About Watford Town Centre BID

Watford Town Centre BID is a private, not-for-profit limited company, funded via an annual levy by nearly 500 businesses and organisations operating in the BID area. 

BID stands for ‘Business Improvement District’ and there are over 330 of them in the UK. BIDs are a great way for local businesses and organisations to work together to address issues affecting their trading environment. Problems which are too large or widespread for any one business to address can be solved by all businesses coming together to finance and manage improvements. This can increase footfall, make it easier to retain staff, solve difficult issues and ultimately result in higher profits.

Watford BID Ltd began trading on 1 April 2016 and is currently in its third five-year BID term, following a successful 92% vote in favour of the BID proposal in October 2025.

We aim to deliver the projects and services set out in our Watford Town Centre BID business plan 2026-2031.

 

The BID levy

We are funded primarily by all the eligible businesses and organisations in the BID area paying an annual BID levy. This levy income allows us to deliver against the BID business plan. It is also used to lever in more funding; for example, from public sector agencies, grant bodies and sponsorship during the 5-year term, maximising the potential funding stream and the benefits that the BID can achieve. Over the course of its first term, Watford BID Ltd generated 29% additional income, which was reinvested back into the BID area to support businesses.

Learn more

What we do

Here is a snapshot of the main services we offer and the projects we manage:

Watford Business Against Crime

If your business suffers at the hands of shoplifters or individuals carrying out antisocial behaviour then we encourage you to join our Watford Business Against Crime (WBAC) scheme.

 

Contact our BID office and arrange for our WBAC co-ordinator to drop in and see you.

› Find out more

Get the latest news

Stay informed about the latest news and events in our town. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive updates on community events, local news, and more.

    Let’s LinkUp

    Watford LinkUp is a platform created exclusively for people working in Watford to connect with each other and share information. We have partnered with Watford & West Herts Chamber of Commerce to extend the reach to their members and give all users the ability to:

    • Connect with Watford businesses and employees
    • View and upload news and events
    • Access exclusive promotions and discounts available only to LinkUp users
    • Start discussions and chat with local employees
    • Access resources that are confidential to local businesses

    As a Watford Town Centre employee, by signing up you will have editor permissions allowing you to add your own news, events and offers – it’s a completely free form of B2B marketing aimed at local organisations and their staff.

    Create your profile and become a part of our growing Watford business community!

    www.watfordlinkup.com

    Dates for your diary

    Here are details of any upcoming BID meetings or events.

    For Watford Business Against Crime members, our monthly meeting takes place on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:45-11:30am at One YMCA, Charter House.

    › View all
    Sep
    16

    BID Social September 2026

    • Date: Wednesday 16 September 2026
    • Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
    • Location: Puttshack, Charter Place

    You and your team have been invited to the upcoming Watford Town Centre BID social on Wednesday 16 September 2026 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Puttshack, Charter Place! You will be greeted with a warm buffet and free drinks such as beer, wine, prosecco and soft drinks! In addition to food and drinks, you and your team will receive a free game of mini golf during the event!

    Enjoy a team evening out with fellow Watford Town Centre employees whilst enjoying a drink, eating delicious food and playing a fun game of minigolf!

    There are limited spaces available, so please RSVP by Friday 11 September 2026 via fiona@watfordtowncentre.com or call 01923 919 989 and provide:

    1. Your company name
    2. Number of attendees from your business (Max 6)
    3. The name of all attendees
    4. Allergies/Dietary requirements

    Sep
    16

    FigFlex Opens Second Watford Workspace

    • Wednesday 16 September, 1pm to 5.30pm
    • Welcome reception at 1pm, with building tours running throughout the afternoon
    • 58 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1DA

    FigFlex Offices is celebrating the opening of its second Watford workspace at 58 Clarendon Road, bringing nearly 500 premium flexible office desks to the town.

    Located less than five minutes from Watford Junction, the newly refurbished workspace offers private offices, coworking, dedicated desks and meeting rooms, alongside premium amenities including a business lounge, breakout areas, café, fitness suite, 24/7 access, parking and bicycle storage.

    The expansion reflects growing demand for high-quality, flexible workspace in Watford, offering businesses a well-connected and cost-effective alternative to London.

    Join us for the official launch on Wednesday 16 September, with a welcome reception at 1pm and building tours available throughout the day.

    Full details and RSVP: figflex.com/clarendonevent

    Businesses interested in private office space, coworking memberships, meeting room bookings or virtual offices can also arrange a tour via calendly.com/watford-figflex, enquire at figflex.com/locations/clarendon-road or call 020 3375 8046.

    Sep
    23

    Recruitment and Retention: Build a Stronger Workforce

    Finding and keeping talented employees is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today.
    Join Hertfordshire Growth Hub, in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council, for this practical, fully funded workshop, bringing together leading experts to share straightforward advice on attracting, recruiting and retaining great people.


    You’ll leave with practical ideas to help you:
    Attract the right candidates.
    Strengthen your employer brand.
    Improve recruitment and onboarding.
    Retain talented employees.
    Build a positive workplace culture.
    Access local business support.


    Workshop Details:
    📅 Wednesday 23 September 2026
    🕘 Registration from 9.00am | Workshop 9.30am–3.00pm
    📍 The Forum, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1DN


    Book your fully funded place today:
    https://www.hertsgrowthhub.com/events/09-2026/recruitment-and-retention/

    Workshop Overview:

    Recruiting and retaining great people has never been more challenging.

    Join Hertfordshire Growth Hub, in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council, for this practical, fully funded workshop designed to help Hertfordshire businesses attract the right people, retain valuable employees and build stronger, more resilient teams.

    Hear from specialists in HR, leadership, digital marketing, workforce development and local business support, all in one practical event, and leave with ideas you can start putting into action straight away.

    Ideal for Hertfordshire businesses looking to recruit more effectively, improve staff retention and strengthen their workforce.

    Workshop Speakers:

    • Laura Wheatley – Managing Partner, Infusion Group
    • Liz Redway – Founder, Redway HR
    • Luca Avvinti – Digital & AI Marketer, Wagada Digital
    • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
    • Hertfordshire Futures – Skills Team
    • University of Hertfordshire

    *Please confirm with the BID team in advance that you are planning on attending these events.