Business Improvement District

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are business-led, not-for-profit partnerships that invest in defined commercial areas. They are created through a formal ballot and operate for up to five years, delivering agreed projects and services that support businesses and strengthen the local economy.

There are more than 350 BIDs across the British Isles, many now in their fourth or fifth term. Nearby examples include Southampton, Chichester and Winchester. Most are governed by a board made up primarily of levy-paying business representatives.

For more information, go to www.britishbids.info  or email bidmanager@portsmouthcitycentrebid.co.uk

You told us that tackling anti-social behaviour, improving cleanliness and creating a more welcoming environment are essential to improving trading conditions. Businesses want more people spending time in the city centre, a stronger marketing presence, and a coordinated voice when engaging with Portsmouth City Council, the Police and other statutory agencies.

Many highlighted a desire for:

• More visible safety measures
• Events that drive footfall throughout the year
• Greener, cleaner and more attractive streets
• Better promotion of the city centre
• Stronger business collaboration and representation
• A central organisation to coordinate improvements and bring partners together

These insights have shaped the priorities, projects and budget allocations within the BID business plan. for the first term of Portsmouth City Centre BID (October 2026–September 2031).

‘Boots have been supporting BIDs since their inception over 20 years ago, so the thought of a new Portsmouth BID is really exciting. We are supportive of any initiative that will drive footfall, enhance the environment we trade in as well as improve safety and security. We have seen huge successes in other parts of the South, including Southampton and Winchester, therefore the formation of a new Portsmouth BID will be hugely welcomed; and I am proud to be supporting the rollout of this initiative over the next few years.’ – Ben Cork, Boots

‘I am excited at the opportunity for Portsmouth City Centre to establish a BID, similar to other UK cities where the scheme has made a big difference to the trading environment and increased footfall. What I like about the BID is that it allows us all to be part of a community united together to identify and deliver our business priorities.  With our combined knowledge and expertise along with some financial resource, businesses can be part of creating a better promoted, safer and more attractive Portsmouth building upon the many positives that the city centre already offers. Nat West will definitely be voting yes.’ – Richard Thrippleton, NatWest

‘In the areas where there has been a BID presence, I have experienced firsthand the opportunities they provide and how significant its impact can be within each local community. I also know what a successful BID would offer to Portsmouth City Centre, which includes improving how our city centre looks and feels, helping to establish a safer shopping experience for colleagues and customers and creating a stronger event calendar to really make visiting our city centre an experience. I am 100% in favour of voting to implement a BID into Portsmouth City Centre and this has Primark’s full support.’ – Al Lye, Primark

Portsmouth City Council has supported the development of the City Centre BID and will continue to work as a key partner. The Council is the largest levy payer contributing £35K per year towards the £323K annual levy income, almost 11%.

However, in line with BID legislation, the BID will remain entirely business-led, with a Board of non-executive Directors drawn mainly from levy-paying businesses.

The Council’s role will be to collaborate with the BID on shared priorities, ensuring statutory services continue at their current level while the BID delivers additional projects that enhance the city centre. Services currently provided by Portsmouth City Council and the Police will be baselined and available to view by businesses. Portsmouth City Centre BID will deliver additional services and projects over and above these baselines.

Portsmouth City Centre BID will deliver projects and services under four themes working collaboratively with partners.

1: SAFETY AND SECURITY – Working with partners to create a safer, more welcoming city centre.

• Security Marshal patrols offering reassurance, reporting and business support.
• Online crime reporting (DISC/UKPAC) for improved information sharing.
• Shopwatch to enhance communication between businesses.
• Coordinated crime reduction with the Police and City Council.
• Support for the night-time economy, including potential Purple Flag work.
• Radio scheme plus exploration of CCTV and lighting upgrades.
• Property marking kits to help deter theft

2: EVENTS, MARKETING AND PR – Creating a vibrant city centre through events, promotion and targeted marketing.

• Year-round events and cultural activities.
• Business-led campaigns for day and night economies.
• Local/regional marketing and strong digital presence.
• Promotion to attract investors and new businesses.
• Loyalty scheme to encourage repeat visits.
• Marketing support for businesses.

3: ATTRACTIVE, GREEN, CLEAN AND ACCESSIBLE – Improving the look, feel and accessibility of the city centre.

• Public realm enhancements such as signage, seating and interpretation boards.
• Greening and planting with ongoing maintenance and potential Britain in Bloom entries.
• Enhanced cleaning to tackle litter, graffiti and fly-tipping.
• Cultural vibrancy through murals, bunting and street art.
• Accessibility improvements developed with disability groups and partners.

4: COLLABORATIVE WORKING AND LOBBYING – Representing business interests and supporting effective partnership working.

• Representation on key trading issues including access to training and business support
  Improvements to vacant units.
• Input into regeneration and development plans.
• Sustainability initiatives.
• Cost-saving procurement.
• Ongoing trader meetings and dialogue.

Additional Income

Portsmouth City Centre BID will work with statutory partners and stakeholders to pool resources and secure grants, sponsorship and other funding to enhance delivery across all four project themes.

Baseline

Services provided by statutory organisations within Portsmouth that have a correlation to the projects that the BID will deliver have been documented.  The purpose of this it to ensure that Portsmouth City Centre BID is adding value to current service provision and supporting businesses rather than replacing or duplicating existing services.

An agreement in principle, has been reached with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary that these baselines will be reviewed each year.

• Baseline – Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
• Baseline – Portsmouth City Council

Additional documents

• Newsletter accompanying the BID Levy Bills for 2026/2027
• Portsmouth City Centre BID Privacy Policy