What Is The York BID And Why Did Local Businesses Vote For It Again?

Ever walked through York and wondered who puts up those amazing winter lights, or who keeps the streets looking so sharp? Well, a lot of that is down to a group called the York Business Improvement District, or York BID for short. And on 24th October 2025, the local business community gave it a massive thumbs-up, voting for it to stick around for another five years. This is big news for anyone who loves spending time in the city, because it means a continued commitment to making the York experience even better.

What on earth is a business improvement district?

Right, let's break it down. Imagine all the businesses in the city centre – the shops, the cafes, the offices – chipping in a bit of money into one big pot. That pot of money is then used on projects and initiatives that benefit everyone. It’s a bit like a neighbourhood watch, but for businesses, focused on improving the area for customers, staff, and residents. This collaboration is what a Business Improvement District (BID) is all about. It’s a formal partnership where businesses work together to make their city a more vibrant and successful place. This investment is key to enhancing the local environment and boosting the economy. The renewal of the York BID for a third term shows just how much local companies value this approach.

A massive vote of confidence from York's businesses

When it came time for the renewal ballot, the results were pretty clear. A huge 91.4% of voters backed the York BID for a third term. And if you look at it by the size of the business (something called 'rateable value'), that number climbs even higher to 94.4%. That’s not just a simple ‘yes’; it’s a massive vote of confidence. It shows a powerful commitment from the entire business community to continue this successful partnership. The decision secures the BID's future until at least 31st March 2031, allowing for long-term planning and investment in projects that will shape the city for years to come.

Andrew Lowson, the Executive Director of York BID, was clearly pleased with the outcome. He said:

“We’re delighted with this result and grateful to every business that voted. It’s a clear endorsement of the work we’ve done and a commitment to the future of the city centre. Over the next five years, we’ll continue to invest in projects that make York a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant place to live, work, and visit - while continuing to be a strong voice for our business community and ensuring they have the support they need to help them succeed.”

So what has the York BID actually done?

Since it started back in 2016, the York BID has been busy improving the city. You’ve probably seen or even enjoyed some of its work without realising it. These high-quality projects are all about enhancing the city centre experience and creating a brilliant environment for everyone. Think about it, these initiatives make a real difference.

Some of their greatest hits include:

• York’s Winter Lights: Those beautiful, twinkling lights that make the city magical during the colder months.
• York Restaurant Week: A fantastic initiative that gets people trying new places to eat and gives a great boost to the local food scene.
• Ghosts in the Gardens: The spooky, see-through sculptures that pop up around Halloween, adding a bit of fun to the city's public spaces.
• York Art Trail: A project that turns the city into an outdoor gallery, showcasing incredible art in unexpected places.
• Colour & Light: A spectacular event that lights up the city in amazing ways, which is set to return in 2026.

But it's not just about the big, flashy events. The BID's work on safety and cleanliness is just as important. The dedicated Street Rangers and the Rapid Response cleaning team are a familiar sight in the city. They are out there every day, improving safety, providing support to businesses, and generally making sure the city centre looks its best. This focus on the quality of public spaces is a core part of their mission.

Looking to a vibrant future

Getting the green light for another five years means the York BID can keep building on its success. The new Business Plan for 2026–2031 is packed with ambitious goals. There’s a renewed focus on enhancing public spaces, boosting business engagement, and continuing the investment in the overall quality and experience of York's city centre. It’s all about making sure the city continues to be a welcoming, successful, and vibrant place for everyone.

This isn't just about making things look nice; it's about creating a thriving environment where every business can succeed. Through subsidised training, safety partnerships, and targeted investment, the BID provides practical support that makes a real difference. This collaboration between businesses is what makes the whole thing work.

Michael Hjort, the Chair of York BID, summed it up perfectly.

“This third term is a real vote of confidence from the business community. York BID has shown the difference that partnership and collaboration can make - from improving the look and feel of the city centre to creating initiatives that bring people together and add value for local businesses. We’re excited to keep building on that success and to deliver even more for our levy payers in the years ahead.”

So, the next time you're enjoying a stroll through a beautifully lit street or feel that extra sense of safety in the city centre, you'll know that a strong partnership of local businesses is working hard behind the scenes. This successful renewal is a commitment to an even brighter future for York.