Swansea Businesses Renew City Centre Business Improvement District Until 2031

Swansea city centre businesses have voted to renew Swansea Business Improvement District (BID) for another five years, continuing a business-funded partnership that invests in promoting, improving and supporting the city centre.

The successful ballot secures Swansea BID’s fifth consecutive term, making it the first Business Improvement District in Wales to achieve the milestone.

The result also recorded the highest number of ‘Yes’ votes from businesses in Swansea BID’s history, reflecting continued support for the organisation and its work across the city centre.

What is a Business Improvement District?

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led partnership operating within a defined geographical area. Eligible businesses vote on whether to establish or renew the BID and, once approved, contribute through a levy that funds projects and services designed to enhance the local commercial area.

These initiatives typically include destination marketing, events, business support, safety programmes, environmental improvements and projects that help attract visitors, investment and footfall.

Swansea BID was established in 2006 as the first BID in Wales and one of the first in the UK. Its successful ballots in 2011, 2016, 2021 and now 2026 reflect a continued mandate from the city’s business community to deliver improvements and champion Swansea city centre.

A New Five-Year Term

The new term will run from 2026 to 2031 and will see Swansea BID continue its work to make Swansea city centre a better place to visit, work, shop, do business and invest, as outlined in its 2026–2031 Business Plan.

Since its establishment, Swansea BID has worked closely with businesses, Swansea Council and partner organisations to deliver projects that strengthen the city centre economy. Its work has included destination marketing campaigns, events such as Student Shopping Night, business support services, safety initiatives and environmental improvements.

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.”

Supporting Swansea City Centre

The fifth term comes at a significant time for Swansea, with transformational developments continuing to reshape the city centre and create new opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors.

Over the next five years, Swansea BID will continue delivering business support, city centre promotion, events, marketing, safety initiatives and environmental improvements to help ensure Swansea city centre remains competitive, attractive and resilient.

Further information about Swansea BID’s priorities for the 2026–2031 term is available in its 2026–2031 Business Plan.

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