Cheltenham BID (Business Improvement District) represents and supports just over 800 levy paying businesses in a geographically defined area of the town centre. And it is undergoing a quiet revolution. Once best-known for lights and flowers, its role has transformed into an essential force in shaping the town’s future.
We visited new Chief Executive, Fran Inman at her offices in Isbourne House. Her career has spanned working in the hospitality and leisure industry, coordinating international events, dabbling in front-end coding and launching a co-working hub in Weston-Super-Mare to then becoming Head of Projects at Bristol BIDs. This has given her a strong blend of creativity, technical know-how and community-building expertise. Her move to Cheltenham was driven by wanting a new challenge and the chance to make a real impact. It is clear she has fallen for the town’s unique blend of culture, charm and diverse businesses.
BID’s main priority is keeping Cheltenham clean and safe. Not by replacing Council activities but going above and beyond. A great example is the recent graffiti tag removal project, carried out in collaboration with the OPCC (Office of Police and Crime Commissioner), CBC (Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire Constabulary and Cheltenham Civic Society. Less unwanted graffiti not only improves appearance, but as similar projects elsewhere have shown, can reduce antisocial behaviour significantly whilst improving the perception of the town.
What’s more, it was paid for by funds from a OPCC Grant not directly from the levy. Targeting more grants in future will help ensure they deliver better value when businesses are under increasing cost pressures.
The BID is strongly associated with retail and hospitality businesses in the town centre. And contrary to some opinion, our retail ecosystem is pretty healthy. It’s very diverse and at 8%, has a vacancy rate well below the national average, indeed what one would expect where there is a healthy turnover of businesses.
An attractive town centre is vital to the local economy not just for residents but to attract visitors and inward investment as well, so close collaboration with Marketing Cheltenham is core to their approach. We are also delighted that Fran sits on our Board, as well.
She is acutely aware that places like Cavendish House and The Municipal Offices which are iconic within Cheltenham, face uncertain futures. “These are not just buildings,” she says. “They’re opportunities to reimagine what a town centre can be—mixing retail, leisure, housing, and innovation. But we can’t afford to be complacent.”
The BID is a significant influence on such issues and are increasingly involved in high level policy discussions, giving a voice to local businesses. This reflects a shift across many BIDs in the UK and Fran is keen that she and her team learn from successes and failures elsewhere.
The team has been restructured to be more specialist, with 5 dedicated roles designed to improve business engagement and project delivery, while reducing overhead costs. With the renewal ballot scheduled for October, delivering value for money – and adding value – for the town. “Additionality” as Fran puts it. “Our output has to be visible, measurable, and meaningful.”
Which is why a consultation programme has begun. This incudes town hall sessions and events, including one at the Jazz festival.
You can get tickets for this here>> and read the full consultation details by clicking this link.
Final consultation 2025>>
Any BID Members trading this are encouraged to complete the accompanying survey to help find out what businesses truly need over the next five years.
Complete the survey here>>
But formal feedback is just part of this process, the team are happy for anyone to contact them or even meet up to understand what those affected think. As Fran says: “Come and talk to us—positive or negative. We’re here to listen.”
