Plea to Ripon businesses to back ballot that 'will bring £900,000 investment for the city'
Ripon BID is looking ahead to a successful New Year and the holding of a crucial ballot to decide its future.
Having recently been a finalist in the prestigious National BID Awards 2026 in the Tourist Initiative category, the independent, business-led initiative is hoping to win the support of its business at a ballot in a few, short months time.
Ripon Business Improvement District officially came into being in 2021, with the key priority being enhanced marketing and promotion for the visitor economy businesses and Ripon as a destination.
Every five years, businesses must decide whether to continue the BID for another term
Ballot papers to determine if it will begin a second five-year term will be sent by February 10, 2026 with voting closing on March 12, 2026.
To be successful, a majority of businesses in the Ripon BID area must vote Yes, and the total rateable value of those Yes votes must be greater than the No votes.
Since its launch, Ripon BID says it is proud to have delivered a 29% increase in footfall compared to pre-BID levels, thanks to bold campaigns, signature events, and strategic partnerships.
"Our aim is always to make Ripon a better place for businesses to do business in and for their customers to enjoy,” said a spokesperson for Ripon BID .
Committed to supporting businesses, the Ripon BID team say a Yes vote would secure more than £900,000 investment for the city.
Ripon BID is also waiting in anticipation for the National BID Awards 2026 ceremony which will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026 in London, where it will be up against some of the UK’s most innovative and impactful BIDs.
The non-for-profit group is also warning that, if the BID ends, so does the funding, structure and partnership working that underpin all its business support initiatives.
The BID ballot is independent and confidential and is the responsibility of the Returning Officer at North Yorkshire Council.
They will use an agent, Civica Election Services, ensuring full fairness and transparency.
The process is underpinned by The BID Regulations (England) 2004.
Information: https://visitripon.co.uk/ripon-bid/