Welcome to Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID
Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) has proudly supported our town centre for 15 years, since Sutton Coldfield first achieved BID status in 2011. We are an independent, not-for-profit, non-political, business-led organisation committed to creating a stronger, more vibrant trading environment for businesses in Sutton Coldfield town centre.
Supporting Business. Enhancing Place.
In many ways, we operate like a town centre management company — but with guaranteed funding and a clear mandate from local businesses. We deliver projects, initiatives and events that:Raise the profile of Sutton Coldfield
- Increase footfall and boost local sales
- Promote local businesses and services
- Enhance the town as a place to shop, study, work and visit
Our work is shaped by the needs and priorities of the businesses we represent.
How We’re Funded
The BID is funded entirely by local businesses through a mandatory levy, collected by Birmingham City Council (separate from business rates) and transferred directly to the BID company. This funding allows us to deliver projects and services above and beyond those already provided by the Police, Town Council and City Council. A key principle of the BID model is ensuring businesses do not “pay twice.” We therefore do not subsidise services that are — or should be — delivered by statutory bodies, or initiatives provided to non-BID areas. This ensures our levy-paying members receive genuine added value.
What Is a Business Improvement District?
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) provide a formal mechanism for businesses within a defined area — such as a town centre or business park — to pool resources and invest collectively in agreed projects and services. There are now more than 350 BIDs across the UK, including Solihull, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Coventry, Cheltenham, Bath, Worcester, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent and 11 within Birmingham alone. Maintaining BID status ensures Sutton Coldfield remains competitive, well-promoted and able to host high-profile events and deliver meaningful business support.
Our BID Area
Our boundary begins on Lichfield Road and includes: Mitre Court, Sutton Coldfield College, High Street, Midland Drive, Mill Street, Coleshill Street, The Parade, Gracechurch Shopping Centre, Brassington Avenue, South Parade, Newhall Walk Retail Park, Duke Street, Holland Street and Birmingham Road, finishing at the cinema at Maney Corner.
Our Current Term
Following a successful reballot in 2021, we are now in our third five-year term (2022–2026), with a mandate to deliver an agreed programme of projects and initiatives. We will next go to reballot in Autumn 2026. During that year, we will actively seek the views and ideas of local businesses to shape our fourth BID term (2027–2031).
Investment in Sutton Coldfield
During the current five-year term (2022–2026), the BID will raise approximately £1.2 million to invest directly into Sutton Coldfield town centre. The levy is set at 1.53% of a property’s rateable value (not business rates). All business premises with a rateable value of £7,500 and above contribute. Across approximately 340 contributing businesses, this raises around £240,000 per year, funding marketing campaigns, events, public realm improvements, safety initiatives and business support.