us a snapshop of your thoughts on the evening. We asked questions about the top challenges facing businesses in the next 3-5 years, the key opportunities for the city, the BID projects and activities you value the most, and what you would like us to deliver in the next 3-5 years.

Highlights from the Annual Report include:

• Visit Canterbury re-launched, governed by a new consortium, and overseen by Canterbury BID, targeting visitors, students, locals and new businesses across the Canterbury district with free event and business listings.
• Over £178,000 raised on top of the levy through sponsorship, commercial income, grants and voluntary membership.
• £100,000 ringfenced for the 120 participating businesses through the Canterbury Gift Card and Night Out Gift Card.
• £96,000+ in savings identified through the Business Cost Savings Programme with free support, guidance and negotiations specifically for BID businesses.

This was just the beginning of our ongoing consultation with you. Join us at any of our events or get in touch to share your thoughts.

8 ways to get maximum value from your BID levy:

1. Sign up and read our regular e-newsletter for businesses.
2. Join our monthly business networking.
3. Save costs by signing up to the free PSP Business Cost Reduction Service.
4. Tell us which grot spots need cleaning by contacting BID Ambassadors, Simon or Zak.
5. Follow us on social media and tag us in your posts.
6. Head to Visit Canterbury and ensure your business is correctly listed.
7. Get involved with marketing campaigns (Medieval Pageant, Student Festival, Halloween, Christmas and more).
8. Send us content for our weekly MyCanterbury and BID eNewsletters