The Bid Process
A BID can only be formed following consultation and a ballot in which businesses vote on a BID Proposal or Business Plan for the area. A ballot to establish the Ferndown and Uddens BID was held in 2014 with a vote to renew the BID with a new Business Plan in 2019. A business plan prospectus for the period 2024-2029 will be the subject of a ballot in 2024 to determine if the BID is to continue for a third term.
BID Consultation
The BID consultation considers each role of property owners and businesses, sets out who is a ratepayer, and who is not, as well as formalising the structure of the BID. The Consultation is a communication with the businesses of the estate, the local government and estate landlords over a set period of time, to define common issues to be proposed in the BID.
Business Plan
The BID Proposal or Business Plan sets out businesses’ priorities for improvements to their area and services they require, as well as how the BID will be managed and operated. This document becomes the framework within which the BID operates once a ballot has been successful.
BID Ballot
The Ballot is arranged by the Returning Officer at Dorset Council. A specialist service is commissioned by the Council to conduct the ballot as they have considerable experience in undertaking ballots for BIDs. All businesses eligible to pay the BID Levy are balloted. For a BID to go ahead the ballot must be won on two counts: straight majority of voters and majority of rateable value of the properties that voted. This ensures that the interests of large and small businesses are protected. There is no minimum turnout threshold.
Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement is required between a BID and their local authority. This document governs the relationship between the two bodies including how the BID levy monies are collected, administored and passed to the BID.
Baseline Agreement
BIDs may enter into Baseline Agreements with the local authority and other service providers, which guarantee the level of their service provision in the area. These ensure that any services the BID provides are truly additional. No such agreement is required for the 2019 or 2024 BIDs.
BID Levy
A successful BID is funded through the BID Levy for a period of up to 5 years. The Levy is set as a small percentage of a businesses’ rateable value (1.25%). This general rule is moderated by a ceiling of a maximum contribution per rateable property of £2,000 together with and rateable value a “floor” of £8,500 below which properties do not have to pay the levy.
Security Group
In order to help progress actions to enhance security on the estates a Security Group has been established. The Security Group also includes Dorset Police and SWL who provide evening and weekend security for the estates together with security specialists from levypayers.
BID Factfile
A Business Improvement District enables groups of businesses to join together and commission improvement projects. Covering both industrial estates your BID is managed by the Ferndown and Uddens BID Ltd. The BID generates an income through a levy of 1.25p in the pound of rateable value for each business ratepayer over £7,500. Since 2014 the BID has delivered significant improvements that have enhanced the trading environment for our business community. In 2019 businesses on the estate endorsed this mandate by a 73% support for the new Business Plan.
What's our mission?
To implement the Business Plan and to continuously improve the trading and working environment on the Estates, so that it is a great and safe place to do business and to work. The Ferndown & Uddens BID is here to bring genuine improvements and value to the business community on the Estates. The BID developed out of the collaborations of the Ferndown and Uddens Business Forum and Security Association. Thanks to the support of businesses through the initial ballot in 2014 and the renewal ballot in 2019 together with our partner organisations the BID has been able to make real improvements for the business community. 350 businesses. 3,500 people. One voice.