BID 3 Success

Businesses Back 3rd Term for Hereford City BID

City businesses have voted a resounding 'YES' in a ballot that decides the future of the Hereford Business Improvement District Ltd (Hereford BID).

Results released on Friday, 1st November, by Civica Electoral Services, who independently conducted the ballot, show that during the 28-day vote, 255 businesses voted with a total rateable value of £9,391,000. Of these, 232 (91%) voted in favour by number with a rateable value in favour of 91%.

A majority in terms of votes cast & rateable value is legally required for a BID to be voted in.

Download the Business Plan

Strong Mandate to Deliver Our 3rd Term

The results give the Hereford BID a strong mandate to deliver its projects and services as set out in its 2025-2030 Business Plan and secures over £1.7 million of investment in the city centre over the next five years.

Paul Stevens, chairman of Hereford BID Ltd, said, “We are thrilled and humbled by the fantastic support that has been shown to us by local businesses who have been instrumental in shaping the BID’s plans. The ballot results represent a bright future for Hereford, building on the 10 years of work we have already done and ensuring that we may continue to care, champion and develop projects and schemes that promote and support our member businesses who fund us. I want to thank everyone who has supported our proposals, as well as my fellow directors and the BID team who have put their heart and soul into supporting traders”.

Mike Truelove, Chief Executive, added, “It is wonderful to see the widespread and enthusiastic support for the exciting plans we will deliver, including the development of the Hereford Gift Card, more great events, including a new medieval festival, a 5-year tourism marketing campaign, and a daytime shop banning scheme to address store theft – to name but a few. None of this would be possible without the incredible support and positive relationships we have with businesses and city stakeholders. It is truly a team effort”.

The Hereford BID’s third term starts on 1st April 2025 and runs for 5 years. It is incorporated as an independent company, limited by guarantee, and run by volunteer directors drawn from businesses in the Hereford BID area.

Official Results

 

BID Members Quote

"Since its inception, Hereford BID has helped reinforce Hereford’s identity as a place worth visiting... they have done a great job in celebrating all that is good about the city whilst behind public scenes, working tirelessly hard to improve the location and support local businesses. I have no hesitation in backing these people who have become a dependable and determined force for meaningful support and positive improvements – it makes such a difference."

Emma Thomas - Watkins Thomas, King Street.

 

5 More Years of Delivery

Our 2025 -2030 business plan is based on your feedback and insights provided during the consultation. Several defined initiatives were highlighted and agreed upon.

 

A Vibrant Bustling City Centre was the overarching priority.

Unified by our commitment to enhance and develop Hereford for the benefit of our members, The BID's Business Plan for 2025-2030 is structured under three strategic themes:

  1. Destination Hereford - Vibrant & Prosperous.
  2. The Visitor Experience - Welcoming, Safe & Clean.
  3. A Business Voice - Lobbying and Support.
     

Destination Hereford - Vibrant & Prosperous:

The projects to support this theme are:

  • Destination marketing
  • Hereford Gift Card
  • Biennial Medieval Festival
  • Tourism Marketing
  • Exciting Seasonal Events
  • City Maps
  • Marketing Services

The Visitor Experience - Welcoming, Safe & Clean:

  • Dedicated Handy Team
  • Proactively Fighting Crime
  • Enhance Eign Gate
  • Annual Security Conference
  • Hanging Baskets & Planters

A Business Voice - Lobbying and Support:

  • Advocacy and Representation
  • Networking Events
  • Data and Insights

Our full business plan can be downloaded by clicking the button above.