Preston BID enters ballot period as businesses prepare to vote on plans for the next five years

Eligible businesses across Preston city centre have now received voting papers, as Preston Business Improvement District (BID) is officially in its ballot period.

The ballot, conducted independently by Civica, will determine whether Preston BID continues for a further five year term, with the official ballot day taking place on 29th October 2026.

The BID is urging eligible businesses to continue supporting the organisation and its plans for the next five years, which have been shaped through extensive consultation with businesses across Preston city centre.

The proposed programme builds on the work delivered by Preston BID to date, in collaboration with city centre businesses, while responding to the priorities, challenges and opportunities identified by city centre businesses during the consultation process.

John Boydell, BID’s Chair, said: “We are now entering an important stage for Preston BID, with eligible businesses being provided with a clear choice.

“Our plans for the next five years have been developed through consultation with the businesses we represent. We have listened to what businesses want from their BID and have used that feedback to shape our priorities for the next term.

“We are asking businesses to take the time to read the plans, issued with their voting papers, consider what the BID can continue to deliver for Preston city centre, and make sure their vote is cast before the ballot closes.”

The next five year business plan sets out a range of priorities designed to support businesses, strengthen Preston city centre and help create a more vibrant, attractive, safe and successful destination for businesses, workers, residents and visitors.

Gordon Gibson, of renowned Preston based independent record shop, Action Records, said: “The BID provides an important collective voice for businesses in Preston city centre.

Throughout the consultation period earlier this year, businesses have had the opportunity to share their views about what matters to them and what they want to see from the BID in the years ahead.

Gordon continued: “Preston BID is a significant asset to the city and an invaluable source of support for local businesses.

“It is good to know that there is an organisation working tirelessly to help promote a community feel around the city.

“They also play a crucial role in representing the voice of all the local businesses, large and small, ensuring that concerns are heard and where possible help to sort things out.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to look out for their ballot papers, check the information provided and ensure their vote is returned ahead of the ballot deadline.

The BID has confirmed that it intends to keep the annual levy for businesses at just 1%, of their ratable value, which remains one of the lowest in the country.

The ballot closes at 5.00pm on Thursday 29^th October 2026, with the result expected to be announced shortly afterwards.

Radu Solomon, from Hollywood Bowl, said: “The BID’s ideas and engagement have been nothing short of excellent, and I sincerely hope that in the years to come their hard work will continue to pay off in helping Preston grow into an even more vibrant place to be.”

John Boydell added: “For a relatively modest annual investment, the BID gives businesses the opportunity to collectively deliver things that no individual business could achieve on its own. That means a stronger voice for the business community, investment in the city centre, activity that brings people into Preston, and practical support for the businesses that operate here.

“That is what is at stake in this ballot. A ‘Yes’ vote means we can continue that collective investment and build on the work already underway, with a clear five year plan shaped directly by the businesses we represent.

“If the BID does not continue, that investment and the additional projects and services funded through the BID will come to an end.  At a time when city centres are competing hard for visitors, customers and investment, we believe it is important that Preston’s businesses retain the ability to work together and invest in their own future.

“We are asking businesses to look at what the BID delivers, look at our plans for the next five years and consider what can be achieved for a relatively modest annual contribution. We believe there is a great deal at stake, and we strongly encourage eligible businesses to support the next five years of Preston BID.”