A Government report is suggesting that towns up and down the country follow the example of Bedford by having a Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre.

BedfordBID was formed in 2005 as one of only 12 towns to pilot the business-led project, since then 300 have followed and a report out now says they are an example for all towns.

The report lists a catalogue of ideas, many of which replicate what is already happening in Bedford www.placemanagement.org/special-interest-groups/welcome-to-the-bid-foundation/bid-news/more-bids-and-new-forms-of-bids-to-help-town-centres/

Said BedfordBID, which is led by a Board of business volunteers and promotes the town under the Love Bedford brand:

“Love Bedford is the customer-facing brand which represents 500 town centre businesses large and small, retail, services and experiences. If you want to see just what great work in already being done, what investment is being made and which innovations are being introduced by real rent and rate paying businesses in the town centre go to www.lovebedford.co.uk and come on down to town to support them when you can.

“The business-funded Bedford Business Improvement District (BID) organisation which is behind Love Bedford, works closely with the council, and other agencies, across a variety of local and nationally-led initiatives and we naturally welcome all and any ideas which encourage entrepreneurship or which ease the challenges facing our town centres.

“At Government level BIDs, of which there are now 300 and of which Bedford was one of the founding 12 in 2005, are now recognised as a way to bring together the best business expertise in any town centre location.

"Show you Love Bedford by supporting the town centre brand www.lovebedford.co.uk “