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
    Oct
    22

    Watford Inclusive Job Fair

    Oct
    30

    Black History Month: Business, Council & Community Event

    📅 Friday 30 October 2026
    ⏰ 6pm – 8pm
    📍 House of Amma, Atria Watford

    Connect, collaborate and celebrate Watford’s business community this Black History Month.

    As part of Black History Month 2026, the Watford African Caribbean Association (WACA) is hosting a Business, Council & Community Event, bringing together Black business owners, entrepreneurs, council representatives and members of the local business community.

    Taking place at House of Amma inside the Harlequin Watford, this event offers a valuable opportunity to build connections, share experiences and engage directly with the council on matters affecting local businesses.

    Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas and network with other businesses and community representatives, helping to strengthen relationships and encourage greater collaboration across Watford.

    What’s happening?

    • Hear from Watford Borough Council about business support, start-ups and future opportunities in Watford.
    • Discover the story behind House of Amma and its support for entrepreneurs, artists and creatives.
    • Enjoy a live music performance from guest artist Yaneise Romas.
    • Meet local businesses, explore independent products and discover local talent.
    • Build connections, share ideas and network with the local business community.

    Whether you’re an established business owner or an entrepreneur looking to expand your network, this event provides an opportunity to connect with others, raise important questions and contribute to conversations about the future of our local business community!

    We encourage local businesses and entrepreneurs to take part, make new connections and support initiatives that help build a more connected and inclusive Watford!

    Let’s celebrate Black entrepreneurship, champion local talent and continue building a stronger, more connected Watford!

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