Chester Business Improvement District (BID) is proudly celebrating a decade of operation within the city. Chester BID is a not-for-profit, democratically elected body that represents over 460 city centre businesses, from much-loved independents like Chester Boutique, The Coach House, and Lee Louise, to well-known national retailers like The White Company, Lakeland, and Boots. Businesses first voted to establish a BID in 2014, before a second vote in 2019 extended the BID for another 5-year term. As the BID heads towards its third term, it aims to surpass a decade of achievements by delivering a wide range of projects and initiatives that help make Chester a desirable place to live, work, and play.

Dawn Robinson, Owner of Chester Boutique on Bridge Street said “I think the BID is an amazing resource for all businesses in Chester, especially the independents. They have an amazing presence in our city and are always at the end of the phone  (even for those silly questions!). I wouldn’t want to be without their current team, they are amazing!”.

Since Chester BID was introduced, it has successfully delivered a range of projects across its three work themes: Enhancing, Supporting, and Promoting. Whether you know it or not, spend 5 minutes in the city centre and you will see its work; from updating wayfinding around the city by installing interactive maps, planting thousands of flowers on the high street and rows to improve the cityscape, funding the installation of life-saving defibrillators and even providing seasonal experiences such as Santa’s Enchanted Grotto.

However, Chester BID also provides direct support for businesses in the city: a cleaning and maintenance service through its BID Maintenance Operatives, digital content supporting inward investment to raise the profile of Chester, the Chester Gift Card to keep money locked into the high street, and funding and facilitating essential training to upskill staff.

This is just a snapshot of the work Chester BID has done to help revitalise Chester, support local businesses, and enrich the community experience within.

Steve, Manager of Travelbag, Bridge Street, said “It is always a pleasure to work alongside and with Chester BID, they provide a great personal service, they deliver on promises, and have certainly made sure the relationship between themselves and the stakeholders thrives. We love getting involved in the city initiatives when we get the opportunity…Thank you Chester BID.”  

Luka Morrell, Business Engagement Manager for Chester BID said “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, Chester BID would like to thank everyone who has engaged, supported, and represented us, helping us continue to build on our achievements and ensure both BID businesses and the city prosper together.”

2024 also marks 20 years since the introduction of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). BIDs were first established in England in 2004, and there are now over 320 operating in towns, cities, and destinations around the country. 

Carl Critchlow, CEO of Chester BID said “We are incredibly proud of what Chester BID has achieved over the past ten years and look forward to the next decade. Having invested more than £5 million so far back into the city, we’ve attracted thousands of consumers, helped Chester to run smoothly, and ensured that the needs of our businesses are recognised. The past ten years have seen change and growth throughout the city. We as a BID have moved through this, adapting our initiatives to ensure our businesses are getting the support they need to continue to thrive.”

For more information, visit www.chesterbid.co.uk