Client: Streatham BID board
Project categories: Business Engagement, Business Improvement District, Town centre
Timescale: 2013-present
Ballot Campaign and Management of Business Improvement District (BID)

In 2013 the inStreatham BID was overwhelmingly approved by 79.66% of voters and achieved an 84.77% vote in favour by rateable value.

inStreatham is a Business Improvement District (BID), a not-for-profit organisation created by local businesses. The BID was voted for in 2013 and the annual levy is paid by local businesses until 2018.

During its five year term, the inStreatham BID has delivered the following projects on behalf of local business:

  • Deep clean of high street pavements
  • Colourful high street banners to welcome visitors and residents
  • Hanging baskets, planters and seating
  • Empty shop front shutters transformed with BEEP STUDIO artworks to celebrate famous Streathamites
  • Re opening of public toilets and baby change
  • Free business recycling and ‘Make it Cheaper’ schemes helped 168 businesses save 197 tonnes of CO2 and £329 (average per business) per year
  • Additional police officers funded by the BID through a MOPAC incentive scheme have helped reduce shoplifting by 20%
  • A Street Manual delivered with funding from GLA helped the BID identify investment projects, aid high street renewal and address the social, spatial and economic possibilities for Streatham
  • Streatham has an annual events programme that has received funding from the BID; the Streatham Festival, Free Film Festival, RookFest, Love Streatham, Family Fun Day, Little BIG Peace event and Kite Day and others
  • inStreatham delivers the hugely successful Streatham Food Festival. In 2017, 36 restaurants took part. The most ever!
  • The BID funded Christmas lights and trees bring the community together and create extra media attention
  • The glossy ‘Shop In Streatham’ magazine reached 35,000 homes twice a year.
  • Investment in the ‘Streatham Business Awards’ and a video to promote Streatham helped celebrate local businesses and entrepreneurs

In February 2018, businesses voted during a reballot on whether they would like to continue funding inStreatham for another five years. The BID secured the support of businesses to continue for a second term, with 45% of businesses having voted and 95% voting in favour by rateable value.

To discuss this project please email James Thomas

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