York BID Business Plan 2021-2026

BUSINESS SUPPORT
From the outset of the pandemic, the BID
team focused their efforts on disseminating
relevant information and guidance to city centre
businesses. We assisted with a substantial number
of grant funding applications and proactively
contacted businesses to ask how we could
support them.
Out of understanding for business hardship
during the lockdown, the BID offered a 3 month
payment holiday to all its levy paying members (levy
payments would normally be due in April 2020).
STREET RANGER
PROPERTY CHECKS
Whilst the city centre was in lockdown, our Street
Rangers performed daily commercial property
checks to flag any potential issues whilst business
owners and staff were elsewhere. Over 200
businesses signed up for the service which will
continue during any further lockdowns.
CITY HOSTS
After spring
lockdown, our
City Hosts gave the
public confidence that
York city centre was open
and safe to visit. Hosts were stationed
in major footfall areas offering a
welcoming presence and helpful advice.
HAND SANITISER STATIONS
In the interest of promoting Covid
safety and cleanliness,
we strategically
placed 17 hand
sanitiser stations
across the city’s
main squares
and thoroughfares.
ADDITIONAL SIGNAGE
OUTDOOR SEATING SUPPORT
The BlD invested in temporary
signage in support of the extended
pedestrianised zones,
highlighting that
streets were
closed to
vehicles but
very much open
to the public.
We assisted many businesses in
applying to the local authority for
road closures, foot street
enhancments,
and pavement
cafe licences
to support the
business trading
environment.
Coronavirus Business Support | 11