Celebrating 20 Years of UK BIDs

Celebrating 20 Years of UK BIDs

28/02/2024

//

Announcements

This year marks 20 years of UK Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), with over £1 billion invested in local services and events for better towns and cities. WeAreWaterloo is proud to be part of this milestone alongside remarkable BIDs across the country.

Since our establishment in 2006, WeAreWaterloo has transformed the landscape of Waterloo. From managing the bustling Lower Marsh Market to providing crucial grant funding to local businesses, we’ve made a real impact on the community.

Following our successful 2021 ballot, we’ve pursued our pledges outlined in our Five Year Plan, focusing on three core themes:

We Connect & Represent local businesses by providing frequent opportunities to share knowledge and expertise, as well as bridging ties with local government, community groups and lots more to ensure that any decision-making results in the best possible environment for businesses to flourish.

We Celebrate & Promote the area and its businesses by increasing footfall through events and raising the profile of Waterloo’s cultural and retail offer, by positioning it as a destination with its own unique ‘rebel with a small r’ identity.

We Enhance the Environment and the area by ensuring it is clean, green, safe, well-maintained and somewhere to be proud of, improving the visitor experience while attracting new businesses and investment.

These themes drive our mission to make Waterloo an exceptional place to work, live, and visit. We’re also thrilled to share some remarkable statistics:

  • 92%: Voted Yes in the 2021 Renewal Ballot.
  • 100: In-person business visits per month.
  • 25,000: Combined digital following.
  • 180: Graffiti tags removed per year.
  • 3,000: Event attendees per year.
  • 8: Green spaces managed.
  • 40: Staff trained per month.
  • 154: Businesses saving money through our First Mile partnership.
  • 17.4%: Increased footfall compared to last year.
  • 140: Hours of extra street cleaning and greening per week.

As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with enthusiasm for the future. Thank you again for re-electing us to work with you. Together, we will continue to work to make Waterloo the best it can be. Here’s to 20 years of BID’s!

RELATED ARTICLES

New Chapter for WeAreWaterloo BID: Farewells and a Warm Welcome

15/11/2024

WeAreWaterloo is entering a new chapter as we bid farewell to two esteemed colleagues and welcome a new CEO to our team. After her maternity leave, Natalie Raben has decided to step down from her position as CEO and remain in Spain with her family. Natalie’s dedication and vision have shaped our BID in countless

Night Time Strategy Surveys

14/11/2024

Win free tickets to the BFI IMAX Cinema! Lambeth Council are looking for night workers’ views on their experience of Lambeth at night – between 6 pm and 6 am. Take the survey for a chance to win 2 free cinema tickets for the BFI IMAX. Your views will help us create our Night Time Strategy

LSBU students seeking placement opportunities

14/11/2024

Are you a local business owner looking for new talent? The LSBU Business School is seeking internship and placement opportunities for motivated students! LSBU’s diverse student body is ready to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your business. By offering a placement, you can access new talent, as LSBU Business School students are equipped