FAQs
Lincoln BIG is the trading name for the Lincoln City Centre Partnership (Company number 04662323). It is controlled by a Board of Directors representing levy payers and the different sectors within the BID area. The BID Board advises on operational and service delivery issues, oversee performance measurement, and more generally act as the primary consultative and advisory body on BID services. It has responsibility for financial arrangements, contractual obligations, human resources, standards and compliance, and strategic direction.
Lincoln BIG is a not for profit organisation, registered as a company, limited by guarantee and any surplus revenues are ploughed back into delivering the aims and objectives of the company.
Lincoln BIG is a company limited by guarantee, and operates within regulations set by the government when operating a Business Improvement District. Lincoln BIG became a BID in April 2005.
The services that Lincoln BIG deliver are identified through careful consultation with businesses and retailers in the BID.
What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?
The establishment and operation of a BID is governed by legislation – Part 4 of the Local Government Act 2003 and the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004.
Annual accounts will be produced alongside an annual review and these will be made available to levy paying businesses.
As required by the BID legislation, Lincoln BIG will enter into legal agreements with City of Lincoln Council as follows:
- Baseline agreement – this will set out the minimum service standards to be delivered by City of Lincoln Council along with any additional agreed discretionary services within the BID area
- Operating agreement – this defines the contractual arrangements for the collection and enforcement of the BID levy
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 promotions of the area, better events, and greater say for businesses on key issues.
Lincoln Business Improvement Group (Lincoln BIG) was created by businesses in Lincoln city centre that voted, by ballot, to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in April 2005.
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.
A BID can last a maximum of 5 years, after which businesses must vote again if they wish to continue.
The BID area from West to East is Brayford Way (over the university campus) to Broadgate (including Lincoln College) and from North to South is Newport Arch to St Marks Shopping Centre.
Download a detailed BID area map.
There are no current plans to extend the BID area. However, Lincoln BIG would consider an extension where invited to do so by a sufficient number of businesses in an area adjacent to the current BID boundary.
The services that Lincoln BIG deliver are identified through careful consultation with businesses and retailers within the BID area. Our core activities are:
- Events and promotions
- Evening Economy Management
- Lincoln in Bloom
- Safety Strategy
- Street Management
- Discounted Car and Bus services.
Lincoln BIG is funded by a variety of sources to deliver services:
- The BID Levy, equivalent to 1.75% of rateable value, which is paid by all except businesses with a rateable value below £6,000 per annum
- Investor members, such as major landowners and those outside of the BID area, who have a say in what we do through our investor membership scheme
- Income generated through our own trading activities such as security and events
- Service Level Agreements with the local authorities and others to deliver initiatives to improve the city centre
- Grants and other funding opportunities.
In summary, about a third of our revenue comes from the BID levy, a third from trading and investor membership and a third from the grants and services.
The amount is based on 1.75% of the rateable value of properties in the city centre based on the current rateable value of the property at the time of the BID ballot.
Lincoln BIG is answerable to members and levy payers. As a business in its own right, our organisation is controlled by a board of directors drawn from stakeholders in the city centre.
An annual report is published in June every year which sets out what has been achieved. All members are entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting and vote directors on to the Lincoln BIG board. Six of the 18 directors are appointed to the Board by Lincoln BIG members, four by our Investor members, two each by our Founder Members and four by co-opted members to ensure diverse representation on the board.
How can I get involved with Lincoln BIG?
All businesses in the city centre will automatically receive Lincoln BIGs services and invitations to events. Your business can become a member of Lincoln BIG, which allows you to stand and/or appoint directors of Lincoln BIG and vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
As a business in the city centre, we would love to hear your views. If you have any comments, suggestions or concerns please get in touch.
Appointment of Directors
All directors of Lincoln BIG are volunteers and do not receive any remuneration for their position. Directors, when signing to become part of the Lincoln BIG Board, agree to the terms and conditions of the policy concerning appointment and termination of Directors which also sets out expected standards and levels of responsibilities for our Board members. The process for nominating new directors and re-electing existing directors who are retiring at an annual general meeting is set out in the Articles of Association, these set out how the company is governed.
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 to ensure that our services meet the needs of people living, visiting and working in the city centre. If you are interested in becoming a director of Lincoln BIG, please contact us for more details.
Register of Pecuniary Interests
When appointed, all directors are requested to complete a register detailing information on other directorships, personal interests and other business interests. This is to ensure complete transparancy when discussing issues in relation to our business plan, operational and stragegic plans and the procurement of contracts. The register of all pecuniary and personal interest is a standing board agenda item, and the chair ensures that all directors update this regularly and declare any new interests at each meeting they attend. For more information please contact us
Annual General Meeting
The AGM is held each year and members are invited to attend. The annual report is also presented at this meeting to attendees. You can request an invitation to the AGM by emailing us.
Meeting Minutes
Lincoln BIG Board members meet as a minimum once a quarter to discuss future plan and to review delivery and monitor success. You can request a copy of meeting minutes by contacting us
Procuremnt Policy
Our number one priority is to ensure best value is achieved when procuring products and services for the company so that a direct return on members investment is received. We also look to invest back into the local economy and into our levy paying businesses, wherever possible. For more information please contact us
How can I make a complaint?
Whilst 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 our services please get in touch. If you think the problem might be solved by our City Centre Wardens, please report an issue.
