If you run a business in Blackpool town centre or the resort’s tourism area, you are probably part of a Business Improvement District, or BID. Here is what that means: who pays, where the money goes and how to have your say.
What is a BID?
A BID is a defined area where businesses have voted to invest together to improve their trading environment. It is a not-for-profit, business-led partnership that runs for up to five years.
Each business pays a small annual levy based on its rateable value. The money is ring-fenced for projects in a business plan that levy payers voted on. It pays for services over and above those provided by Blackpool Council and Lancashire Police, not instead of them.
Blackpool’s two BIDs
Blackpool has two BIDs, both managed by Blackpool BIDs Limited. The Town Centre BID, established in 2005, brings together more than 400 businesses to keep the town centre safe, clean and welcoming. The Tourism BID covers the resort’s main tourism areas and works to attract more visitors all year round.
Who pays
Every eligible business inside a BID boundary pays the levy for the full term, however it voted. That keeps it fair: everyone who benefits contributes.
What the BIDs deliver
Over the 2026–31 term, more than £1.8 million will be invested in the town centre and £1.6 million in the visitor economy. That pays for:
- Safety: security patrols, wardens and schemes such as the previous Town Centre Shutters pilot.
- A clean, welcoming town: the environment team, extra cleaning and additional Christmas illuminations.
- Business support: advice and a collective voice with the council and partners.
- Digital tools: including GO Blackpool and The Blackpool Student Edit.
- Events and marketing: campaigns that give people reasons to visit, stay longer and come back.
Read the full Town Centre and Tourism business plans.
How the BIDs are run
Each BID has a board of local businesses and partners, chaired by a business leader. The board decides how the money is spent, in line with the business plan.
Terms and ballots
A BID only exists if businesses vote for it. A ballot must win a majority of votes cast and of the combined rateable value of those votes. Blackpool’s businesses voted yes to both BIDs in late 2025, so they now run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031.
Get involved
Tell us what matters to you, share news and offers for our channels, or come to member events. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how the BID works, get in touch today.
Contact Blackpool BIDs: Empress Buildings, 97 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU. 01253 476204. admin@blackpoolbid.org