Local businesses have voted 'yes' for Ripon BID (Business Improvement District) to remain in place in support of the city for another five years.
With a 'yes' vote of 67% per cent (67 % voted yes, 75% by RV), the new term – which officially starts in September 2026 – will see the BID team focused on 3 objectives:
- Local & Visitor Marketing - Marketing the area as a must visit destination
- Access & Facilities - Investing in the look and feel of Ripon with better wayfinding and cleaning and greening
- Business Support - Providing business savings, training and support
Ripon BID was initially voted into place five years ago, in 2021.
During their first term, Ripon BID has invested over £850,000 in the city through a wide range of projects – highlighted in pages 8-10 of our business plan.
Ripon BID has also brought into Ripon over £180,000 in grant funding and other income during its first term to date – an increase of 50% from the prediction in the 1st term business plan.
The BID is overseen by a group of Directors, who give up their time for free to focus on the 3 objectives.
Lilla Bathurst, Manager of Ripon BID said:
"This ‘YES’ vote gives the BID team a firm mandate to continue to deliver services and shows that the majority businesses support what we have done and want us to build on that success which we will do over the next five years.
"I would like to thank our businesses for their support and the BID Board Directors and the BID team for their hard work. We are looking forward to continue our work to make Ripon a fantastic destination to do business, work, live and visit.”
Ripon BID's vision is for Ripon to be a 'clean, vibrant and attractive' city which welcomes visitors and locals alike.
For businesses, this means a place where residents have pride to shop local, visitors want to visit (and re-visit) and new businesses chose to invest in the city.
All BID projects are about providing additional services above the local councils’ remits.
Dan Chrisp, General Manager at The Ripon Inn welcomed the news. He said:
“We’re thrilled to see Ripon BID voted in for a second term. The marketing and promotion of the city through Visit Ripon has been invaluable for us — from raising Ripon’s profile as a destination to helping amplify our own events to a wider audience.
"The Visit Ripon brand and the regular Group meetings have created a real sense of collaboration across the city’s visitor economy, giving businesses like ours a shared platform and a stronger voice.
"We’re delighted this work will continue and look forward to building on it over the next five years.”
This was echoed by Josh Westwood owner of Westwood’s Barbershop & Social who said:
“We’re absolutely delighted that Ripon BID has been voted in for a second term.
“The support we’ve received over the past five years has made a real difference to our business — from help securing our current premises alongside a premises improvement grant to the persistent efforts to resolve the longstanding issues with the abandoned building behind us.
“Knowing the BID team will continue championing local businesses gives us real confidence for the future of the city and for independent traders like us.”
North Yorkshire Council abstained in the Ripon BID ballot with Richard Flinton, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, said:
“In order to ensure that the ballot is a clear representation of what businesses want, North Yorkshire Council will abstain from voting.
“However, there are a number of BIDS operating across North Yorkshire and we appreciate the positive contribution they make.
“If businesses vote for a BID in Ripon we will work closely with the BID for the best interests of the local area.”
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