About
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a specific area where local businesses come together to invest in projects and services that make the neighbourhood a better place to work, visit, and enjoy. By pooling their resources, they help create a more welcoming, vibrant, and thriving environment for everyone.
What is
THE JQBID?
The Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) was established in 2012 and is now in it’s third term, improving the business environment of the Quarter making it an attractive location for people to visit and businesses to invest.
The JQBID is funded by a local levy which is compulsory to pay by all businesses that are located within the BID area. The JQBID levy is set at 2%.
Now in its third term of operation, the JQBID is delivering on a proposal which more than 87% of businesses agreed to in 2022. The proposal is broken down into 4 work streams that the JQBID deliver projects from.
OUR FOUR
PROJECT
AREAS
Outlined in the BID Proposal, the team focuses on 4 key areas. These 4 project areas are the basis for all initiatives, services and events that the BID team provides throughout the term.
Business
Support
Cleaner &
Greener
Safe &
Welcoming
Footfall &
Promotion
WHO IS A BID LEVY PAYER?
The BID’s activities are principally funded via a BID levy charge set at 2% of rateable value (RV) as at 6th April 2022. This charge is payable by all non-domestic properties within the BID area (please see boundary map below) and is collected by Birmingham City Council. The funds are then passed to the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District Limited, a not-for-profit company that operates the BID.
If you are a BID Levy Payer, find out about the benefits and opportunities available to you and your business by downloading the BID Renewal Proposal document.
Frequently
asked
questions
What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a geographically defined area to collectively invest in projects and services that improve the Jewellery Quarter for businesses and Visitors.
How do I pay the BID levy?
The BID levy is collected by Birmingham City Council on behalf of the JQBID. Payment instructions are included on the levy invoice issued annually. If you have any questions regarding payment, you can contact the Council’s Business Rates department or the JQBID office for guidance.
Birmingham business rate:
www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20148/business_rates/255/business_improvement_districts_bids
JQBID
Email: info@jqbid.co.uk
Contact Number: 0121 233 2814
What happens if I don’t pay the BID levy?
Non-payment may result in recovery action taken by Birmingham City Council, which could include court proceedings and enforcement action. We strongly advise businesses to engage early if experiencing difficulty with payment.
How is the BID levy calculated?
- The levy is calculated at 2% of a hereditaments Rateable Value. The following conditions apply:
- The annual levy will be apportioned on a daily basis where hereditaments are taken out or brought into the National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) list.
- No exemptions will be granted for void or partially empty premises. No exemptions will be made for Listed properties.
- The levy will be discounted for charitable organisations at the same level as their mandatory rate relief, currently 80%.
- Existing Hereditaments with no merges or splits with rateable values that were below £10,000 (in the 2022 NNDR listing) will be exempt from the levy.
- The maximum levy payable will be £10,000 per hereditament.
- Interest can be added to the Levy charge each year from the start of the 5-year term.
Can I opt out of the BID?
No. The BID arrangements are legally binding for non-domestic ratepayers in the BID area who meet the criteria set out in the Jewellery Quarter BID Plan.
Who do I contact with an enquiry about the BID?
For any enquiries regarding the BID, including the levy, services, or projects, please contact the JQBID team directly:
Email: info@jqbid.co.uk
Contact Number: 0121 233 2814
What is the council’s role in the BID?
Birmingham City Council plays a statutory role in the administration of the BID, including the collection of the levy and ensuring transparency in governance. However, the JQBID is managed independently by a not-for-profit organisation with a dedicated team and board of local business representatives who oversee strategy, operations, and delivery of services.
What do I get for my money?
The BID levy is used to fund a wide range of project areas that directly benefit the Jewellery Quarter and its business community. These include:
- Business support
- Cleaner and greener
- Footfall and promotions
- Safe and welcoming
The property is unoccupied do I still need to pay?
Yes. The BID levy is payable on all eligible hereditaments within the BID area, whether occupied or vacant. This ensures fairness and consistency across all rateable properties.
