ABOUT US

Discover Christchurch BID

Supporting the thriving destination for businesses, visitors and the wider community of Christchurch

Your BID . Your Business . Your Christchurch 

A BID is a business-led, independent, non-profit company. A BID invests in a designated BID area, providing extra services and projects beyond what local authorities offer. BIDs are funded by a mandatory levy on hereditaments (businesses) within the designated BID area after a successful ballot. Each hereditament located in the designated BID area pays a small percentage of its business rateable value to a collective fund administered by the BID Operations Managers and overseen by the levy-paying volunteer Board of Directors.

A BID is voted on by all eligible hereditaments, and if a majority votes YES (by both number and by rateable value), the BID is established for up to five years. The revenue generated is entirely devoted to investment into the designated BID area. The collective funds are carefully monitored and strictly regulated. There are over 300 BIDs across the UK, including neighbouring ones like Poole BID, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Bournemouth Coastal BID and a little further afield, Wimborne BID and Southampton BID and many others.

History of Christchurch BID

  • 2021

    Christchurch BID was set up and the BID Not For Profit Company was Established

  • 2022

    Arts by the Sea

    Jubilee Tea Party

    Christmas Yuletide

    Sponsored Christchurch Business Awards

  • 2023

    Food Fest Local - Back on the High street

    Summer Streets 

    Park Yoga

    Elf Hunt

    What’s on Distributed to 7500 homes

    Sponsored Christchurch Business Awards

  • 2024

    Feb Pancake Race

    Easter Trail

    Park Yoga

    Food Fest Local

    Sponsored Stompin on the Quomps

    Sponsored Christchurch Carnival

    Elf Trail

    Carols in the Square

    What's on Christmas to 10,000 homes

    Hanging Baskets

    Sponsored Christchurch Business Awards

  • 2025

    Feb Pancake Race

    Grant Funding to replace rusted flower pedestals and replace with three tiered planters

    Grant Funding to purchase electric utility vehicle for Maintenance

    Install lamppost banners in Bargates to welcome visitors 

    What's on Summer to 15,000 homes

    Food Fest Local 

    Sponsored Christchurch Carnival

    Sponsored Julia's House Tail Trail

    Sponsored Rivers of Hope Flag Festival

    Sponsored Christchurch Business Awards

    UKPac Introduced

    SEEDL Free online Training Introduced

    Dec - Carols in the Square

    What's on Christmas to 15,000 homes

  • 2026

    What's on Summer to 15,000 homes

    May - Distinguished Gentlemans Ride

    May  - Food Fest Local

    SEEDL Free online Training Continuation

    Chamber Membership Continuation

    UKPAC Continuation

    Jul - Aug

    Dinosaur Trail, Dino Craft & Dino Dig

    New BID Website

    31st Oct BID Term one ends

    Pumpkin Trail & Pumpkin Patch 

    Business Crime Reduction Panel Discussion

  • 1 November 2026

    After a successful vote - BID Term Two begins

  • December 2026

    Carols in the Square
    Elf Trail
    What's on Winter to 20,000 homes

  • 2027

    Christchurch Comedy Festival

    Feb Pancake Race

"We all love the magic of Christchurch. Business owners, residents and visitors alike are proud of this vibrant, prosperous town with excellent amenities, an enviable heritage and an enduring community spirit. However, despite all of our numerous advantages, we have been significantly affected by the impact of the recent pandemic and that is one of the reasons for the proposal of a plan such as this – a jointly agreed set of key priorities for our town to enact as we move forwards. Our aim now is to find the way for Christchurch town centre to thrive – to bring footfall and businesses into the town centre to enjoy all that the town offers – the sense of community, the quality and variety of both independent and national retailers, the vibrant markets and food festivals, the high quality of the places to eat and drink for even the most discerning Foodie, the culture on offer at the Regent Centre theatre, the deep heritage, amazing scenery... the list can go on and on"
Lucy Filer
Chair, Christchurch BID Development Board
“

I am proud to support the BID as it enters its second term, having significantly transformed our town into a destination for tourists through regular events and initiatives, such as vibrant floral displays and the successful food festival. These efforts have brought much-needed foot traffic to Christchurch’s town centre.

My journey as a BID director began after attending a bi-annual update, where I was inspired by the BID’s vision and plans for our community. Eager to contribute more actively, I sought a role that would allow me to influence the positive developments in Christchurch. Through this involvement, I’ve forged strong relationships with fellow local businesses, enabling us to support one another in challenging times.

Anna Thomson

GM at Pizza Express

“

Many towns across the UK have seen their sense of identity eroded over the past decade. As an independent business owner, I can see how having a BID in Christchurch has helped to foster the right environment for my business to thrive and strengthen our unique identity. It has promoted our town and helped secure visitors, ensuring a steady trade all year round. Having a strong business community who value and champion Christchurch to be a safe, welcoming and attractive place to visit and spend time in only makes things better.

Fi Herbage

Proprietor at Kimmeridge

“

I support Christchurch BID because I genuinely care about the experience people have when they visit our town. With a strong passion for tourism and hospitality, I see every day how a welcoming and well maintained town shapes guest impressions, reviews, and repeat visits. The BID brings businesses together, raises standards, and invests in making Christchurch a place people enjoy visiting and want to return to. I am proud to play a small part in supporting work that helps our town continue to thrive.

Chamane Epps

General Manager at Kings Arms Hotel

“

I joined Christchurch BID in August 2024 as I wanted to see how my investment in the BID was being used. Initially my knowledge around BIDs was limited, since joining, my understanding of what our BID brings to the area has expanded and I view the BID as a valuable asset to any business community. We have a dedicated operations management team and committed (levy-paying) Directors who are actively shaping our town’s future, and this can only lead to a better Christchurch for everyone.

Dave Burns

Proprietor at Thomas Tripp

“

I have been involved in the BID since its inception back in 2021, where we faced the biggest challenge, COVID-19! We found it critical to come together, pool our resources, and help one another. I believe that we are stronger together when we shop, live, and spend locally. This is an opportunity to build on the good work that has been started for the combined benefit of the town. 

Tim Lloyd

MD at Captains Club Hotel & Spa

“

I believe that collective investment in our town will continue to help ensure its future prosperity and maintain Christchurch as an attractive area of cultural beauty where people can be proud to live, work, and visit. The BID’s work is delivering real, tangible benefits to all businesses in Christchurch. Whether you’re a bustling high street shop that sees a surge in footfall during the Food Fest Local weekend, or a company that relies on local services like accountants or solicitors for HR advice, the positive ripple effect is apparent. When one business thrives, it contributes to the prosperity of the whole community, creating a stronger, more vibrant Christchurch for everyone.

Chris Guest

Volunteer BID Chairperson