FAQs
Is payment of the Hull BID levy mandatory?
Yes, once a successful BID ballot has taken place, government legislation means that a levy must be paid to Hull city centre’s Business Improvement District by any hereditament with a non-domestic rateable value within the BID geographical area. For advice or to discuss your levy please call Paul Gibson, Hull City Council Revenue and Benefits Team on 01482 615123.
Why do Hull City Council send out the levy invoice, on Council letterheaded paper?
Hull City Council provides an administrative service on behalf of Hull BID to collect in the levy. The revenue passed to Hull BID who is fully responsible for the levy expenditure.
Is Hull BID a part of Hull City Council?
No, Hull BID is a limited company by guarantee and is in the majority funded via the private sector. Hull BID is not controlled by Hull City Council and is solely responsible for its own operation via a City Centre Manager and team plus a Board of Directors. However, Hull BID takes a partnership approach to working with the local authority and other stakeholders for the benefit of the city.
How can I ensure I’m getting the most out of Hull BID?
Hull BID is very proactive and communicates regularlywith BID area businesses. Our website is full of information on the projects we organise as well as our quarterly newsletter. You can also attend one of our varied group meetings which are a great way to network and hear more about what is going on in the city. The Hull BID team are always on hand to speak to you about any queries and to promote our priorities and services. For an informal chat please contact us on (01482) 611888 or via e-mail info@hullbid.co.uk.
How are Hull BID's priorities set?
Hull BID responds to what the BID area businesses require. On the whole, priorities remain the same as those identified when the BID first commenced in 2006 The City Centre Manager routinely meets with business operators to gauge feedback and take action where required. We also analyse feedback collected from campaigns and initiatives and in 2010 we compiled a ‘Have Your Say’ questionnaire from which we captured information on what city centre businesses would like to see happen. Please look out for future surveys and give your voice to Hull BID’s operations.
Who do I speak to if I have an issue relating to cleaning and maintenance?
Hull Bid operates a rapid response service. Please call (01482) 611888 to report any incidents and we will arrange for a visit within 24 hours. A lot of Hull BID’s maintenance work is done in the early hours of the morning to ensure there is no disruption during core trading hours (9am-5pm). We also conduct our own patrols to clean and remove graffiti so often tags are removed without businesses, or the public, ever knowing it was there.
I have an issue which may not be covered by one of Hull BID’s five key priorities. Are you still able to help?
Yes, Hull BID is dedicated to assisting all BID area businesses as much as we possibly can. We offer excellent business to business support and have good relationships with Hull City Council, Humberside Police and other city stakeholders. For example if you have a lighting issue on your street or problems with anti-social behaviour, we are on hand to support you. in fact, we are here to answer any queries... big or small!
I operate a business in the BID area, how do I become more involved?
You can apply to be a BID Board Director when vacancies are advertised in the BID Update*. You can also attend Open and Area meetings that are publicised in advance including a newly formed Retail Forum open to all retailers. Information and dates will be publicised on this website. When a vacancy for a BID Board Director exists, a role description is available by contacting Kathryn Shillito at kathryn@hullbid.co.uk or by phone on 611802. Applications welcomed from levy payers who can demonstrate some of the following skills or experience: successful activity in a complex partnership environment, achievement of transformational change in an organisation or environment and relevant experience as a company director. Applications to be supported by a current CV.
The Business Plan states that the BID fund extra policing, why is this necessary?
Yes, BID businesses regard safety and security as their most important priority. In response to this, we fund additional Police Community Support Officer hours which enables us to directly task them to patrol specific areas of the city, deal with anti-social behaviour and gain their support with other projects such as city events (not exhaustive). This funding is for policing specifically in the BID area not city-wide.
