What is the Herefordshire County BID?
What does Herefordshire County BID do?
Herefordshire County Business Improvement District (HCBID) is a business-led, not-for-profit initiative focused on strengthening Herefordshire’s Visitor Economy. HCBID drives growth in Herefordshire’s Visitor Economy by empowering local businesses. We deliver enhanced services beyond those offered by the Local Authority and give businesses a real voice in shaping the county’s long-term economic future.
HCBID operates as a not-for-profit company with a defined geography and Levy Rules. Businesses within this area, and above a certain rateable value, are legally required to contribute to the BID Levy. BID Levy funds the main HCBID activities. BIDs run for 5 years, which means our current HCBID Term finishes at the end of December 2026. Over the next 12 months, we’ll work closely with Levy Payers and partners to create a bold new BID Proposal / Business Plan, setting the stage for the next five years of tourism growth in Herefordshire.
Core Purpose
- Enhance Economic Vitality: HCBID was established in 2022 to boost Herefordshire’s commercial and tourism sectors through collaborative, business-driven projects.
- Funded by a Levy: Eligible businesses within the BID area pay a mandatory Levy, which finances all activities. The current term runs until December 2026.
Key Activities
- Destination Marketing: Promotes Herefordshire as a visitor destination via the Visit Herefordshire brand, delivering year-round campaigns, PR, influencer partnerships, and digital content.
- Business Support: Offers cost-saving advice, employee discount schemes, and free training programs like SEEDL to help businesses thrive.
- Events & Networking: Organizes initiatives such as the Visit Herefordshire Tourism Conference, Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards, and roadshows to foster collaboration among local businesses.
- Strategic Projects: Runs projects like the Herefordshire Film Office, Visit Herefordshire Radio and developing sustainability programs to improve Herefordshire’s visitor offering.
- Drives Economic Growth by encouraging longer stays, higher spend, and repeat visits through coordinated campaigns and business engagement.
Herefordshire County BID operates for a maximum of five-year term between 2022–2026, during which it will invest nearly £2 million into projects that directly benefit Levy-Paying businesses and the wider tourism sector. Whether you’re a hotel, café, farm shop, or attraction, the BID offers opportunities to get involved. Together, the goal is to make Herefordshire a thriving, welcoming, and competitive tourism destination.
How is the Herefordshire County BID funded?
HCBID is funded primarily through a mandatory BID Levy paid by eligible businesses within the designated BID area. This levy is calculated based on the rateable value of business premises and is payable in addition to normal business rates for the duration of the BID term (currently five years).
Additional funding sources include:
- Voluntary membership schemes for businesses outside the Levy Rules.
- Grants and sponsorships secured where possible to support projects and initiatives.
For context, recent financial reports show that the HCBID Levy contributes the majority of income, supplemented by supporting income from external funding and partnerships. For example, in 2024/2025, HCBID generated £495,786 from the BID levy and £190,855 from supporting income, totaling £686,641.
