Watford Business Improvement District’s (BID) ballot period commenced on Friday 12 September 2025 and will be open until Thursday 9 October 2025...
This will allow its levy paying businesses to vote in favour or against a third BID term from 2026 to 2031.
On Monday 8 September 2025, ballot papers were posted out by Watford Borough Council to those organisations eligible to vote. Those organisations can vote “yes” or “no” for a third BID term which would commence on 1 April 2026 and run up until March 2031 if a successful “yes” vote is declared on Friday 10 October 2025.
Watford BID Ltd – trading name “Watford Town Centre BID” – has launched a campaign to encourage voters to vote “yes” for over £3 million worth of reinvestment into the town centre. The not-for-profit organisation is funded and managed by Watford Town Centre BID levy payers and supported by key stakeholders, with the vision to maximise Watford Town Centre’s potential as a dynamic, safe and welcoming place where its businesses flourish.
Watford Town Centre BID levy payers are encouraged to visit www.ballot.watfordtowncentre.com for all relevant information including the 2026-2031 BID business plan for which they are voting for or against, the key ballot dates, process and frequently asked questions relating to the ballot.
The 2026-2031 business plan includes a detailed breakdown of Watford Town Centre BID’s commitments for over £3 million worth of reinvestment for the town centre and its businesses. This includes enhancing the town centre experience, promoting Watford Town Centre, supporting business growth, championing collaboration and embracing sustainability and innovation.
Simon Plumb, Centre Director of Harlequin Watford and Chair of Watford Town Centre BID, said: “Our key commitments come straight from our business community and are shaped by a shared belief that a town centre works best when it works for everyone. From better public spaces to standout marketing to targeted business support, we’re focused on delivering results that matter to levy payers.
“As Chair of Watford Town Centre BID, I’ve seen what is possible when we work together and this next phase is about building on what we’ve achieved so far: tackling new challenges and unlocking even more potential for Watford Town Centre.”
Kara Mesiano, BID Manager, Company Director & Secretary, said: “We’re extremely proud of what our BID has achieved for Watford Town Centre since 2016, and our BID team and board are dedicated to a vibrant Watford Town Centre that attracts visitors, supports enterprise and encourages investment now and in the future.
We want to deliver popular existing projects, campaigns and services better whilst implementing new ideas that have been provided to us by extensive levy payer feedback. We urge all businesses that receive a ballot paper to digest our business plan before making their vote and contact our BID team if you want a further discussion.
We hope to enter an exciting, prosperous third BID term in April 2026 after a resounding “yes” vote from our fantastic business community.”
To find out more about Watford Town Centre BID and the services provided by the BID team, visit www.watfordtowncentre.com and refer to the ‘For BID Businesses’ section for information relevant to levy paying businesses.
