Introducing Halesowen Business Improvement District (BID)

What is a BID? A BID is a locally-driven initiative where businesses within a defined area agree to pay an additional levy. The money raised is invested back into projects and services to improve the trading environment beyond what the local council provides. Halesowen BID is run by local businesses, for local businesses to support Halesowen town centre.

Halesowen BID was the first BID in the Dudley Borough developed in 2017, until Stourbridge BID was formed in April 2025. Neighbouring authorities such as Birmingham have 11 BID areas part of over 330 across the whole of the UK.

Key Objectives of Halesowen BID

1. Boost Footfall and Make the Town an Experiential Destination

• Organise events and activities that attract visitors and encourage more people to come into Halesowen.
• Develop creative and engaging experiences to compete with larger shopping centres and online shopping.

2. Support Local Businesses

• Provide hands-on support to businesses —  coaching, networking, and guidance.
• Help business owners improve their performance and profitability through advice and operational support.

3. Improve the Town’s Environment

• Invest in environmental initiatives, helping businesses reduce CO₂ output and become more sustainable.
• Improve the overall look and feel of the town, creating a cleaner, safer, and more attractive space for residents and visitors.

4. Enhance Security and Safety

• Provide a safer environment for visitors, staff, and businesses through dedicated security measures and coordination with partners.

5. Marketing and Promotion

• Raise the profile of Halesowen through targeted marketing campaigns and promotional activities to showcase its offer as a destination to shop, socialise, and do business.
• Position Halesowen more prominently in the wider region. This includes running a local radio show ‘Hello Halesowen’ on Black Country Radio.

6. Create a Thriving Local Economy

• Encourage new businesses to locate in Halesowen and support existing businesses to grow.
• Work to remove barriers such as accessibility and car parking challenges that might deter customers visiting the town.

How Halesowen BID Works

• Businesses within the defined BID area pay a levy (a percentage on top of business rates) — this money is pooled to fund additional services and projects.
• The BID has a managing board and an appointed manager (Vicky Shakespeare) and town Ambassador (Ellie Hunt) who oversees delivery of activities based on business priorities. Supporting 484 business across the area.

Examples of BID Activities

• Supporting events such as seasonal celebrations (e.g., Christmas lights, Black Country Day, Halesowen Beach Weeks). Run network events with Black Country Chambers of Commerce, Host large scale business luncheons and Awards Evenings. Halesowen BID are the driving force behind award winning Halesowen in Bloom that improves the aesthetic appearance of the town.

• Liaison with local authorities on town centre regeneration and planning. Recently securing £20m from central government Levelling-Up fund.
• Helping businesses access grants or navigate support schemes.

If you’re a local business in Halesowen or planning to trade here, the BID’s objectives are fundamentally about creating a stronger, more vibrant, sustainable and successful town centre together with the business community.