Business Improvement Districts
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led organisation working in a specific local area, such as Camden Town. BIDs are formed following a ballot of eligible businesses. Funding for the BID comes from a mandatory levy (fee) which is paid by those businesses.
BIDs work together with partners to provide additional or improved services, such as extra safety, cleaning or environmental measures. Most of the funding for these changes is provided from the levy. Occasionally, funding is drawn from other public and private funding streams.
There are currently 5 BIDs in Camden:
- Camden Town Unlimited has over ten years’ experience in serving the business community. Its key purpose is to enhance the commercial environment, creating a strong and sustainable economy that supports businesses of all sizes. The BID helps to bridge the gap between large companies, start-ups and residents through community projects such as co-working space.
- Fitzrovia Partnership works closely with community groups, residents and local authorities to deliver the following key themes: Shaping Change in Fitzrovia, Reducing Costs, Sustainable Working, Safer and Cleaner, Events, Promotion and Insight.
- Central District Alliance (CDA) was previously known as Midtown BID. Covering Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell, Farringdon, Holborn and St Giles, CDA represents both Camden and Islington. Its main aim is to enhance life for the local business community by looking at infrastructure, pollution, traffic and methods of improving the physical environment.
- Hatton Garden BID aims to support business growth with projects and activities making Hatton Garden a world-renowned business and visitor destination. By revitalising the area, they plan to enhance its iconic status as London’s famous jewellery quarter.
- Euston Town became a BID in March 2016, as major transportation projects in the area were set to have an enormous impact on the business community. These include the transformation of Euston Station and the construction of HS2 and Cross Rail 2. The BID aims to help businesses thrive during these developments by enhancing opportunities.
Business Groups
In addition to Camden’s 5 BIDs, there are business associations offering networking and collaboration opportunities:
- Knowledge Quarter is a consortium of over 75 partner organisations in the Kings Cross, Euston, and Bloomsbury area, with a common interest in advancing knowledge. The organisation provides support for innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Urban Partners is a voluntary business partnership with organisations from the Euston, King's Cross and St Pancras areas. Global and local businesses are included in the partnership, from sectors including transport, technology, media, publishing, and hospitality.
- The Marchmont Association is a business and resident group promoting the ongoing improvement of Marchmont Street and the surrounding Bloomsbury area.