LeedsBID has been hailed as a leading example of how Business Improvement Districts can thrive by the Government in its recently published Pride in Place Strategy.

In the policy paper recently published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, business improvement districts (BIDs) are acknowledged for the vital role they play in place leadership and rejuvenating the High Street, with LeedsBID credited for its impact on Leeds.

There are currently over 340 BIDs in the UK, with LeedsBID the largest multi-sector BID outside of London.

“Business Improvement Districts are created by the places they serve and should be at the forefront of this strategy as non-political and not for profit organisations whose primary objective is to achieve improvement,” LeedsBID Chief Executive Andrew Cooper said.

 Twenty years since the Business Improvement District legislation was first enacted, it is extremely encouraging to see the ambition of the government to strengthen this legislation and further enhance the important investment Business Improvement Districts add to support growth and revitalisation.”

 “I am personally delighted to see the city of Leeds and the achievement of our Business Improvement District acknowledged in the Government’s Pride in Place Strategy,” he added.

Addressing the importance of vibrant high streets and town centres, the strategy showcases MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover, the 2024 summer animation brought to the city by LeedsBID, under license from Hasbro, and working with an array of city centre partners.

MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover was a world first, drawing in over half a million people, the takeover explored 22 key locations, with a huge 8-10% increase in footfall resulting in £6.6 million spent in city centre businesses. It celebrated the city’s special connection to the world’s favourite board game. Leeds was the home of Waddingtons, the company which produced the UK version of MONOPOLY and made the London properties famous.

The strategy also details plans to strengthen the BID model, with legislation to allow property-owner BIDS to operate across the country, increased transparency and accountability, and improved voting procedures – moves welcomed by LeedsBID.

LeedsBID continues to actively support the High Streets UK campaign to tackle the most pressing issues facing flagship high streets and unlock local and national growth.

 Read the full report here: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pride-in-place-strategy/pride-in-place-strategy