With the first Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) now taking effect in England under the Business Improvement Districts Regulations 2004, this conference provides a timely opportunity to consider emerging issues, debate potential benefits and discover what is required to implement a successful scheme to support town centre and local commercial neighbourhood development.

Following nationwide pilots, business-led partnerships between local stakeholders have been developed to improve trading environments within defined commercial areas. Funded in the main by local businesses through an agreed additional levy on top of their business rates, BIDs seek to deliver supplementary services to those provided by local authorities in response to defined private sector needs. Proponents of BIDs claim schemes can provide a return on investment to the participants through addressing specific local concerns and delivering specific, measurable benefits. In addition, an increase in local investment and economic activity could bring wider improvements for residential communities, the urban environment and town centre revival.

Proposals to establish BIDs need to win approval at business ballots and have been met with a mixed response. This has raised questions about the attractiveness of particular schemes and the recipe for success. Why have some schemes succeeded in obtaining a positive vote from business ratepayers in their areas, while in others proposals have failed? Do businesses see BIDs as another surcharge - or as an opportunity to become involved in enhancing their trading environment? What is the role of local authorities and other public agencies? What can town centre managers, planners, economic development managers, regeneration officers and BIDs practitioners do to make proposals more attractive to their potential participants? And what level of fund-raising is realistic?

This conference seeks to address these issues and encourage debate about the scope and opportunities for BIDs in the United Kingdom.

Speakers:
Professor Tony Travers, Director, Greater London Group, London School of Economics
Patricia Brown, Chief Executive, Central London Partnership
Roger Littlewood, Group Rating Manager, HBOS
Dr Julie Grail, Director, Partnership Solutions
John Armstrong, Director, Rugby BID
Nidi Etim, Regeneration Manager, Northwest Development Agency
Peter Williams, Executive Director, Better Bankside
Roger Hayes, Associate Director, Four Communications
Sarah Porter, Chief Executive, The Heart of London BID
Julian Grice, Managing Director, The Team & Board Director, Design Business Association
Andrew Carter, Director, The Smart Company
Mo Aswat, Executive Director, Bedford Town Centre Company Limited & Chair of Bedford BID

Chair:
Peter Williams, Executive Director, Better Bankside

For further information please contact Landor Conferences on 020 7582 0128