Detailed plans have been unveiled to replace the two existing Business Improvement Districts, known as BIDs, with one coordinated organisation representing businesses throughout a larger area of the city centre.
The proposed Derby BID would cover the Cathedral Quarter, St Peters Quarter and the growing Becketwell Quarter, representing almost 1,000 businesses under a single structure.
Businesses that pay the BID levy are now being consulted about the plans and have been invited to ask questions, provide feedback and share their views before a formal ballot takes place in autumn 2026.
Supporters of the proposal believe combining the two BIDs would create a stronger voice for Derby businesses, reduce duplication and allow resources to be invested in larger projects, events and city-centre improvements.
Brad Worley, BID Manager for Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter, described the proposal as a pivotal moment for Derby.
“This is a pivotal moment for Derby, and we are excited to combine our resources and ambitions under one BID,” he said.
“For years, Cathedral Quarter BID and St Peters Quarter BID have worked with passion and purpose on behalf of city centre businesses, helping to create a cleaner, safer, more welcoming and more vibrant Derby.”
The two organisations currently support traders, promote the city, organise events, invest in public spaces and work alongside partners on initiatives designed to reduce crime.
Popular events supported by Derby’s BIDs include Celebrate Sadler Gate and Jurassic Day, which bring entertainment into the city centre and encourage more people to visit its shops, restaurants and other businesses.
Mr Worley said bringing the organisations together would allow businesses throughout the city centre to work towards a shared vision.
“A single Derby BID will bring a stronger voice for city centre businesses, and this is one of the reasons we are discussing these plans with levy payers,” he said.
“Obviously, there will be a period of consultation and engagement, but we think this is a real opportunity for businesses in the Cathedral Quarter BID and St Peters Quarter BID to come together.
“What we want to do is create a shared vision for a stronger city and work under one single BID.
“The single BID will mean that businesses across the city centre will be represented together and can enjoy a more joined-up future.”
What would the new Derby BID do?
Business Improvement Districts are funded through a levy paid by eligible businesses within a defined area.
The money is then reinvested into projects and services designed to improve local trading conditions and make the area more attractive to visitors, workers and residents.
Smaller businesses can be exempt from paying the levy, while other businesses are generally charged a small percentage based on the rateable value of their property.
Under the new model, Derby BID would pool the resources currently managed by the two organisations.
Those behind the proposal say this would make it easier to secure larger investments, deliver events across a wider area and fund high-impact projects that improve public spaces, visitor experiences and support for businesses.
The single organisation would also provide businesses with a unified platform through which they could work with partners, promote their priorities and influence the future development of Derby city centre.
Businesses will decide the outcome
Although Derby City Council does not control the BIDs, it has several responsibilities within the process.
The council collects the BID levy on behalf of the organisations, oversees the ballot and can also vote as a property owner within the BID area.
The final decision will be made by eligible levy-paying businesses when the ballot opens later this year.
A similar merger took place in Bristol in 2025, when Bristol City Centre, Broadmead and Redcliffe & Temple BIDs united following a successful ballot.
Helen Wathall MBE, chair of St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District, welcomed the plans for Derby.
“One stronger BID will give Derby a more joined-up, more effective and stronger presence in the city, and I welcome this,” she said.
“A single Derby BID means businesses across the city will be represented together, so we can champion priorities and shape the future of Derby.”
Further consultation with levy-paying businesses will take place ahead of the autumn ballot.
Image caption: From left, BID Rangers Jon McKenzie and Nikki Matthews; Gemma Pindard, Deputy Manager for Cathedral Quarter BID and St Peters Quarter BID; and Ranger Scott Harris.