About

We work to enhance Kendal, support local businesses, and strengthen the local economy through a wide variety of initiatives.

Our efforts include providing targeted grant funding to help businesses grow and thrive, delivering impactful projects that improve the town’s infrastructure and community spaces, and promoting Kendal as a vibrant destination for visitors. We also offer valuable services and benefits to both businesses and the wider public—helping to create a more prosperous, attractive, and sustainable town for everyone.

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led initiative where businesses and organisations, within a defined area, work together to make decisions and to take action which will benefit the members of the area.

A BID is a not for profit organisation where local businesses and organisations have the power to raise funds collectively through a BID levy. If a BID is established a levy is charged to all premises with a rateable value of over £3000 and is equivalent to 1% of the premises rateable value. These funds are used for local initiatives with the aim of improving the town, supporting local businesses and boosting the local economy.

For a BID to be established a ballot has to be taken and all eligible business ratepayers within the defined area are be entitled to vote. In order for a BID to be established:

• More than 50% of the number of voters must be in favour of the BID proposal; and
• More than 50% of the combined Rateable Value of voters must be in favour.

If the vote is successful then the BID will be established and funded by a BID Levy that is charged in addition to standard business rates.

The day to day operations of the BID are ran by a board of unpaid volunteer directors from local businesses in the BID zone area alongside a BID manager.

Our team of unpaid volunteer directors all come from local businesses in our town. They come from a diverse range of sectors including retail, hospitality, professional services and healthcare. Alongside the directors the BID employs a BID manager to deliver project and services.