BID Ballot 2026
There is a lot of information on this page about the HCBID Ballot 2026. If you need support, have questions or would like a one-to-one discussion please contact us and we can help you through this process.
HCBID Ballot 2026
Herefordshire County Business Improvement District (HCBID) is embarking on a year of consultation with all HCBID Levy Payers. This consultation will help create an exciting second Term BID Proposal/ Business Plan for 2027-2031. Before we invite you to vote in the Ballot, it is hugely important to us to understand your views. By sharing your views, you’ll help us shape a future that reflects the needs and ambitions of our local business community. Ensuring Herefordshire continues to thrive as a destination for visitors, investment, and growth. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and your feedback will directly influence our priorities for the next five-year BID Term.
Why participate?
Your input will help shape high-impact marketing, business support, and sustainability initiatives over the next five years, ensuring your sector’s voice is heard in HCBID decision-making. You’ll guide our efforts to deliver real value for all HCBID members, from independent businesses to national chains. HCBID has delivered a huge amount since 2022, and in such a rapidly changing economic environment. We still have so much more to achieve, and with your support and by working together we can.
About Us
HCBID was established in 2022. The purpose of HCBID is to enhance the commercial and economic vitality of Herefordshire’s Visitor Economy by delivering high-impact marketing campaigns, PR initiatives, free training, cost-saving advice programmes, supporting investment and tourism growth across the County. This is achieved through a collaborative, business-led approach. The projects are funded by a Levy paid by eligible businesses.
HCBID’s Governance and Legal Framework
HCBID operates as a not-for-profit company with a defined geography and Levy Rules. Businesses within this area, and above a certain rateable value, are legally required to contribute to the BID Levy, which funds all HCBID activities (https://www.herefordshirecountybid.co.uk/about-us/ ). BIDs run for 5 years, which means our current HCBID Term finishes at the end of December 2026. Over the next 12 months, we will be working with Levy Payers and partners to develop a Business Plan that will take Herefordshire’s Tourism Economy to the next level.
Core Objectives and Activities of HCBID
HCBID’s purpose is articulated through the following strategic pillars. Included are some examples of the work in each pillar. For full information please browse the ‘Our Work’ section on the HCBID Website (https://www.herefordshirecountybid.co.uk/work/):
1. Destination Promotion
HCBID has established Visit Herefordshire as a dynamic and appealing destination for tourism, leisure, and business. Through its dedicated social media channels and website, Visit Herefordshire serves as the primary platform for showcasing business listings to prospective visitors and locals alike. Levy Payers benefit from enhanced visibility and inclusion within these channels, ensuring their offerings are prominently featured to attract visitors and drive engagement.
Visit Herefordshire Platform
Through the Visit Herefordshire platform, we deliver impactful marketing campaigns and digital storytelling that celebrate the County’s unique experiences. Signature initiatives such as the Dark Skies campaign, Herefordshire Food Safari, Roasts and Rambles, and seasonal highlights like Harvest Happenings and Craft Cider Week showcase the richness of Herefordshire’s culture, food, and landscapes. These campaigns drive visitor engagement, strengthen the County’s brand identity, and support local businesses by inspiring memorable journeys.
Visit Herefordshire’s What’s On guide
Visit Herefordshire’s What’s On guide is the go-to resource for discovering events and activities across the County. From cultural festivals and food experiences to outdoor adventures and seasonal celebrations, this platform connects visitors and residents with Herefordshire’s vibrant calendar. By showcasing diverse events, we enhance engagement, support local businesses, and position the County as a dynamic destination for tourism and leisure.
Public Relations (PR)
Over the past four years, our PR efforts have delivered significant achievements, as showcased on our news and stories page. These initiatives have generated substantial media coverage and engagement, providing levy payers with strong Perceived Editorial Value. This value reflects the credibility and reach gained through earned media exposure, reinforcing the impact of our campaigns in promoting Herefordshire as a thriving destination for tourism, leisure, and business.
Visit Herefordshire Tourism Conference
We proudly host the Visit Herefordshire Tourism Conference, a flagship event that brings together industry leaders, stakeholders, and businesses to celebrate and advance the County’s tourism sector. This conference serves as a platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and recognising excellence. By convening key voices in tourism, we strengthen Herefordshire’s position as a premier destination for visitors and investors alike.
Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards
Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards is a prestigious event which shines a spotlight on outstanding businesses that make our County a truly special destination. From exceptional places to stay and dine, to unforgettable experiences and attractions, the awards champion innovation, quality, and sustainability. Winners gain local recognition, but in 2025 the Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards had 3 local winners progress to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
Herefordshire Film Office
The Herefordshire Film Office has been established to position the County as a premier destination for film and media production. Acting as a central resource for filmmakers, it provides guidance, location support, and industry connections to facilitate high-quality productions. This initiative not only promotes Herefordshire’s unique landscapes and heritage, it also drives economic growth by attracting creative projects such as filming Universal Studios Hamnet in 2024 and other investments to the region.
Visit Herefordshire Radio
Visit Herefordshire Radio has been launched as an innovative platform to showcase the County’s unique assets and attractions. The station promotes Herefordshire’s tourism, culture, and business opportunities to a wide audience. This initiative strengthens the County’s visibility, fosters community engagement, and supports local enterprises by amplifying their stories, events and offerings.
2. Business Support and Development
HCBID provides direct support to local businesses through:
Cost Savings
Cost-savings initiatives identified £306,000 worth of savings via our independent partners Place Support Partnership.
Employee Discount Card
The Employee Discount Card has delivered 27 business and employee discounts and offers specifically for our Members.
Training Portal
SEEDL training programme delivering over 200 online courses ranging from marketing, hospitality management, customer services, food hygiene and Office 365.
Networking Events and Drop-in sessions
We actively host Networking Events and Drop-in sessions to strengthen engagement with Levy Payers and key stakeholders. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and relationship building, ensuring that businesses remain informed and connected. By fostering open dialogue and community interaction, we support a unified approach to driving growth, sharing best practice and promoting Herefordshire as a leading destination for tourism, leisure, and business.
Herefordshire’s Market Towns and Rural Communities
HCBID fosters a sense of shared purpose among local businesses, encouraging collaboration and collective investment in Herefordshire’s future. We actively support Herefordshire’s Market Towns and Rural Communities through an annual grant’s programme and tailored business advice service. This includes guidance on marketing strategies, social media engagement, and digital visibility to help local enterprises thrive. By providing financial assistance and practical resources, we strengthen the economic resilience of these communities and ensure they remain vibrant, connected, and competitive within the wider tourism and business landscape.
3. Data-Driven Planning
HCBID uses tools like Place Informatics and STEAM data is a cornerstone of HCBID’s strategy to promote Herefordshire as a vibrant place to visit, live, and work. It underpins funding grants, marketing campaigns, and collaborative initiatives with partners like VisitEngland, VisitBritain and Herefordshire Council to name a few. HCBID Levy Payers have access to these reports, helping businesses understand visitor behaviour and optimise their own operations.
Despite a challenging tourism climate in 2024, marked by ongoing cost-of-living pressures and an exceptionally wet summer, Herefordshire’s Visitor Economy demonstrated resilience and growth. STEAM results for the County reported a 5.03% increase in economic impact compared to 2023. Outperforming national and regional trends.
In contrast, Herefordshire grew by 2.25% for Day Visits and 0.33% for Staying Visits. The GB Tourism Survey showed the West Midlands experienced a 14% fall in staying visits and a 10% decline in day visits, while rural destinations across England saw a 6% drop in staying visits and an 18% decline in day visits. This positive result underscores Visit Herefordshire’s ability to attract visitors and sustain economic vitality in a difficult market environment.
HCBID Ballot Timeline
- Consultation stage 1: 31/10/2025 – 14/12/2025
- Proposed start date of Ballot: 17/09/2026
- Proposed final day of Ballot: 15/10/2026
- Proposed HCBID Term start date: 01/01/2027
Stage 1 Consultation details
How to take part:
- Complete the survey online HERE
- Or via the printed copies that have been sent to current Levy Payers. Send it to Address: Herefordshire County BID, 11 Corn Square, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 8YP
- The deadline for responses to be received is 14 December 2025.
Downloadable HCBID Stage One Consultation Survey:
Need more information or support to answer the survey?
- Visit our website for updates and resources. https://www.herefordshirecountybid.co.uk/
- Investigate Visit Herefordshire Tourism Website to find out more about our marketing campaigns https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/
- Join our drop-in sessions to discuss HCBID activities and benefits. https://www.herefordshirecountybid.co.uk/networking-events/
- Contact our Business Liaison Manager for one-to-one support. https://www.herefordshirecountybid.co.uk/contact-us/
Since our inception in 2022, HCBID has delivered marketing campaigns, cost-saving programmes, and training opportunities, all funded by and for Herefordshire businesses.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together, and with your continued support we can build the Herefordshire of the future!
BID Ballot 2026 Process Explained
The Business Improvement District (BID) Ballot process is a formal, democratic procedure through which local businesses vote on whether to establish (or reinstate) a BID in their area. Here’s a clear breakdown of how it works in the UK:
- Consultation – BID Levy Paying Businesses are consulted to shape the proposal / Business Plan. This ensures the HCBID reflects the priorities of those businesses who will fund it.
- BID Proposal / Business Plan will be created by the HCBID team. It will outline the following:
• The geographical area of the BID
• BID Levy Rules, Levy Rate and business sectors to be included
• Services and projects to be delivered during the BID Term
• The outline budget
• The duration of the BID (typically 5 years) - Notice of Ballot – Due to government regulations relating to BID Ballots the Local Authority (Herefordshire Council) issues a formal notice of ballot to all eligible businesses that are categorised in the BID Proposal / Business Plan.
- Voting Period
• Each eligible Hereditament liable for a BID Levy gets one vote.
• Voting is by postal ballot and will last 29 days. - Ballot Result – For the BID to be approved, it must meet two conditions:
• Majority by number: More than 50% of businesses that vote must vote “YES”.
• Majority by rateable value: The total rateable value of “YES” votes must exceed that of “NO” votes. - Implementation / Reballot – If successful, the BID is established or reinstated. All eligible businesses within the BID area are legally required to pay the BID Levy, which funds the agreed BID Proposal/ Business Plan.
- Hereditaments are the rateable properties within the BID boundary that determine which businesses are liable to pay the BID Levy. Each hereditament is listed on the Local Authority’s rating list and has a rateable value assigned by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
The Ballot to continue the Herefordshire County BID will be held in line with the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004 by Herefordshire Council.
A nominated person, organisation or registered company that is listed on the non-domestic ratings list as being responsible for payment of the rates for a property (also referred to in the BID regulations as a Hereditament) within the BID Boundary on the day of the notice of Ballot proposed 1 September 2026 will receive a Ballot paper, Ballot letter and BID Proposal/ Business Plan will be entitled to vote in a secure postal ballot.
What Happens with a NO vote?
A NO vote means that none of the BID projects outlined in the BID Proposal/ Business Plan will be delivered and Herefordshire County BID Ltd will cease trading on the 31st December 2026. Don’t make the mistake of thinking another organisation will pick up the shortfall. The key aims and objectives which were decided by the Herefordshire Visitor Economy business community will not be delivered or undertaken by statutory bodies.
There is no ‘plan B’ and no other organisation is able to access over £2m in the next five years to reinvest this directly back into Herefordshire Tourism Economy.
