Successful year for Southend BID

April 11, 2024

Southend City Business Improvement District (BID) has just completed its first year of a new five-year term, and the results have been impressive.

A great Christmas campaign, new events and trails along with excellent results by its Street Rangers are among the highlights.

“We have been delivering our business plan objectives and are delighted with our results”. Said BID Chair, George Bejko-Cowlbeck. George and the Directors are all business operators within the BID Zone themselves and contribute to the BID’s success with their personal involvement. “Along with all the other BID businesses involved in decision making, we know what the issues are and what’s needed to make a difference”.

The BID manages four Street Rangers who add to a feeling of confidence for traders and the public in Southend. During the last 12 months they have recovered over £70,000 worth of goods. “The BID’s Rangers make an outstanding impact, not just tackling crime but they have also answered over 3,500 public enquiries and over 100 first aid responses”.

Christmas 2023 saw a very impressive switch-on event and shopping campaign bringing thousands to the City Centre. Throughout the year, events and trails bring additional footfall which are made possible by the BID’s investment. The streetscape is also enhanced by the BID’s activities. “We’ve just erected colourful banners back into the High Street and will soon be adding bunting and floral displays to improve the BID Zone ambience”.

The programme is funded by an additional levy paid by all the businesses in the BID Zone which provides around £300k of dedicated investment.