This growth isn’t a quick sprint driven by government investment, but lasting, sustainable growth that will drive our district into the future.
This growth is not coming at the expense of character or personality. EC1 and WC1 are unique because of their innate characteristics. Steeped in history with iconic new buildings, garden squares, cultural landmarks and multiple museums, both areas are home to global household brands, top creative industries, a distinctive hospitality offer and food and beverage outlets from many of the UK’s top talent.
Once a corridor between the West End and the City, Midtown is now the destination of choice for business. As London’s ‘front door’ moves east with the advent of Crossrail at Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon, EC1 And WC1 are fast becoming London’s best-connected postcodes.
| TERM 1 |
2005 - 2010
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| We were one of the first five Business Improvement Districts in the UK | |
| TERM 2 |
2005 - 2010
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| Expansion east and west to claim Midtown as ‘the middle of town’ | |
| TERM 3 |
2005 - 2010
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| Farringdon & Clerkenwell BID established in 2016 as a natural extension of London’s central commercial zone | |
| TERM 4 |
2005 - 2010
|
| Evolving from a service-based organisation into a leadership body – a fourth term will see Midtown lead London for our Capital’s future | |
Midtown BID leads on economic development and profile building in Midtown for businesses, by being their collective voice and offering solutions for hyper-local inner-city issues, because long term sustainable, commercial and social growth create competitive advantage for all.
We enable the collective voice of business to be represented, working with and adding value to the work of: Islington Council; Camden Council; The Mayor’s Office and agencies; Transport for London; and the Metropolitan Police.
Connectivity drives supply and demand. The pipeline for quality office accommodation and ground floor amenities supporting a vibrant day and night-time economy means that increasing numbers will commute to Midtown for work and leisure.
Midtown is a world-class business district, but it faces challenges associated with its growth. For the area to reach its potential, further investment is needed over the next 5 years to make sure the public realm and transport hubs can accommodate the increase in footfall and offer a seamless qualitative experience to support business.
Sustainable and innovative solutions for business needs; impactful CSR initiatives and volunteering opportunities; area profile building through media coverage and publicity; B2B knowledge sharing and thought leadership; providing local insight and information; first-mover status and innovating with technology; impactful partnerships and collaborations.
Most businesses today are engaged in creating wider social value, whether via what used to be termed ‘philanthropy’ or through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) related programmes. There is a growing body of evidence linking commercial success with responsible and sustainable business. Our campaigns align themselves to these principles and deliver tangible results and return on investment.
The current environment is challenging, but we will not get lost in the politics of the moment. We have not reached our full potential and there is more to do in Midtown. We will achieve the best results as a business community and for the area by working together.
Midtown BID has unparalleled local expertise and knowledge and our aim is to lead the district through another five years of growth.
We have big ambitions, and as a stakeholder-led organisation, your concerns and priorities are those of the most value to us. We will therefore be contacting all local businesses to discuss priorities for the future.
THE INFORMATION WE GATHERED THROUGH CONSULATATION FORMED THE BASIS OF A ‘MANIFESTO FOR MIDTOWN’ – OUR PLEDGES FOR 2020 – 2025 AND BEYOND. THIS IS NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK YOUR VIEWS AND IDEAS THROUGHOUT THE BALLOT PROCESS AND BEYOND.
The Midtown Ballot for Re-Election is now running until 27 February 2020.
Midtown BID is two Business Improvement Districts (BID) representing over 400 businesses in EC1 and WC1. We were established to drive long term sustainable commercial and social growth.
A Business Improvement District is an organisation which represents individual businesses and their collective views and are governed by Boards with Directors from the local business community. BIDs are funded by an additional levy on business rates.
BIDs are elected by their constituent businesses, and usually undergo a re-election process every five years. We are now in the final year of our current term. We are therefore consulting with our business members to gather intelligence regarding priorities for the next term 2020 – 2025.
Rateable Value ThresholdBusiness members are businesses in premises on selected streets within a designated area with a rateable value reflecting the determined Threshold. Currently, Midtown BID’s Rateable Value (RV) Threshold is £150,000 for Holborn, Bloomsbury, St Giles and £130,000 for Farringdon & Clerkenwell. This means that any business with an RV of £150K+ or £130K+ respectively, is a member and as such is eligible to pay the BID Levy. The RV Threshold for 2020 – 2025 will be determined as a result of the consultation process.
BID Levy CalculatorThe BID levy on business rates paid by eligible businesses is calculated by a Multiplier. Currently, the Multiplier rate for all Midtown BID businesses is 0.9%. This means that all eligible businesses pay an additional 0.9% of their business rates as the BID Levy. The Multiplier rate for 2020 – 2025 will be determined as a result of the consultation process.
Charity CapLocal registered charities currently benefit from an 80% discount on their business rates. The BID Levy mirrors this arrangement, meaning it is only charged on the discounted rates figure (20%)