Wales marks 20 years of Business Improvement Districts
Wales marks 20 years of Business Improvement Districts
This month marks two decades since the launch of the first Business Improvement District (BID) in Wales—a milestone that underscores the growing role of BIDs in driving urban regeneration, economic growth, and community collaboration across the country.
Business Improvement Districts are defined geographical areas where local businesses pay a levy to fund projects and services aimed at enhancing the local trading environment. From revitalising public spaces to launching high-impact marketing campaigns and improving city safety, BIDs have become a key tool in transforming Wales’ urban centres.
With 347 BIDs now operating across the UK, contributing more than £153 million annually, Wales has developed a thriving network of districts focused on economic development and civic resilience.
FOR Cardiff: Delivering over £14 Million in investment
Since its establishment in 2016, FOR Cardiff has injected over £14 million in direct investment into the capital’s city centre. Through targeted campaigns, safety initiatives, and business support, the BID has significantly boosted Cardiff’s appeal as a retail and cultural destination.
Projects such as the City of Arcades campaign, which attracted over 200,000 visitors in a single day and boosted retailer sales by 63%, exemplify FOR Cardiff’s impact. The BID has also launched a range of safety measures—including Night Marshals and mental health training—and earned four consecutive Purple Flag accreditations for its management of the night-time economy.
Now entering its third term, FOR Cardiff is focused on inclusive growth and maintaining the city centre’s vibrancy.
“Whether it’s helping over 460,000 people get home safely or delivering nationally recognised campaigns, our mission has always been to make Cardiff work better for businesses and the public,” said Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff.
Swansea BID: Pioneering urban change since 2006
Swansea BID made history as Wales’ first BID in 2006 and has since invested around £8 million in local regeneration. From tackling crime in partnership with South Wales Police to championing public cleanliness and homelessness awareness, the BID’s initiatives have had far-reaching effects.
Its work has contributed to a 48% drop in anti-social behaviour and a 76% positive outcome rate for city centre incidents. Swansea BID also supports high-profile events such as the Swansea Half Marathon and Krazy Karts, which alone brought 20,000 visitors to the city in a single day.
Merthyr BID: Putting community at the centre
Established in 2012, Merthyr BID—branded as The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil—has invested £1.9 million in the local area, fully funded by business contributions. Under the leadership of Elizabeth Bedford, the BID has championed free parking initiatives, major community festivals, and digital marketing growth.
Events such as the Chilli & Chocolate Festival and Merthyr Food Festival have become key attractions, while the BID’s digital strategy has grown its social media following to over 20,000. Merthyr BID also earned its second British BIDs Accreditation, reinforcing its role as a model for community-focused development.
Collaboration, resilience, and regeneration
As town and city centres continue to face challenges from evolving retail landscapes and shifting consumer behaviours, BIDs are proving to be crucial platforms for business-led collaboration.
“The challenges facing retail and city centres are real—but so is the opportunity,” said FOR Cardiff’s Carolyn Brownell. “We’re optimistic, and we’re ready to work with the business community to keep Welsh cities moving forward.”
With a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and resilience, BIDs in Wales are poised to play a vital role in the country’s regeneration story over the next 20 years.
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