09/09/2024 - Luton Council welcomes the chance to work with Luton BID for a further 5 years

The upcoming ballot will give businesses and organisations in the town centre the chance to say ‘yes’ to five more years of the BID, to further build on the work carried out over the past decade that has resulted in improvements in the town centre.

Gerard Mcleave, Corporate Director for Inclusive Economy, said: “As a council, we enjoy a very positive and strong relationship with Luton BID, which acts as an essential and well-respected voice for businesses and organisations in the town centre.”

A BID is a defined area where the rate-paying businesses decide on improvements to their area, they then vote on the plan and agree to invest in the delivery of activities which directly impacts upon their turnover and profit. This money is ring-fenced to provide the improvements agreed through the BID plan and can be used to generate other revenue to boost the pot of money available to deliver the plan.

Mr McCleave added: “Major initiatives such as Step Forward Luton and Radio 1’s Big Weekend, which have had a hugely positive impact on our town centre, simply would not be possible or as successful without the help and support of the BID. The BID’s work not only drives footfall into the town with promotion and events, but also improves the look of the town centre with floral displays and supports our work to make the town centre feel more clean and safe.”

“The next five years will see major changes in the town centre and working closely with the BID enables things to happen which simply would not happen otherwise. The BID enables businesses to have a real say in the future of the town centre and make significant and lasting changes.

“The BID board, made up of a wide cross-section of local business owners and organisations, including the University, Luton Football Club, Luton Point and Tokko, benefits from strong governance to keep things on track and deliver excellent value for money and I would welcome the chance to work with them for the next five years as we continue to deliver our strategic plan and major positive transformation for the town centre that we all want to see.”

Luton BID will launch its proposal and business plan for 2025-2030 at an event for businesses at The Hat Factory on Wednesday, September 18.

The proposal aims to build on the BID’s work to date, working with the council, businesses and key organisations such as Luton Point, the University and Luton Town FC. Business attendees will learn about the achievements of Luton BID, the new strategic plan for 2025-2030, and important key dates for the future.