What is Lincoln BIG?

Lincoln BIG is a not for profit business, we are registered as a company limited by guarantee and any surplus revenues are ploughed back into delivering the aims and objectives of the company.

When was Lincoln BIG started?

Lincoln Business Improvement Group (Lincoln BIG) was created by businesses in Lincoln city centre that voted, by secret ballot, to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in April 2005.

How does Lincoln BIG operate?

We are a company limited by guarantee, and we operate within regulations set by government when operating a Business Improvement District. We became operational as a BID in 2005.

The services that Lincoln BIG delivers are identified through careful consultation with business and retailers in the BID.

What area does Lincoln BIG cover?

The area stretches from Brayford Way in the west, to Broadgate in the east and includes the Bailgate and St Marks.

What does Lincoln BIG deliver?

The services that Lincoln BIG delivers are identified through careful consultation with business and retailers in the BID.
Our core activities are:

• Events and promotions
• Evening economy management
• Lincoln in Bloom
• Safety strategy
• Street management
• Access initiatives.

How is Lincoln BIG funded?

Funding to deliver the services is from a variety of sources:

• A BID levy, equivalent to 1% of rateable value, which is paid by all except very small businesses in the BID.
• A number of leading investor members such as major landowners who help to fund our activities and have some say in what we do through an investor membership Scheme.
• Income generated through our own trading activities such as security and events.
• Service agreements with the local authorities and others to deliver initiatives to improve the city centre.
• Grants and other funding.

About one third of our revenue comes from the BID levy, one third from trading and investor membership and one third from the grants and services income that we obtain from a range of agencies to improve the city centre.

Who decided to create the BID in Lincoln?

The decision to create a BID in Lincoln was taken by business ratepayers in a ballot held on 18th April 2005. 44% of businesses voted in this ballot and 79% were in favour of its creation.

What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?

A BID is a partnership between a local authority and the local business community to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment within the boundary of a defined commercial area.

BIDs give local businesses the power to make changes that will benefit them in their local community. Improvements may include extra safety and security, cleansing and environmental measures, improved marketing and promotion of the area, better events, and greater say for businesses on key issues.

How are Lincoln BIG’s services monitored?

We are answerable to our members and the levy payers. Lincoln BIG is a business in its own right and is controlled by a board of directors drawn from stakeholders in the city centre.

We publish an annual report which sets out what we have achieved. All members are entitled to attend our AGM and vote directors to the Lincoln BIG board. Five of the 15 directors are appointed to the board by Lincoln BIG members, three by our investor members, two each by our founder members and three by co-opted directors (Lincoln Cathedral, the University of Lincoln and the Bailgate Area Guild) to ensure diverse representation on the board.

What is the BID levy?

The levy is for your share of the costs of operation of the BID in Lincoln from 1 July 2005 until 30 June 2009. The money is collected by the City of Lincoln Council and passed to Lincoln BIG to deliver a range of initiatives to improve the city centre. It will be collected every July of the five-year period, with an inflationary increase.

How long does a BID last?

A BID can last a maximum of five years, after which businesses must vote again if they wish it to continue. Lincoln BIG will operate until July 2010 unless there is a vote to extend its operation further in October 2009.

How is the bill amount calculated?

The amount is based on 1 per cent of rateable value of properties in the city centre on 25 of February 2005, the day on which notice of the ballot was given. Any reductions or exemptions were detailed in the ballot information and have been applied as appropriate.
For more information about BIDs and other BID locations visit [link www.ukbids.org]

How much do I have to pay?

Businesses in the city centre will be asked to pay 1 per cent of their rateable value. The indicative costs for a 1 per cent BID levy based on 2005 rateable values are:
Rateable value of property Annual BID levy Weekly cost Daily cost
£5,000 £50 £0.96 £0.14
£20,000 £200 £3.85 £0.55
£50,000 £500 £9.60 £1.37
£100,000 £1,000 £19.23 £2.75
£250,000 £2,500 £48.08 £6.89
£500,000 £5,000 £96.15 £13.74

How can I get involved with Lincoln BIG?

All businesses in the city centre will automatically receive Lincoln BIG’s services and invitations to events. You can become a member of Lincoln BIG, which allows you to appoint directors of Lincoln BIG, vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) even stand for election as a director of the company.

As a business in the city centre, we would love to hear your views on our successes to date and our plans for the future. If you have any comments, suggestions or concerns then please contact our Chief Executive, Matt Corrigan, on 01522 545233 or email him on matt@lincolnbig.co.uk

How can I get involved with Lincoln BIG?

All businesses in the city centre will automatically receive Lincoln BIG’s services and invitations to events. You can become a member of Lincoln BIG, which allows you to appoint directors of Lincoln BIG, vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) even stand for election as a director of the company.

How can I become a director of Lincoln BIG?

To become a director of Lincoln BIG you will need to be a member. You are then eligible to stand for election at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). As a director, you will help set the strategic direction of Lincoln BIG and ensure that our services meet the needs of people living, visiting and working in the city centre.

Will the BID area be extended?

An extension is proposed around the western end of Monks Road and Broadgate. This will go to consultation before a decision is made.

How can I make a complaint?

While we continually strive to ensure our services are delivered to high standards, there may be times when we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about or services, you should contact our Chief Executive, Matt Corrigan, on 01522 545233 or by email on matt@lincolnbig.co.uk

How can I hold an event?

If you want to hold an event in the city centre for promotions, entertainment or fundraising, then please contact our Events and Promotions Manager, Michael Armstrong at events@lincolbig.co.uk