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. The levy amount is equivalent to 1% of the rateable value of a hereditament. For advice or to discuss your levy please call a member of the Hull City Council Revenue and Benefits Team on 01482 615123.
Is Hull BID a part of Hull City Council?
No, HullBID is a company limited by guarantee and is in the majority funded via the private sector. HullBID 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 unremunerated non-executive Directors. However, HullBID takes a partnership approach to working with the local authority, the police and other stakeholders for the benefit of the city.
How can I ensure I’m getting the most out of Hull BID?
HullBID is very proactive and communicates regularly with BID area businesses. Our website and quarterly newsletter are full of information on the projects we organise. 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 HullBID team is always on hand to speak to you about any queries and to share information on the priorities we have identified. For an informal chat please contact Kathryn Shillito, City Centre Manager on (01482) 611889 Kathryn@hullbid.co.uk or Melanie Toogood, Business Liaison Officer on 07889 720625 melanie@hullbid.co.uk
How are Hull BID's priorities set?
HullBID 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 and members of the BID team meet daily with business operators to gauge feedback and take action where required. We also analyse feedback collected from businesses during campaigns and initiatives to ensure we are on the right track.
Who do I speak to if I have an issue relating to cleaning and maintenance?
HullBID operates a rapid response service. Please call our hotline (01482) 611888 to report any incidents, or call Mark Andrews, Senior Support Officer on 07715 105989 and we will arrange for a visit within 24 hours. A lot of HullBID’s maintenance work is done in the early hours of the morning to ensure there is no disruption during core trading hours. We also conduct our own patrols to clean and remove graffiti so often tags are removed without businesses, or the public, ever knowing they were there.
I operate a business in the BID area, how do I become more involved?
You can attend our bi-monthly business network events to hear the latest HullBID news and meet with other BID members, simply email Francesca@hullbid.co.uk to sign up for alerts. You could apply to be a HullBID Board Director (subject to vacancies); information and dates will be publicised on this website and 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 a small contribution towards policing specifically in the BID area, not citywide.
