• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Want a stall at our next market?

InStreatham Logo

InStreatham

A voice for business. A vision for the community. A future together.

  • Home
  • About
    • What is a BID
    • Who we are
    • Streatham Vision
    • FAQs
  • Services
  • News
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Key BID Events
      • Streatham Village Market
      • Food Festival
      • Streatham Business awards
      • High Street Summit
  • Our Businesses
    • Work
    • Eat
    • Drink
    • Shop
    • Live
    • Play
  • Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Created by local businesses for local businesses

FAQ

What is a BID (Business improvement district)? Expand

A business improvement district (BID) is a defined area within which businesses hold a ballot (vote) to pay a levy (an additional tax or fee on top of business rates) that pays to fund improvements in the defined BID area. Read more here

Who funds the BID? Expand

InStreatham BID is funded by an annual levy of 1.5% of rateable value on all eligible businesses.

Businesses occupying a property with a rateable value of £9,000 or more in the BIDs defined operating area pay 1.5% into the BID through an annual levy collected by Lambeth Council with a maximum cap of £15,000 per single hereditament. If the rateable value of your premises is £20,000, you will pay £300 p/a. An annual inflationary increase will be applied of no more than the CPI (Consumer Price Index) and at the discretion of the BID Board.

These funds are spent on delivering improvements to Streatham in line with the BID’s business plan.

But I already pay rates. Should the council be doing this? Expand

Everything that InStreatham BID delivers is new or additional work on top of the council's services it's required to deliver normally. The BID cannot be used to replace existing council, or other public sector, expenditure. This is carefully controlled through a legally-binding Baseline Services Agreement that sets out what the Councils deliver. This can only be changed in consultation with the Board.

Do all businesses pay the same amount? Expand

No, because all rateable values are different. Each business contributes a levy equal to 1.5% of their premises' rateable value, so if the rateable value of your premises is £20,000, you will pay £300 p/a.

Can I opt out? Expand

No, when the ballot is successful, the levy becomes a statutory requirement with the force of law.

Every five years businesses in the BID area vote for the continuation of the BID and if they vote yes, any occupiers within the BID area become members for the duration of the next 5-year term. 

The BID levy is collected through the current Business Rates system but will be the subject of a separate bill. The levy will be amended on an annual basis in line with inflation, at a rate to be agreed by the inStreatham board.

The levy is discounted for charities at the same rates as business rates.

What benefits can I expect? Expand

We provide members with access to valuable information, resources, and support services - this may include market research, training programs, access to grant or loan opportunities.

The team also provide business support initiatives that help businesses on a number of factors affecting their day to day trading (free business recycling, alcohol and pavement licensing, local authority and landlord disputes etc) whilst also celebrating businesses through the Streatham Business Awards.

Events, campaigns and environmental improvements that brings in more customers

InStreatham BIDs income has funded street enhancements that improve the look and feel of our high street such as jet wash cleaning, chewing gum removal; greening; security, public toilets, hanging baskets, banners, shopfront and public realm improvements. The BID also funds marketing and annual events to boost footfall such as the Streatham Food Festival and Christmas trees and lights.

Giving businesses a greater opportunity to shape their operating environment according to their needs.

The BID serves as a collective voice for businesses in the BID area, representing their interests to local government authorities and advocating for policies that benefit the business community. Through lobbying, we can help influence decision-making processes and address specific concerns or challenges faced by our businesses, allowing our members to have a say in shaping policies, regulations, and infrastructure developments that impact Streatham.

By investing in the improvement of the business environment, InStreatham BID contributes to the overall economic development of the area. This includes attracting new businesses, stimulating job creation, and fostering a thriving commercial ecosystem.

Read more about Member Services here

Who governs the BID? Expand

Streatham BID is governed by a Board of voluntary directors representing levy-paying businesses or organisations within the BID boundary. The Board is responsible for the strategic and financial management of the BID.

All levy-paying businesses in the BID area are welcome to join as board members.

Who delivers the BIDs initiatives? Expand

The BID employs a team who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the BID and delivery of projects, services and events identified in the business plan.

I am not in the BID area but would like to be involved and join? Expand

Voluntary membership of inStreatham BID Limited is open to all businesses outside of the core BID area.

Businesses or organisations wishing to become members of BID Limited voluntarily are invited to make an application for membership by contacting the office at info@instreatham.com.

Your annual fee will be calculated based on your rateable value and you will be able to benefit from any applicable services.

Is my business in the BID area? Expand

The InStreatham BID area covers the High Road from Telford Avenue to Streatham Common South.

Sign up to our mailing list

We would love to keep you up-to-date with what's happening, special offers and important updates for the local area of Streatham.

Footer

Company number: 08482462

Discover More

  • Home
  • Who we are
  • Our Businesses
  • Calendar
  • News
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy

News and Updates

  • Join the Lunch Club’s Mission
  • Share your views on a new Street Drinking Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the area
  • London Living Wage accreditation and business grant
  • Lambeth’s Scrutiny Committee
  • Share your views on proposals to remove three BT telephone kiosks

Contact Details

Hideaway Workspace
1 Empire Mews
Streatham SW16 2BF

020 8835 7067

/instreatham
@instreatham
/instreatham

Copyright © 2019 inStreatham Ltd. Designed by Lewis Edward

Copyright © 2023

  • Home
  • Who we are
  • Our Businesses
  • Calendar
  • News
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT