Truro Business Improvement District (BID)

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About Truro BID

Truro Business Improvement District is the not-for-profit organisation delivering range of additional services and initiatives designed to raise the profile of the city, attract more visitors and encourage them to explore all its facilities.

Supported by government legislation a BID gives businesses the power to raise funds locally to be spent locally on improving a defined commercial area. A BID is created when the majority of business ratepayers within that area vote to invest collectively in local improvements as outlined in a business plan.

Truro’s BID first became operational in October 2007. It returned with a successful ‘yes’ ballot result for a second five-year term in October 2012 and then again for its current third five-year term in October 2017. Over the past 10 years Truro BID has invested £3.4 million into the City Centre.

As of October 2018, the Truro BID had 390 businesses included in the scheme which is estimated to generate around £1.2 million of additional funding during its current five-year lifespan until October 2022.

The BID is independent from local authorities and other statutory agencies and delivers projects over and above the baseline service provided by them.

Some of the projects that Truro BID have undertaken over the last 10 years include:

  • Annual festive lighting scheme throughout the city centre.
  • Annual programme of events around the themes of fashion, sport and Christmas.
  • ‘Connected Truro’ a new signage, interpretation system for the city centre, including branded maps, information points and towns trails to encourage an even footfall to all parts of the city centre.
  • Developed a brand for Truro.
  • Summertime floral displays and additional planting to improve the appearance of the city through the summer months and build on Truro’s high success rate at the Britain in Bloom awards.
  • ‘Best for business’ – A stronger business voice, ensuring that the local business voice is represented on major issues such as planning, transport, car parking and crime.
  • Working collaboratively with the Visit Truro team to build a strong and targeted marketing campaign for the city.
Truro team members

Alun was appointed as BID Manager for Truro Bid in October 2016.  Representing the businesses of Truro and reporting to the board of directors, he is responsible for managing the delivery of the projects and initiatives that within in the Business Plan to improve the city for businesses, residents and visitors. Prior to taking up his position at Truro BID, Alun gained over thirty years of retail experience and ten years within Truro, including spells as the manager of Woolworths, Argos and most recently Dunelm.

Sian joined the Truro BID in January 2012 and is now Communications and Revenue Officer.  Sian is responsible for entertainment, Christmas Markets, City Clean Up and supporting the BID team in various ways including seeking gran opportunities and looking after the back-office functions. Sian is also regularly around Truro dropping in publications, Shopwatch Meeting invites and newsletters to businesses, as well as collecting the donations for Truro Safe.

Lindsey joined Truro Bid in June 2018 as Marketing & Events Officer. Lindsey was the main team member behind Truro Trend Fashion Week for 2018, which included promoting our great little fashion city through the Catwalk show at the Cathedral. As well as producing newsletters for Truro’s businesses, Lindsey works closely with the Visit Truro team promoting Truro’s events and activities, including Christmas, through marketing and PR. 

The Truro Bid office is now based in Truro Library on Pydar Street so the team are at the heart of the city centre and best placed to support BID members. If you would like to know more about the BID, please visit www.trurobid.co.uk or call 01872 273999.