WHAT IS A BID?

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area.

In Bedford, under the ‘Love Bedford’ name, they help run services to support businesses with safety, security and marketing among other things.

They aim to create a vibrant place to live, work, study and to do business.

Find out more about the services they provide at their website.

SO, WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

The complaints against the Bedford BID include...

Read what The Guardian had to say about BIDs in April 2024...

Ultimately, in Bedford, they’re just not very good. The BID Levy can be a significant cost for a small business and the return isn’t worth the cost.

For the majority of businesses the odd share on a social media post is about the best they can hope for. Bedford can be so much better than this....

As well as supporting their businesses with content and keeping the town centre clean. Other local BIDs have schemes such as a cardboard recycling service, a collective online shop and a town centre visitor centre.

HOW MUCH DO THEY SPEND?

According to the Bedford BID accounts for 2022/23 they spent £301k (!!!) broken down as shown, with nearly £175k spent on Marketing, Promotion and Events and another £75k on Improving the Visitor Experience. Unfortunately, despite our requests we can’t get a breakdown to show what these items include.

Is the £300k they collect in BID levies from local businesses being well spent on improving the Town Centre, Marketing initiatives and supporting our Independent businesses?

VOTE NO

So, we’re saying that NO BID is better than the current Bedford BID Company, they waste businesses money and have very little to show for it in return. This October when the ballot papers come through vote NO!

Save your money and spend it on something that will improve your business

To find out more click the link below and get in touch...