Barrow Businesses Vote Overwhelmingly to Secure BID for Another Five Years

Barrow's Business Improvement District (BID) has officially secured a third five-year term after local businesses voted decisively in favour of renewing the scheme. The successful ballot means the organisation will continue leading projects designed to strengthen the town centre and support economic growth until 2031.

The renewal followed a 28-day postal ballot administered by Civica Election Services. A total of 235 votes were cast, with 204 businesses voting in favour of continuing the BID. The proposal also passed the required threshold based on the combined rateable value of participating businesses, meeting the legal criteria for renewal.

Westmorland and Furness Council confirmed that the majority of business ratepayers supported the proposal both by the number of votes cast and by aggregate rateable value. Four ballot papers were rejected after being found unsigned, unmarked or invalid due to uncertainty.

Barrow BID was first established in 2016 as a not-for-profit organisation funded by a levy paid by businesses within the BID area. Since then, it has delivered projects focused on town centre promotion, events, business support, environmental improvements and creating a stronger trading environment for local firms.

The renewed mandate provides certainty for businesses and allows Barrow BID to continue investing in initiatives that aim to attract more visitors, encourage spending in the town centre and improve the overall experience for residents and customers alike. Local leaders have welcomed the result as a strong vote of confidence in the organisation's work and its future plans for Barrow.

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