Jo Glover (Chief Executive of Coventry BID) gave a thought-provoking talk to a Coventry Society General Meeting on Wednesday 12 November.
A BID is a geographically-defined area where rate-paying businesses vote to pay a levy to generate funds for a fixed period (normally either three or five years) to enhance the area and its services. Local government legislation in the early 2000s enabled areas to set up BIDs. Currently, there are over 340 BIDs in the UK, and there are a further 58 under-development.
The Coventry BID covers the area of the city centre within the ring road. It is now in its fifth term which runs from 2023-2028 following a successful vote in February 2023 (with nearly 80% of businesses who voted supporting the BID). Since 2018, the BID has been separate from the City Council and is an independent organisation with its own board of directors. It has five employees. Businesses within the BID area that have a rateable value of £16,000 or above pay an annual BID levy for the duration of each BID term, which is collected by the Council and passed onto Coventry BID. Those with a lower rateable value can become associate members.
Jo emphasised that while the BID maintains a watching brief on flagship projects, such as Coventry City Centre South and the IKEA building, its focus is on grass-roots initiatives and actions to boost our city centre. The current business plan’s major priorities are:
- Support and a voice for businesses
- Promoting and enhancing the city centre
- Tackling security issues and improving the environment.
Examples of the wide range of actions being taken by BID in collaboration with other organisations include:
- Coventry Cocktail Week (September 2025): Wristband holders were able to access £5 signature cocktails across the 28 participating businesses – it generated a direct economic impact of over £400,000
- Annual safety talk and walk for new students each September highlighting what’s on as well as visiting what is on offer in the city centre
- Helping to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour through its street patrol team as well as working with the Police and the City Council – over the last 12 months the street patrol team recovered nearly £10,000 of stolen stock
- Supporting the provision of lifesaving equipment in the City Centre which is accessible 24×7 eg bleed control kits and defibrillators.
Jo’s inspiring talk generated considerable discussion on topics as diverse as the running of the BID, its relationship with the Council and Coventry University, and the issue of addressing crime and anti-social behaviour. One topic of particular interest was some social media portrayals of the City Centre as a run-down no-go area. Jo pointed out that, contrary to some perceptions, footfall has increased during 2025. Similarly, retail vacancy rates are low at about 4.7% but some media report have suggested that it is more than 20% – but this figure includes units that are being demolished as part of the City Centre South redevelopment. Her concluding message was that we need to work together to promote a positive message about the City Centre as a place to visit.
For more information on Coventry BID go to Home – Coventry BID.
