What the BID Does

InColchester is the Business Improvement District...

for Colchester city centre, working to support local businesses, strengthen the city experience and help Colchester thrive. Our role is to represent the businesses within the BID area and invest in projects, partnerships and initiatives that make a positive difference to the city. From supporting businesses day to day to helping deliver events, improvements and opportunities across Colchester, the BID works behind the scenes to make the city centre a better place to visit, work, live and do business.

The Impact of InColchester

InColchester’s work is designed to make a visible difference across the city centre, not just for visitors, but for the businesses at the heart of Colchester.

Through events and projects such as the Colchester Soapbox Rally, Colchester Business Awards, seasonal trails, city centre celebrations and business-led initiatives, InColchester helps create reasons for people to visit, explore and spend more time in the city.

These events bring additional footfall, raise awareness of local businesses and help showcase everything Colchester has to offer. They also create opportunities for businesses to get involved, connect with new audiences and benefit from the wider promotion of the city centre.

By delivering activity that brings people together, InColchester helps keep the city centre vibrant, visible and full of life.

Supporting Local Businesses

A key part of what we do is supporting businesses across the city centre. We work closely with retailers, hospitality venues, offices, attractions, professional services, independents and national brands to understand what they need and how the BID can help.

Whether it’s sharing useful information, connecting businesses with the right people, signposting support or creating opportunities to get involved in city-wide activity, we are here to help businesses feel informed, represented and part of the wider Colchester business community.

Improving the City Centre Experience

We want Colchester to feel welcoming, vibrant and easy to enjoy. The BID supports projects that help improve the overall city centre experience for businesses, visitors, workers and residents.

This can include practical improvements, city centre initiatives, visitor information, safety partnerships, cleansing support, wayfinding, seasonal activity

Bringing People Into the City

Footfall matters to our city centre businesses, which is why the BID supports activity that encourages people to visit, explore and enjoy Colchester.

Through events, partnerships and city-wide initiatives, we help create reasons for people to come into the city, stay longer and discover more of what Colchester has to offer. From family-friendly events and seasonal trails to business awards and community celebrations, our aim is to help keep the city centre active, exciting and full of life.

Championing Colchester

Colchester is a city with a strong identity, a rich history and an exciting future. The BID plays an important role in championing the city centre and helping to raise its profile.

We work with local organisations, businesses, partners and stakeholders to support Colchester’s growth and make sure the city centre has a voice in wider conversations. By working together, we can help celebrate what makes Colchester special while also looking at what can be improved.

Connecting Businesses and Partners

The BID helps bring people together. We regularly work with local businesses, public services, cultural organisations, community groups and city partners to support shared goals.

By encouraging collaboration, we help create stronger relationships across the city centre. This means businesses can feel more connected, better informed and more involved in the future of Colchester.

Representing Business Needs

As the voice of BID businesses, we listen to the challenges, ideas and priorities of those operating in the city centre. We use this insight to represent business needs and help shape projects that are relevant, useful and meaningful.

Our work is guided by what matters to the businesses we support, from city centre safety and footfall to events, access, communication and the overall trading environment.

Working for a Stronger City Centre

Everything we do is focused on helping Colchester city centre thrive. The BID exists to support businesses, improve the city experience and create positive change through collaboration, investment and action.

By working together with businesses and partners, InColchester helps make the city centre a place people want to visit, support, return to and be proud of.