The BIDs secured overwhelming mandates for a further five years in their respective ballots

Businesses in Swansea and Cardiff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of continuing their respective business improvement districts (BIDs) for a further five years.

A ballot of firms within the Cardiff BID voted 92% in favour of continuing with a 97% approval by rateable value. The new mandate also extends the borders of the BID beyond the city centre to cover Cardiff Bay – which will bring an additional £1m of levy funding for projects and services aimed at bolstering the city’s standing as a place to work, live and visit.

Its geographical extension aligns with efforts to improve connectivity between the two areas of the capital with the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail under way which will see a new tram network from Cardiff Central Station to the Bay, with plans for the next phase then reaching Atlantic Wharf with its new indoor arena at the heart of a wider mixed use regeneration project.

The new five-year term will begin in December and will continue until November 2031.

Since its establishment, FOR Cardiff has delivered a wide range of initiatives focused on improving the city environment, supporting business growth, enhancing safety and promoting Cardiff as a leading destination.

Carolyn Brownell, executive director at FOR Cardiff said: “We are delighted that businesses have once again placed their trust in FOR Cardiff and have voted in a landmark result which is testament to the hard work of the team.

“This result reflects the value businesses see in a strong, collaborative voice for Cardiff and comes at a pivotal moment as we prepare to welcome Cardiff Bay into the BID area from December. This expansion presents a unique and fantastic opportunity to bring together the city centre and waterfront, creating an even stronger and more connected business community.

“We look forward to working with businesses across the capital to deliver ambitious projects and ensure Cardiff continues to thrive.”

Of the 955 firms in the Swansea BID ballot, 84.1% voted in fair of another five year term. Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID manager, said; “To be re-elected for a fifth consecutive term is an incredible achievement and one that everyone involved with Swansea BID is immensely proud of.

“The fact that our business community has once again placed its trust in us is a real vote of confidence in everything we’ve achieved together over the past 20 years. I’d like to thank every business that took part in the ballot and everyone who has supported Swansea BID over the years. We never take that support for granted.

“We’re excited about what lies ahead. Swansea is a city with huge ambition and enormous potential, and over the next five years we’ll continue working with businesses, Swansea Council and our partners to make the city centre an even more vibrant, welcoming and successful destination. Our focus remains on delivering real value for our levy payers while helping ensure Swansea is a brilliant place to visit, work, shop and invest.”

Over the next five years, Swansea BID said it will continue to deliver a programme of business support, city centre promotion, events, marketing, safety initiatives and environmental improvements, ensuring the city centre “remains competitive, attractive and resilient.”