Possible Business Improvement District (BID) For Leatherhead

Mole Valley District Council funds viability study into Leatherhead Business Improvement District (BID).

On Wednesday 13 November 2024, businesses in Leatherhead are invited to The Leatherhead Theatre to have their say on the proposed idea of a Business Improvement District (BID) for Leatherhead town centre.

The event is being hosted by the newly formed ‘Leatherhead BID Steering Group’, facilitated by funding from Mole Valley District Council (MVDC), and will be followed by an online survey that will remain open for a further two weeks.

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business-funded body formed to invest in and improve a defined commercial area. BIDs can work collaboratively to increase footfall, reduce costs, and maximise the effect of marketing and promotion.

While BIDs are led by businesses, they can also provide benefits to those working, living, and visiting an area, for example through extra street cleaning or recycling initiatives.

The Leatherhead BID Steering Group will be hosting three drop-in events at the theatre on Wednesday 13 November, for businesses located within the town centre to come along to find out more and have their say on the possibility of a BID for Leatherhead. The drop-in timings are:

• • • • • • • • • 8.00am – 9.30am
                • 12.00pm – 2.00pm
                • 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Businesses interested in attending should register in advance at leatherheadbid.eventbrite.com.

All feedback and views will be incorporated into a feasibility report. If positive, the Leatherhead BID Steering Group will consider whether to move forward with a formal BID – agreeing the BID zone, developing a business plan in consultation with the business community and deciding when to hold a formal ballot.

Cllr Paula Keay, MVDC Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy, said: “BIDs can be really effective in ensuring that businesses are represented and have a stronger collective voice on some of the issues that affect their trading area. We have been facilitating the conversation amongst local businesses interested in forming a BID in Leatherhead, by funding this viability phase, and look forward to seeing the results and supporting the next steps.”

For all enquiries, please email the Leatherhead BID Steering Group at [email protected].