At the recent LA BIDs meeting Roger Hayes of “The Green Brain” spoke to the group and gave his perspective on BIDs in the current political and financial climate. He approached this by breaking it down into 3 stages.
In the short term there is the potential for a stable and predictable government from the coalition written agreement but the unknowns will be the testing of the new government and therefore the financial implications will have an impact on BIDs and Councils regarding the funding of current services. The May 2011 elections will see changes and by then cuts will have been announced and made and BIDS will have accounted for this. The London Olympics, the London Mayors’ elections and European elections in 2012 will be a year of activity and BIDs must ensure that great effort is made to secure additional funding to deliver services, and BIDs must be proactive in ensuring they are part of the 2012 legacy.
In the medium term from 2012 onwards the good news is that BIDs will have the opportunity to demonstrate, how through the coming together of their local business community, BIDs are filling the funding gaps and if BIDs were not in existence then these additional services would not be available.
In the long term
Five years from now could see a revolution within the BID industry with possible numbers reaching 250 and BIDs will no longer be isolated pockets of activity but a huge lobby for change.
Roger’s conclusion was that BIDs are fundamental for ensuring there is continued local funding. He suggested that BIDs start to work together to come up with solutions and look at partnership provision and what happens with all the different services within their BID areas. BIDs must become catalysts and look at what they can put back into the community by working together, and consider breaking some of the BID boundaries extending their areas that at the present time separate the business community. BIDs may wish to look at rebuilding community links and design incentives to bring people back into the BID area and open up more opportunities to live, work and study.

The London Health Commission ‘Good jobs – good for health and good for business’ employer campaign aims to raise awareness that ‘good' jobs make businesses more productive, effective and competitive, as well as ensuring a healthier workforce, especially in a tough economic climate. It aims to help London’s small and medium businesses to take action to make their jobs ‘good’ and offer a wealth of practical advice to spark new ideas and new ways of working. The campaign offers a series of business breakfast events hosted by London businesses that can share their experience in the ‘good jobs’ area, a web site featuring case studies and links to sources of advice and support, and a regular news bulletin to keep you informed.
Further information on the campaign click here or contact the London Works for Better Health Programme Manager This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
We also work in partnership with ‘Health, work and well-being’ - a Government-led initiative to protect and improve the health of working age people. For businesses, healthy and motivated employees can enhance productivity and save costs. The initiative offers:
• Free Health for Work Adviceline 0800 0 77 88 44 provides small business managers with expert advice and guidance to support team members experiencing ill health.
• Workplace Well-being Tool to help employers improve the health and well-being of people in their organisation. Click here
• Support to help coordinate action on workplace health in your organisation.
• Advice on other new Government initiatives such as the recent introduction of the Fit Note
For further information contact the London Health, Work & Well-being Coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it