Welcome

This is the official website for the Business Improvement District (BID) launched in Royston, Hertfordshire, England on April 4th 2009.

The concept of BIDs has been established in the UK by virtue of a statute passed in 2003. What the legislation allows is for a locally representative body to raise funds via a levy against Rateable Values. The funds have to be re-invested locally for the benefit of the District. Take this link to find out more about BIDs.

The Royston BID

Work on the Royston BID first began with a survey of Royston businesses conducted throughout the summer and autumn of 2007. Ideas gleaned from this survey were then presented to businesses in the form of a questionnaire circulated in May 2008. This was backed-up by further on-street and telephone surveys.

Using survey results, the decision was made to proceed with the attempt to create a BID in Royston. A publicity campaign was launched in the summer of 2008 to create awareness of the potential benefits of running a BID. A series of consultations took place with all major stakeholders and the businesses were kept informed through the use of newsletters.

One of many objectives pursued by the Royston BID steering committee was to obtain the necessary commitment from the electoral body for Royston (North Herts District Council). Consent having been sought from a meeting of the full council, it was ratified by the Cabinet on September 9th.

The Referendum

Having obtained the support of all key stakeholders in Royston, the steering committee then took the decision to take the idea to the businesses of Royston for their approval. The entire BID project, by now called Royston First, was worked into a Business plan detailing the initial years of the BID. This in turn was condensed into a 20 page printed Prospectus that was launched at a public meeting on October 21st and subsequently distributed to all Royston businesses. Later the same month, ballot papers were distributed by the electoral authorities to all business ratepayers with the BID area. Businesses were invited in a secret ballot to vote on whether or not the BID should proceed for five years from 2009. We are pleased to say that, in accordance with the criteria established in the statute, the decision received was a "Yes"

The First Year of Royston First

In April 2009 the Royston First BID Company Ltd. was formed to run the Royston BID. Shortly afterwards, a 21 person (voluntary) Advisory Council was formed from Royston stakeholders to control the direction of the BID.

Much has been done and much remains to be done. Initial progress with the BID was reported in an August
2009 e-bulletin distributed to those businesses which chose to register contacts.

In December, a printed newsletter was distributed to all businesses updating progress on projects delivered, being delivered or about to be delivered.

Questions / Contact

Royston First can be contacted by email or you can telephone our answering service on 01763 878242. Alternatively you can write to us at Royston First, Unit 6 The Corn Exchange, Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JR.

site woodenhouse design & media