15 ways it has boosted the city centre
If you’ve visited Sheffield city centre in the last ten years, you’ve likely benefited from the comprehensive work of the Sheffield Business Improvement District (Sheffield BID).
Established in 2015, Sheffield BID is a delivery body focused on enhancing the city centre through various initiatives, including supporting and organising major events, implementing improvements, and advocating for positive changes.
As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Sheffield BID in 2025, let's look back at 15 significant ways the BID has enhanced the city centre.
1. Backing major events
From the drumbeats of the free Fringe at Tramlines to the roar of crowds at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 fan festival, many major events have been backed by Sheffield BID.
In 2024, Sheffield BID supported the inaugural Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Festival, which will return in 2025.
The BID has also helped to fund the Herd of Sheffield and Bears of Sheffield sculpture trails, the Castlegate Festival, and the Cliffhanger outdoor climbing festival.
A recent report to Sheffield Council highlighted the economic impact of the Fringe at Tramlines, estimated at £1.86 million. Last year, the festival attracted thousands of visitors and provided a platform for 400 local and emerging artists.
Overall, Sheffield BID’s initiatives have brought 1.2 million visitors to the city centre, generating an estimated additional spend of £19 million over two five-year terms.
2. Delivering engaging events
Sheffield BID coordinates several of its own events aimed at providing free entertainment for visitors and boosting local traders.
Highlights include the Sheffield Christmas Trail featuring family-mascot Brearley Bear, the magical Santa’s Study, and the summer Sheffield Bricktropolis, which attracts building enthusiasts from far and wide.
The autumnal Dine Sheffield restaurant week is also welcome boost for the hospitality scene, allowing people to discover new favourite dining spots.
In the first term of Sheffield BID, the body also delivered extra Christmas light installations.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “People love these events and often ask when they are coming back because they create lasting memories. Our trails are free and often come with incentives, adding a bit of magic for Sheffield families.”
3. Creating a safe Night-Time Economy
The Best Bar None scheme, taken over by Sheffield BID two years ago, recognises responsible licensing practices and helps ensure a safe, welcoming night-time economy.
This year, 42 hospitality businesses will be awarded gold standard accreditation, up from 23 in 2024. The scheme involves collaboration with businesses, the council, and South Yorkshire Police.
4. Clearing graffiti and detritus in the city centre
Since 2015, BID levy payers have benefited from a free graffiti removal service and a daily clean up of detritus affecting commercial premises.
Last year, the Clean Team service expanded its graffiti focus to all commercial properties through a partnership with Sheffield-based NRC.
The BID spends over 7,000 hours annually cleaning the city centre, creating a cleaner environment for all.
5. Improving accessibility with Mobile Sheffield
The BID's Shopmobility service, Mobile Sheffield, provides mobility aids such as scooters and walkers to help those with mobility issues navigate the city centre. A meet-and-greet service is also available upon request, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
6. Locking in spend with the Sheffield Gift Card
Launched in 2017, the Sheffield Gift Card encourages spending within the city centre. Managed by Sheffield BID, the card is accepted at over 100 businesses, including retail, hospitality and leisure venues. A digital version of the card was recently introduced, making it even more convenient and attracting a new generation of audience.
7. Creating connections with Sheffield Free Wi-Fi
Sheffield BID lobbied for the city’s free Wi-Fi service, which launched in its first term. The ultrafast, family-friendly Wi-Fi is available to everyone, making it easier to share experiences and stay connected while in the city centre.
8. Shouting about city centre businesses
In 2024, over 86,000 people visited Sheffield BID’s visitor website www.sheffieldcitycentre.com, a central hub for promoting city centre activities.
The site features guides to food and drink venues, nightlife, tourist spots, and events.
This is part of Sheffield BID’s broader marketing strategy, which includes newsletters and seasonal campaigns.
9. Increasing after-work footfall
One of the earliest innovations brought in by Sheffield BID was the Alive After 5 campaign. This long-term strategy aimed to keep people in the city centre between 5pm and 7pm through extended retail hours and events.
At the time, areas of the city centre were clearly defined by their primary uses, such as retail, which typically closed by 5pm. However, the campaign envisioned a future where planning relaxations would enable a vibrant mix of businesses, not all of which would close early.
Diane Jarvis at Sheffield BID, explained: “The ongoing regeneration of the city centre is now making our earlier ambitions possible, with mixed-use developments creating a more dynamic environment."
The ongoing regeneration projects, such as the Heart of the City and Castlegate developments, are transforming Sheffield into a more vibrant, liveable city centre. These projects are introducing new homes, offices, shops, and leisure spaces, ensuring the city remains active and inviting well into the evening.
10. Welcoming visitors
Early BID projects included the BID Buddies, a street concierge team of five that provided welcome, wayfinding, and reassurance to visitors. These hosts, recognisable by their distinctive bowler hats, were a friendly presence in the city centre until 2020.
11. Supporting business needs – no matter what
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Sheffield BID continued to provide essential services, including security patrols and reopening support. The BID also led the Street Rangers project, offering employment opportunities to former rough sleepers.
12. Revitalising the High Street
Sheffield BID has transformed vacant units for various purposes, including the magical Santa’s Study. It has also supported ReNew Sheffield, helping independent businesses revitalise empty shops and underused spaces, contributing to the city’s regeneration.
13. Advocating for change
Sheffield BID has consistently advocated for positive changes, such as the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order to tackle anti-social behaviour. This order, agreed upon by Sheffield Council in December 2024, aims to create a safe, clean, and inviting city centre.
14. Giving a voice to city centre businesses
The High Street Forum, organised by Sheffield BID, provides a platform for businesses to share insights and collaborate on solutions to improve the trading environment. The BID values the sense of community and collaboration fostered through these meetings.
15. Introducing life-saving equipment
Sheffield BID operates a network of outdoor defibrillators, known as Pulse Points, across the city centre. More recently, we introduced 12 emergency bleed kits to help manage catastrophic bleeds until emergency services arrive. The Daniel Baird Foundation is lobbying Government to make this equipment mandatory in every town and city in the UK.
Looking Ahead: the future of Sheffield BID
As Sheffield BID celebrates its tenth anniversary, the organisation has played a pivotal role in transforming the city centre. From supporting major events and enhancing safety to revitalising the high street and advocating for positive change, Sheffield BID has been a constant and reliable presence.
Diane Jarvis reflects on the journey:
“The BID is different things to different people. We’ve become an integral part of the city centre, working tirelessly to create a vibrant, safe, and welcoming environment. While we’ve achieved a lot, our work is far from finished.
"We look forward to continuing our efforts and supporting businesses in new and innovative ways.
"As we look to the future, Sheffield BID remains committed to fostering a thriving city centre that benefits everyone."
In October, a new ballot will be held to determine if Sheffield BID will continue into a third term. This vote is crucial for maintaining the momentum and ensuring that the BID can keep delivering valuable services and support to the city centre.
With plans for more ambitious projects and continued collaboration with local businesses and stakeholders, the next BID term promises even greater achievements.
