A woman is standing behind a counter in a store.

What is Ashby BID?

We all as a community all love Ashby and want the best for it. We are no different.

Building a Stronger Ashby

The Ashby Business Improvement District (BID) is a community-driven, not-for-profit initiative working to improve Ashby’s economic and social vitality. Funded by local businesses and managed by a volunteer board of local representatives, Ashby BID is about bringing businesses, residents, and visitors together to enhance our town through dedicated projects.

Our Mission

To build a more welcoming, vibrant, and supportive community for everyone who loves Ashby.

Our Key Areas

Ashby BID was established to help businesses shape and fund projects that go beyond what public services offer. Operating within a structured business plan, our projects fall under four key areas:

Town Marketing & Promotion

Enhancing Ashby’s reputation, attracting visitors, and creating events that bring people together.

Welcoming & Safe

Working to make Ashby an inviting and secure destination for everyone.

Getting Around

Making it easier for visitors and residents to navigate and enjoy all Ashby has to offer.

Business Support

Providing tools and resources that help local businesses thrive.

Over the first 5 years, Ashby BID will invest £1 million in projects to attract visitors and business into the town.

Why Support Ashby BID?

By funding projects identified by the business community, Ashby BID creates lasting impacts that elevate the town’s appeal and support economic growth. A BID gives local businesses a voice in the development of their surroundings, funding improvements that make Ashby a better place to work, shop, and visit. From vibrant events that draw in visitors to enhanced facilities for businesses, Ashby BID aims to make our town thrive.

Key Achievements

Enhanced Events

Ashby BID has introduced and expanded local events, which bring visitors into the town and increase foot traffic for our businesses.

Improved Business Facilities

By pooling resources, Ashby BID has helped reduce business costs in areas like energy and payment processing.

Tourist Information Centre Reopening

Providing residents and visitors with valuable information services, enhancing their experience in Ashby.

Ashby Gift Card

A town-wide gift card programme encouraging people to shop locally, supporting participating businesses in a simple, community-driven way.

View Our Achievements

Ashby BID Board of Directors: Committed to Our Community

Ashby BID’s Board of Directors is a team of local business owners, traders, and community representatives who volunteer their time to benefit Ashby. They work tirelessly to foster a vibrant, welcoming town, shaping BID projects to support local growth and community spirit. Each director is motivated by a commitment to Ashby’s success and a genuine love for our town.


If you’re passionate about Ashby and want to contribute to its future, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact us to join the Ashby BID Board

Let's work together to Build a Stronger Ashby

Ashby BID is about community collaboration, a mission we all believe in because we all #LoveAshby. From enhancing business opportunities to building a safe, accessible, and thriving town,


Ashby BID is here to make a difference. Every local business and every resident is a part of this journey—together, we’re creating a town we can all take pride in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about BIDs and what they can provide for the Ashby business community

  • What Are BIDs?

    BIDs are an arrangement whereby businesses get together, decide what improvements they want to make in their town, how they will manage these and what it will cost them. This all goes into a business plan which is voted on by all those who would have to pay. The BID lasts for a maximum of five years and must be able to demonstrate how it benefits the businesses that have funded it. BIDs deliver additional projects and services over and above those already provided by public bodies. There are over 300 BIDs in the UK with the nearest ones being Loughborough, Hinckley, Melton & Leicester.

  • What Will BID Do?

    Ashby BID will:

    • Invest over £1m
    • Raise our profile further
    • Carry out exciting projects and events to drive loyalty, footfall and spend
    • Make sure we are a welcoming, friendly and safe place
    • Make it easier for people to come into and move around the town
    • Give businesses the support they need to flourish by driving down business costs whilst being a powerful voice

  • How Is a BID Monitored?

    Like any good business plan, specific key performance indicators (KPIs) are set and performance is monitored against the KPIs by the BID board. The BID Company is answerable to the businesses that pay the BID levy and will be required to monitor and inform its members on its progress towards the agreed KPIs.

  • Why Do Businesses Support BIDs?

    A BID is a mechanism which allows businesses to raise a sum of money to manage and deliver projects that they have identified and believe will improve their trading environment, ultimately increasing trade for those businesses who are paying for the improvements.

  • Does This Mean The Authorities Will Stop Delivering Services?

    No. BID money can only be used to carry out projects/services ADDITIONAL to those that public services have to provide. Prior to the BID business plan being produced, the current services being delivered by all public agencies including the Local Authority and Police are set out in Baseline Statements. Baseline Statements for the following areas are available for the Ashby BID:


    • Cleansing & Maintenance
    • Festivals & Events
    • Leisure
    • Car Parking
    • Public Conveniences
    • Landscaping & Planting
    • Tourism
    • CCTV
    • Policing

    The BID company can agree to provide additional resources to deliver a higher level of service over and above the benchmarked level if this is what businesses have identified they want.

  • Who Pays For a BID?

    Once projects and services have been agreed by businesses along with how they are going to be delivered and managed, they are costed and set out in a business plan. The cost to each business is worked out on a pro rata basis. This is called the ‘BID LEVY’. An independent and formal vote then takes place on the agreed projects and services and if the majority vote is YES then ALL eligible businesses within the BID area HAVE to pay. The BID levy is normally paid by the occupiers of a property. In addition, BIDs can draw in other voluntary funding, grants and ‘in kind’ contributions to supplement the BID levy.

  • How Does An Area Become a BID?

    Normally a ‘BID Task Group’ is set up which is responsible for putting together a business plan setting out the projects it aims to deliver on behalf of the businesses in the BID area. This is based on a detailed consultation process with businesses. The business plan will include the projects, cost, delivery guarantees, performance indicators and the management structure. A confidential postal vote is held with all the businesses that would pay the BID levy getting a vote. To become a BID a majority of those that vote must be in favour by number and rateable value. A successful BID then has a mandate for a maximum of 5 years after which the BID would need to seek a re-ballot.