A BID (Business Improvement District) is a geographical area in which local businesses have voted to invest collectively to improve the environment for commercial activity. An organisation – such as angel.london – is then formed to deliver these improvements, answerable to a board of local business people.

Those services are identified and requested by those member businesses, who pay a levy to fund them. They are additional to those already provided by the police and local authority. Services may include extra safety, cleaning, environmental improvements, or member benefits.

Every five years, members vote to continue the BID for another five years. The BID at the Angel was established in 2007, voted in again in 2011 and 2016.

angel.london is the organisation that runs the Business Improvement District in the Angel. Covering 45 streets and representing over 600 businesses, our mission is to create a sense of place to encourage inward investment and attract business. Our thriving town centre offers commercial advantage for business owners and occupiers and an enjoyable and secure place to work, live and visit.

In 2007 businesses in the Angel voted overwhelmingly to set up a BID to improve the trading environment. The ideas were simple – making it safer, cleaner and brighter. In 2011 they voted for us to continue with our work, and in 2016 they again voted resoundingly for us to continue.

All businesses in the Angel whose premises have a rateable value over £25,500 are statutorily required to pay the BID levy annually. Rates range from £250 and are capped at £25,000.

The liability falls on the person who pays the business rates. Landlords of empty properties are liable, as are any new business ratepayers coming into the area during the term of the BID.

Smaller businesses are exempt but are welcome to pay a voluntary membership of £250 to join the BID and receive our services. We have at least ten voluntary members for whom joining makes great economic sense.