York BID Business Plan 2021-2026

FOREWORD
As the first 5 year term draws to a close, I am pleased to say York BID has stayed
true to its initial business plan and has delivered against all of the key objectives. You
said you wanted safer, cleaner, more vibrant streets and the BID has delivered this
through Street Rangers, Street Cleansing, and Winter Lights along with a host of other
programmes highlighted in this document. Around £4 million has been raised and
put directly into programmes to benefit business. Impressively, the BID has levered a
further £1 million of external funding, something that would not have happened if the
BID was not deemed a credible delivery body.
Covid-19 has had a devasting impact on trade in York city centre, due to our strong
visitor market and the fact we have many retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. We
have lost some well-known brands which impacts our tight-knit business community.
However, the pandemic has highlighted issues that we already knew needed to change,
so we must take this opportunity to build back better, and in a sustainable way.
The BID Board will naturally continue to look at programmes that can specifically
help businesses in the Covid recovery (as it has during the past year), but a lot of the
strategy the BID had shaped pre-Covid is still relevant. For example, we have said
the city centre needs more people living in it; that it needs more green space for
people to dwell; and it needs large vacant units broken down into mixed use. The BID
is at the heart of all these discussions representing you, and with key developments
such as York Central and Castle Gateway given the green light, the city has reason to
look to the long term with ambition and optimism.
I would like to thank those businesses that have contributed to shaping this plan.
A vote for another 5 year term will unlock another £4m+ investment and allow the
programmes you want to continue to be shaped. A strong business
voice is needed now more than ever, so I hope we can look
forward to more shared success.
Michael Hjort | Chairman York BID
Director of York Food & Drink Festival / Owner of
Walmgate Ale House
2 | Business Plan 2021-2026