Falmouth BID

The Falmouth Business Improvement District (BID) is a not-for-profit business-led and business funded body and is responsible for delivering a number of innovative projects that improve the trading environment of Falmouth.

What does a BID do?

Buisness Improvement Districts (BIDs) are formed to improve a defined commercial area. The benefits of BIDs are wide-ranging and can include:

  • It is not-for-profit and transparent, with businesses deciding and directing what they want in their area
  • Businesses are represented and have a voice in issues affecting their trading area
  • Increased footfall and spend
  • Improved staff retention
  • Reduced business costs
  • Enhanced marketing and promotion
  • Support with sustainability initiatives
  • Guidance in place shaping vision activities
  • Facilitated networking opportunities with neighbouring businesses
  • Assistance in dealing with the Council, Police and other public bodies

A BID can only be formed following consultation and a ballot process in which businesses vote on a BID Proposal or Plan for the area. The ballot is independently administered, normally by the Electoral Services team of the local authority.

For a BID to go ahead, the ballot must be won on two counts: straight majority and majority by rateable value. This ensures that the interests of large and small businesses are protected.

A BID term lasts for five years. A levy is applied to each eligible business within the BID business, payable each year for the five-year term. It is this income which is then allocated to the projects voted in within the business plan or proposal.

If a BID wishes to continue after its term, a renewal ballot process will take place to try and secure another five years of investment.

There are over 340 BIDs operating within the UK, cumulatively investing over £140million on innovative projects that seek to support high streets and commercial centres.

About Falmouth BID

Over 400 businesses are a part of Falmouth BID, following the extensive consultation and ballot process highlighted above.

Operating since 2009, the Falmouth BID has recently commenced its fourth, five-year term, this following an overwhelming ‘yes’ vote held in November 2023. The two yes counts were 90% and 89% from 160 business votes, the strongest result of any town BID in the south west. The current fourth term started on 1 April 2024 and will see a resource of at least £1 million for Falmouth over the next five years. 

Numerous award-winning schemes have been delivered over the years – destination marketing, the funding of an extensive events and festivals calendar, PR campaigns, public realm improvements and business skills programmes. 

More information on the range of projects delivered, the current 5-year business plan, newsletters and presentations and more, can be found here: www.falmouth.co.uk/media.

How we work in partnership with Falmouth BID

Falmouth Town Council’s Town Management team works in partnership with Falmouth BID to form the Falmouth Town Team which has been highlighted by key industry institutions over the past five years, as an example of good practice. The Town Team won the ‘UK’s Best Partnership’ in 2019, Richard Wilcox the BID Manager, ‘Inspirational Leader of the Year 2022’ and the ‘UK’s Best Event’ (for the delivery of Tall Ships 2023) in 2024.

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