Visit Staines is the trading name of Staines-upon-Thames Business Improvement District (BID) and is an independent, not for profit, business-led initiative working to create the environment for businesses in Staines-upon-Thames town centre to succeed.
Business Improvement Districts nationwide provide a mechanism for businesses in a designated area to pool their resources and invest in agreed products and services. Visit Staines BID was established in 2017 and is has now started its second term after a successful reballot in 2022 and has a mandate to deliver a set of proposals set out in our business plan over a 5-year term. We will be going to reballot in 2027.
A BID (Business Improvement District) is a designated zone (BID Area) in which businesses (BID Levy Payers) benefit from a wide range of additional services over and above those funded through the standard commercial rates and council services.
Constituted by UK law in 2004, a BID is a powerful, independent voice representing the interests of a varied community of organisations, committed to working together to ensure that the town continues to progress whilst providing the best possible trading and working environment for its occupiers.
The business led and business funded organisation will raise £1.5 million to invest in Staines-upon-Thames town centre over the five year term, raised from a levy of 1.5% of the rateable value of eligible business premises.
As well as our 300 levy payers, Visit Staines BID also works with a number of businesses outside of the town centre who want to support our initiatives and get involved. These are known as voluntary levy payers. For more information about becoming a voluntary levy payer, please get in touch.
Click here to view the Visit Staines BID business plan 2012-2025