A BID is a clearly defined geographical area within a town or city where businesses agree that additional activities are essential, on top of those services already being provided by the local authorities, to help improve their collective business performance. The precise nature of these "extras" is determined and the whole package "priced up". This cost is then shared across all businesses in the BID area over a five-year period. Every business ratepayer has the chance to vote on whether or not to deliver the BID's planned activities and if a majority vote in favour, it becomes compulsory for every business to pay a the levy towards the total cost.

Local business people form a BID Management Board, and are responsible for employing a small staff resource to co-ordinate and manage the action programme. This team creates added value by monitoring existing service delivery and controlling all the additional projects as well as helping to generate extra income from other sources to maximise the scope and achievements of the BID.

The Board has been elected by the levy payers, and have a direct say in the way in which the BID functions. Service on the Board is voluntary with no remuneration paid to the directors. The agreed BID Business Plan will be independently audited and reviewed every year with an annual action plan updated and circulated, along with regular newsletters and e-bulletins to keep you, the stakeholders, fully informed and involved in the developing offer.