Statutory Information

What is a Business Improvement District?

BIDs are business-led organisations set up to improve the commercial wellbeing of a specific area. Their work includes developing services to enhance their members’ business performance as well as operational and marketing initiatives to attract more visitors and improve the local environment. They also work with relevant public authorities to reduce congestion and improve the quality of the public realm.

BIDs are democratic bodies established through a formal ballot which must achieve a majority in terms of number of ratepayers and percentage of rateable value. inholborn currently represents nearly 500 businesses within central Holborn. On 31 March 2010, we will seek a renewal for our current mandate.

How we are funded

Once voted in, BIDs work on the principle of an additional mandatory levy on all defined ratepayers, collected in the same way as the Business Rate. This provides a ring-fenced budget for exclusive use in the immediate environment. Further funds are leveraged against this core funding for added value and impact.

How we work

BIDs provide additional value to statutory provision. We do not duplicate or replace existing services offered by Camden Council, the Met Police, or Transport for London, we add to them.
Our work is driven by business needs and our objective is to establish and grow Holborn as a significant commercial district with a recognised identity and value. Our projects deliver measurable results across the broad areas of travel, sustainability, and the public realm.
Our services make a real difference to everyone in Holborn. They constitute a joined-up approach to safety and security, designed to maintain the reputation we have already achieved for the area as one of low crime and anti-social activity. As a result of our vigilance, Holborn is noticeably cleaner and tidier and functions better.

How we are structured

inholborn is a not-for-profit company governed by a Board of Directors made up of representatives from local businesses. To remain cost-efficient and effective, a streamlined team operates from one office, our information kiosk, and on the street. We outsource services in partnership with statutory providers, and work with specialist agencies and consultants for rapid delivery and tangible results.

Statutory documents

For more detailed information on the formation and structure of the BID, take a look at the following, downloadable documents: