The new BID would offer city centre businesses bespoke support to reduce their environmental impact and progress towards net zero. This includes access to tailored climate action planning and resources through the BID’s work with the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership. A “Getting Started” programme will provide SMEs with practical steps to begin their sustainability journey, offering expert guidance and a roadmap for change.
BID Updates - Bristol BID - Press Releases
Voting opens for a greener Bristol: £2.2M of new Bristol BID investment set to help businesses reach net zero
The Bristol BID ballot opened on Thursday 5th June with plans to invest £2.2 million in city-wide environmental initiatives and support for local businesses to tackle climate change.
05/06/2025
The ballot for the new unified and expanded Bristol Business Improvement District (BID) opened on Thursday 5th June, with eligible businesses being encouraged to vote yes for a proposal that will see more support in sustainable travel and waste reduction, as well as the delivery of large-scale greening projects. If approved in the ballot, the proposed new BID will unlock up to £18 million of investment, £2.2 million of which will be dedicated to city-wide environmental initiatives, helping local businesses lead the way in tackling climate change.
The proposal brings together Bristol City Centre, Broadmead and Redcliffe & Temple BIDs into one unified voice for businesses. This new structure would create significant opportunities to scale up existing efforts, ensuring that sustainability sits at the heart of Bristol’s growth.
Climate Action support
Steve Bluff, Director of Redcliffe & Temple BID, said: “This is about equipping Bristol’s businesses with the tools to lead on sustainability. By uniting our efforts, we can invest in the infrastructure, partnerships and practical support that will help businesses reduce their environmental impact, cut costs, and contribute to a greener, more resilient city.”
Physical improvements across the city would also be a key feature of the BID’s green offer. A Green Infrastructure Action Plan would enhance streets and public spaces through the creation of green walls, new planting, seating and park upgrades. The BID would also work with Bristol City Council and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to reduce vehicle movements and emissions through freight consolidation initiatives that support more efficient deliveries.
Green wall
On a more individual level, the BID would continue to expand initiatives that help workers and businesses take everyday steps towards sustainability. This includes free bike maintenance sessions with Dr Bike, encouraging active travel and a practical programme to reduce single-use materials such as coffee cups, takeaway packaging and plastic containers. These initiatives build on existing support like the ‘bring your own lunchbox’ campaign, which has already been embraced by many local businesses.
Bring your own lunchbox campaign
“We know many businesses want to take climate action but don’t always know where to start,” said Tom Swithinbank, Senior Project Manager for the three central Bristol BIDs. “This plan changes that. From day one, we’ll be delivering tailored programmes and partnerships that make it easier to adopt the changes necessary to make Bristol a more sustainable city.”
The BID proposals have been shaped by direct consultation with hundreds of businesses, ensuring the new programme of work reflects local priorities and ambitions. The ballot period runs from Thursday 5th June to Thursday 3rd July, with results announced on Friday 4th July. If successful, the new Bristol BID will begin its term on Saturday 1st November 2025. Contact steve@redcliffeandtemplebid.co.uk for more information on the ballot and the BID proposals.
