FAQ

In 2017-18 an initial feasibility study was carried out to see if there was business interest in the idea. When the results were overwhelmingly positive, a BID project team was setup, along with a Shadow Board, to consult with businesses about what the BID should deliver.

The team then drafted the Business Plan and accompanying documents and negotiated the Operating Agreement and Baseline Agreement with East Herts District Council.

The BID started on 1 October 2018 and the first term ended on 31 March 2023. Following a successful ballot the BID started the second term on 1 April 2023 and this runs until 31 March 2028.

A BID delivers the projects set out in its Business Plan over the term of the BID, for the benefit of the BID levy payers. In Bishop’s Stortford, the projects will cover the following areas of activity:

• Marketing and Promotion
• Events
• Business Support
• Placemaking

The BID is managed by representatives from BID businesses. There are three Directors and board members from up to 15 businesses. The aim will always be to have a variety of business sectors and from all areas of the BID represented on the Board. For details of current board members please see here. All board members and Directors are volunteers and give their time to support the town centre.

In addition to the board, there are two part time members of staff who are responsible for delivering the agreed business plan, the BID Manager and the Marketing and Communications Manager.

The BID regularly communicates with levy payers to ensure everyone is aware what is happening and what opportunities are open to them. You can keep up to date in a number of ways:

• Check the BID Website news page
• Sign up to receive the regular newsletter
• Join the BID closed Facebook group (please answer the questions to join)
• Attend a BID business get together (held approximately 3 times a year)
• You can always contact the BID team on info@bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk to set up a meeting, either face to face or on the phone

Yes. The reason BIDs are so popular around the country is that the process is democratic and everyone in the BID area who would have to pay the levy has an opportunity to vote in the ballot. Each levy payer makes their own choice whether to vote or not.

As with a general or local election, everyone in the proposed BID area has the chance to vote in the ballot and, after the election, everyone is bound by the way the majority voted. Because the majority voted Yes, everyone pays and the BID will work to make Bishop’s Stortford better for all BID businesses, not just the ones who voted yes.

It is hoped that all businesses will see the benefits of contributing to the BID. In the event of non-payment, on behalf of the BID operating company (Bishop’s Stortford BID Ltd), the council will recover any sums due, in line with normal recovery processes. This may mean that defaulters receive a reminder, final notice and may face ultimately court proceedings. However, the council will liaise with the Bishop’s Stortford BID to discuss such cases and the Bishops Stortford BID will encourage payment for the benefit of all.

It will be 1.6% of the rateable value of the premises you occupy, unless you are a tenant of a managed centre in which case your levy will be 1.2% of the rateable value. You can check your rateable value from your business rates bill or by going to www.2010.voa.gov.uk

Invoices will be generated on 1 April each year, and sent after this day. They will be due for payment within 14 days.

Yes, the BID levy is payable annually in advance within 14 days of receipt of the levy invoice.

There is no refund given on your levy paid.

If you move into premises in the BID area which are eligible for the levy, you will not need to pay the BID levy for the rest of that financial year. You will receive your first invoice at the start of the next financial year.

There’s no reduction for empty properties, so either the tenant or the property owner will still be liable.

All money collected by the council is paid directly to the BID operating company (Bishop’s Stortford BID Ltd) to deliver projects and initiatives in the BID area.

If your enquiry is about payment or the amount you are charged then you should contact the Council. However, if your enquiry is about the BID services or anything other than payment you should contact the Bishop’s Stortford BID on info@bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk

The Bishop’s Stortford BID has a business plan which you can view here. This details the key areas of focus.

No. By law the services provided under the Business Improvement District must be additional services not already provided by the council or enhancements to existing services.

The BID levy is a charge payable by law and not a payment for services received. The Business Plan has been prepared to include benefits for all businesses. If you are unsure how you can benefit please contact the BID and we will be happy to talk you through the opportunities.

Yes. The council and the public bodies must pay the levy on properties within the BID area for which they are liable to pay non-domestic rates.

The BID levy is due in full on receipt of the invoice. However if you have difficulties paying, please contact the council to discuss. For details on how to pay, please see here.