Business Improvement Districts

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led organisation working within a defined geographical area. BIDs are formed following a successful ballot of eligible businesses within the area, then funded through a mandatory levy on those businesses.

BIDs provide additional or improved services identified by the local businesses. This could include extra safety, cleaning or environmental measures. The majority of funding for the BID is provided from the levy. However, occasionally it can also be drawn from other public and private funding streams.

The current business improvement districts in Camden are listed below:

  • Camden Town Unlimited  has over ten years’ experience of serving the business community, with its fundamental purpose to enhance the commercial environment, creating a robust and sustainable economy, which can support businesses of all sizes. The organisation implements community projects that bridge the gap between major companies, start-ups and residents.
  • Fitzrovia Partnership  work closely with community groups, residents and the local authorities to deliver the following key themes identified by members and set out in their business plan: Shaping Change in Fitzrovia, Reducing Costs, Sustainable Working, Safer and Cleaner, Events, Promotion and Insight.
  • Central District Alliance (CDA) was previously known as Midtown BID. Covering Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell, Farringdon, Holborn and St Giles, CDA represents two sides of the area – Camden and Islington. Amongst its aims is to enhance life for the local business community by looking at infrastructure, pollution, traffic and methods of improving the physical environment.
  • Hatton Garden BID aims to support business growth through projects and activities that will support Hatton Garden grow as a world-renowned business and visitor destination. By revitalising the area, they plan to enhance its iconic status as London’s famous jewellery quarter.
  • Euston Town  became a BID in March 2016, at a crucial time as major transportation projects in the area were set to have an enormous impact on the business community. These include the transformation of Euston station and the construction of HS2 and Cross Rail 2. The BID aims to enhance the opportunities for local businesses through these developments.

Business Groups

In addition to Camden’s six Business Improvement Districts, there is a range of business associations in Camden offering networking and collaboration opportunities locally:

  • Knowledge Quarter, a consortium of over 75 partner organisations within the Kings Cross, Euston and Bloomsbury area, with a common interest in advancing and disseminating knowledge. The organisation focuses its support on innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  • Urban Partners, a voluntary business partnership made up of organisations in the Euston, King’s Cross-and St Pancras area. A diverse membership base with global organisations and local businesses from a variety of sectors including transport, technology, media, publishing and hospitality.
  • Marchmont Association Business and resident group promoting the on-going improvement of Marchmont Street and the surrounding Bloomsbury area.