A Celebration of Progress, Partnerships and Plans for the Future

“The Annual Review was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on just how far Ripon BID has come – and how much we’ve achieved together,” said Lilla Bathurst, Manager of Ripon BID. “Over the past four and a half years, our levy payers have invested in a wide range of initiatives that have made Ripon more vibrant, welcoming and resilient. From seasonal trails and entertainment to floral displays, street cleaning and digital training, the BID has consistently delivered projects that benefit both businesses and the wider community.”

One of the standout themes of the evening was the power of partnership. “We’ve built strong relationships with North Yorkshire Council, Visit North Yorkshire, Ripon City Council, Ripon Together, and the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, among others,” Lilla continued. “These partnerships have helped us secure over £180,000 in additional investment into Ripon over the life of the BID, enabling us to deliver impactful projects like the Spa Gardens lighting scheme and wayfinding schemes.”

The BID’s commitment to supporting local events was also highlighted, with impressive growth in footfall and ticket sales at the Ripon Theatre Festival, and the success of initiatives like the Halloween trails and Super Summer Saturdays. “These events don’t just bring joy – they bring people into the Ripon, encourage spending and showcase what the city has to offer,” said Lilla.

Looking ahead, Ripon BID has ambitious plans. “We’re excited to launch new projects including a paper-based Heritage Trail, a bespoke Augmented Reality Alice in Wonderland Trail, further investment in premises improvement grants and professional photography for businesses,” Lilla shared. “We’ll also continue to lobby for a banking hub, support late-night shopping, and work with our partners to access High Street funding.”

The BID team is also exploring innovative ideas like transforming a Market Square phone box into an information point – another example of Ripon BID’s commitment to blending heritage with forward-thinking solutions.

“As we prepare for our New Term Ballot in February, we’re asking businesses to vote YES to continue this momentum,” Lilla concluded. “With your support, we can keep delivering the projects and programmes that matter most – ensuring Ripon remains a dynamic, thriving city for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.”

Access the Annual Review 2024-2025 Presentation here