Frequently Asked Questions

A BID is a partnership where local businesses work together to fund and deliver projects that make their place more vibrant, welcoming, and successful. It is created through a formal ballot of local businesses and lasts up to five years before renewal.

A proposal is created by Businesses are asked to vote on the proposal. If a majority — by both number and rateable value — vote yes, the BID begins.

In this case, The Great Border City initiative was established as a broad-based consortium of businesses, community organisations and civic stakeholders under a shared commitment to make Carlisle a premier place to visit, work and live. A steering group was created and it was decided to propose a BID.

All eligible businesses, with a rateable value of £15,000 or over, within the BID area contribute a fixed levy (circa 1.5%), which is used to fund the services and improvements delivered by the BID. In addition to this core funding, a BID can also serve as a platform for securing additional investment from other sources, such as public sector organizations, depending on the nature of the projects.

Through research and consultation, leading to a detailed business plan which outlines how priorities can be delivered.

A BID gives businesses and organizations the ability to focus on the issues that matter most to them, creating positive changes in the local trading environment that benefit the entire community.

The Steering Group are working with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, the University of Cumbria, Carlisle United Football Club, employers, cultural organisations, and independent businesses to develop the BID plan in greater detail and to ensure transparent governance post-ballot.
The BID steering group is available to see here at https://greatborder.city/who-are-we/

We’re seeking a step change for Carlisle — one where independent businesses, major employers, and civic partners all have a real say in how to make our city more successful. The BID is about unlocking Carlisle’s potential, together.

If successful, the BID will be delivered by an independent not-for-profit company led by a board of local business representatives. The board will be formed after a selection process and accountable to levy payers and publish annual reports and budgets.

The Carlisle BID levy is set at 1.58% of a property’s rateable value — in line with or below the national average (many UK BIDs set levies between 1.75% and 3%). For most businesses, this equates to just a few pounds per week:
• Small independent shop – around £6 per week
• Medium restaurant or office – around £15 per week
• Large retailer or hospitality venue – around £45 per week

The aim is to return that investment in real terms — so that businesses see greater value from BID-funded projects than they contribute through the levy. In addition, the BID will actively seek external funds, grants and partnership schemes from government, local government, and national organisations to bring further investment into Carlisle.

Every pound raised is ring-fenced for Carlisle and spent on projects agreed by local businesses. Our plan focuses on three key themes:
1️⃣ Animating Carlisle – Creating more reasons to visit — events, experiences, restaurant and retail offers — to boost footfall and spending.
2️⃣ Marketing Carlisle – Telling everyone what a great place Carlisle is to live, do business, study, and visit — through coordinated campaigns, PR, and social media.
3️⃣ Business Support – Helping businesses connect, collaborate, and thrive through training, networking, and practical improvements to the trading environment.

The local authority, Cumberland council, is responsible for collecting the levy from ratepayers. This is then passed on to the BID company.

Every business within the defined area that meets the eligibility threshold can vote. For the BID to be approved, there must be a majority in favour both by number of votes and total rateable value. If that majority is achieved, the BID becomes legally binding on all eligible businesses within the boundary.

In Carlisle, to focus the levy on larger and medium-sized businesses, only premises with a rateable value above £15,000 are included in the ballot and liable for the levy. That means around 850 business premises out of roughly 4,000 citywide will form the voting group. Smaller businesses below this threshold will not pay the levy — but we are exploring an optional “buy-in” membership scheme so those who wish to join the BID can do so voluntarily. You can use the link HERE to find your businesses rateable value.

A BID lasts for a maximum of five years, after which businesses will have the opportunity to vote again. It is run by a private, not-for-profit company made up primarily of local businesses and stakeholder

Administration is set at 18% of total expenditure — in line with or below the national average for UK BIDs. This covers staffing, financial management, and governance. We’ve studied the approaches of successful BIDs such as Newcastle NE1 and Sunderland BID to ensure efficiency and impact.

No. A BID is seperate to the council and is there to provide projects which the council do not.

The Council helps facilitate the ballot and collect the levy but does not control or spend BID funds. All BID income is passed to the BID company and used solely for agreed projects that are additional to Council services. The BID is not set up to fund things that the council does, in fact the BID will help to lobby the Council and act as a method of representation on behalf of the BID membership.

The Carlisle BID area encompasses business for the entire city, essentially using the ring road as a boundary. Click HERE for a map of the area.

Not all businesses will pay a levy. Only businesses in the BID area with a rateable value of £15,000 and above will pay a levy. This equates to approximately 25% of the 4000 businesses in Carlisle.

Once a BID is approved, the levy is mandatory for all eligible businesses within the defined area. This ensures fairness — everyone who benefits contributes proportionally. Importantly, all businesses, regardless of levy status, benefit from a thriving, active, well-marketed city.

The ratepayer at the time remains liable for the charge until the property is re-let.

All businesses eligible to vote have been contacted directly. Information events have been held, leaflets produced and distributed, and a full BID manifesto has been published and sent to every eligible voter. Press releases have been issued, resulting in coverage across local digital, print, radio and television outlets. To stay updated or receive verified information straight to your inbox, join our mailing list here.

Get in touch with us HERE to sign up to our newsletter or ask a more direct question. We would be happy to send you a copy of our manifesto which outlines the Business Improvement District for Carlisle Proposal. You can also follow us on LinkedIn for regular updates and positive Carlisle stories!