What is a BID?
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a geographically defined area, where businesses come together and agree to invest collectively in projects and services the businesses believe will improve their trading environment. BID projects are new and additional projects and services; they do not replace services already provided by Glasgow City Council and other statutory bodies.
BIDs are developed, managed and paid for by those who are liable to pay non-domestic rates (NDR) by means of a compulsory levy, which the eligible persons in the proposed BID area must vote in favour of before the BID can be established. Each eligible person liable to pay the BID levy will be able to vote on whether the BID goes ahead. BIDs can support regeneration, grow local economies, create local employment and create a cleaner, safer trading environment. A key element to their success is that the local businesses take ownership and responsibility for their trading environment, identifying the projects necessary to resolve common problems and issues, and overseeing their implementation whilst also contributing to the future direction of the town and its future development.
BID legislation was passed in Scotland in 2006 with the Scottish Government funding 6 pilot projects in March 2026. The Scottish Government fully supports the development of BIDs in Scotland.
For more information on BIDs please see links below;
https://www.gov.scot/policies/regeneration/business-improvement-districts-bids/