York’s city centre businesses will gather on 16 July 2026 to mark the start of a fresh phase for the York Business Improvement District at its Annual General Meeting. The event runs from 6pm to 9pm at the Radisson York Hotel and launches the BID’s third term, giving levy payers a chance to review the past year’s work and hear about upcoming plans.
The third term was secured last October when 91.4% of voting businesses backed renewal in a month-long ballot. Based on rateable value, support reached 94.4%. Executive Director Andrew Lowson said: “We’re delighted with this result and grateful to every business that voted.” Chair Michael Hjort called the outcome “This third term is a real vote of confidence from the business community.” The new mandate keeps the BID operating until at least 31 March 2031.
Since its launch in 2016, the BID has delivered projects including Winter Lights, York Restaurant Week, Ghosts in the Gardens, the York Art Trail, and the Colour & Light event. Its day-to-day work also relies on a team of Street Rangers and a Rapid Response cleaning crew, who maintain a visible presence across the centre. The AGM arrives as the organisation begins delivering an ambitious 2026–2031 Business Plan focused on keeping the city clean, safe, vibrant, and prosperous.
York BID is one of more than 200 Business Improvement Districts across the UK where businesses collectively fund services, events, and investments to improve their local area. The meeting will offer levy-paying businesses direct access to the BID’s leadership and a closer look at the initiatives set to shape the next five years.
Alongside Mr Lowson and Mr Hjort, City of York Council representatives Councillor Peter Kilbane and Councillor Rachel Melly sit on the BID board. Further details of the AGM are available on the BID’s website.
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