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
    Apr
    21

    Breakfast with the BID

    📍 Suite 5 Kings Court, 153 High Street WD17 2ER

    ⏰ 08:30am – 10:00am

    Stop by at any time between 8:30am and 10:00am on Tuesday 21 April 2026 – network, meet the BID team and learn more about how we can further support your business; all whilst enjoying breakfast provided by the BID!

    To ensure we can cater for all those able to attend, please RSVP to enquiries@watfordtowncentre.com with the attendees from your business by Friday 17 April 2026, and let us know if you have any dietary requirements.

    We look forward to seeing you there!

    Apr – Jun
    30 – 25

    One YMCA 140th Year Celebrations

    We are also looking for more participants for our Charity Firewalk, sponsored by JHP Electrical, on 🗓️6 May ⏰from 4pm, at 📍The Met in Bushey…Registration link here: Firewalk – One YMCA  all funds raised will be split between One YMCA and Home Start Watford and Three Rivers

    And…..drum roll….. here are the details for our Gala Night on 25 June ……

    We are thrilled to invite you to the One YMCA Gala Night, as we mark 140 years of our YMCA! 🥂

    🗓️Date: Thursday 25 June

    ⏰Time: 6:00pm – Late

    📍Venue: Watford Colosseum

    This incredible venue is the perfect setting to celebrate with us! The evening will include a drinks reception, delicious three course meal, auction, raffle, live music, and an after party where we can dance the night away!💃

    Book your tickets HERE ✨

    Individual

    Early Bird: £99

    Standard: £109

    Corporate Connect Club: £99

    Tables

    Early Bird: £650

    Standard: £699

    Corporate Connect Club: £599

    We are in discussions with an accommodation partner to offer a discounted rate for guests attending the gala – we will update you soon!

    Thank you to our amazing headline sponsor The Harlequin, Watford 🥰  other sponsorship opportunities are also available, if interested please contact Fundraising@oneymca.org  

    Apr
    30

    Rennie Grove Peace Hospice: Question Of Sport

    • Date: Thursday 30 April 2026
    • Time: 6:00pm – midnight
    • Location: Sopwell House Hotel, St Albans, AL1 2HQ

    Watford Town Centre’s Rennie Grove Peace Hospice are hosting their flagship Question of Sport evening at Sopwell House, St Albans coming up on Thursday 30 April 2026.

    As well as offering a fantastic opportunity to test your sporting knowledge, the evening includes a 3-course meal, auctions and a raffle as well as an opportunity to try out a state-of-the-art pop-up golf simulator from Catalyst Golf!

    This year, their host is TV’s Shaun Williamson who has a reputation for being a fabulous, fun host. Come along for a great evening of all things sport!

    • Cost: Table of 10 at £1400 – or individual tickets on a shared table are available at £140 pp (Subject to availability. Option to buy individual tickets on a shared table if anyone is interested but can’t get a full table of 8/10 together.)

    May
    5

    BID Drop-In

    🗓️ Tuesday 5 May 2026

    🕛 12:00pm – 2:00pm

    📍 Suite 5 Kings Court, 153 High Street, WD17 2ER

    Introducing our new monthly face-to-face event: BID Drop-in.

    Hosted on the first Tuesday of every month, businesses are invited to come along between 12:00pm and 2:00pm for a very informal catch up and cup of tea with our BID team.  If you had any queries for one of our team, this is a great opportunity to chat in person.

    Please feel free to drop us an email before you drop-in!

    enquiries@watfordtowncentre.com | 01923 919 989

    May
    12

    BID Social

    Date: Tuesday 12 May 2026

    Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Location: Reveal, 107-115 The Parade

    You and your team are invited to the upcoming Watford Town Centre BID social on Tuesday 12 May 2026 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the brand-new “Reveal” on 107-115 The Parade!  The bar opened in March 2026, occupying the former Barrio/Bosleys unit near the pond.

    Enjoy a team evening out with fellow Watford Town Centre employees whilst enjoying a drink, eating delicious food and checking out a new venue!

    There are limited spaces available, so please RSVP by Friday 8 May 2026 via business@watfordtowncentre.com or call 01923 919 989 and provide:

    1. Your company name
    2. Number of attendees from your business
    3. Dietary requirements

    May – Sep
    15 – 25

    Watford Town Centre Community Litter Pick

    Some areas within Watford Town Centre can be neglected as they fall under the responsibility of landlords rather than the local authorities.  Our community litter picks aim to set a positive example showing that all Watford Town Centre users have a responsibility to keep our town clean and tidy.

    Previously, we have had staff members from a range of BID businesses join us for community litter picking days, including Cassio Lounge, Watford Palace Theatre, Leonardo Hotel and McDonald’s. 

    If you would like to get your team involved, please email enquiries@watfordtowncentre.com to let us know the date(s) you would like to join our team:

    Friday 15 May 2026: 10:00am – 12:00pm

    Friday 19 June 2026: 10:00am – 12:00pm

    Friday 17 July 2026: 10:00am – 12:00pm

    Friday 14 August 2026: 10:00am – 12:00pm

    Friday 25 September 2026: 10:00am – 12:00pm

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