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
    Jun
    3

    Cyber and Fraud awareness event 2026

    Do you know how to stay safe & secure online?

    The countdown for the cyber and fraud awareness event has begun, with the event taking place on Wednesday 3 June 2026!

    These are free events in which the public can drop-in at any time to chat with Fraud, Cyber and Trading Standards specialists who will be on-hand to listen, advise and signpost.

    Throughout the day, there will also be scheduled talks which anyone can attend consisting of;

    • Cyber crime & fraud prevention from 11:00am-12:00pm (By Herts police)
    • Scams and victim support from 12:00pm-1:00pm (By Beacon/Victim care)
    • Rouge traders & scams from 1:00pm-2:00pm (By trading standards)
    • Fraud against the council from 2:00pm-2:15pm (By HCC SAFS)

    Throughout the day, there will also be scheduled talks which anyone can attend; no prior booking is required. These events are suitable for all ages and especially valuable to those who seek in-person fraud and cybercrime prevention advice, are less tech-savvy, or whom may be considered vulnerable.

    Jun
    9

    Watford Business Connect 2026

    The Watford Business Connect event is back on Tuesday 9 June 2026 and bookings are open!

    Watford Borough Council’s next Watford Business Connect event is coming up in June and is open to any business in Watford. The event will provide local businesses with updates on developments, opportunities and challenges for the town, and will showcase local schemes, initiatives and business support, with plenty of time for networking.

    There is a great line-up of sessions, including: updates from the Watford Colosseum, exciting opportunities for the town, skills and training support, and awarding new businesses the Watford Business Pledge.

    Watford Borough Council’s Economic Development Team invites you to join them for a chance to learn, connect and collaborate:

    • When: Tuesday 9 June 2026
    • Time: 3:30pm-6:00pm
    • Where: Watford Colosseum
       
      Hosted by Watford Borough Council with support from our partners, the event will give businesses the opportunity to learn, connect and collaborate with their peers.

    This is an exclusive event just for Watford’s excellent business community, with 100+ businesses able to attend, we have a great line-up of speakers, and ample time for networking.
    Spaces will go quickly, so book your space as soon as you can.

    Jun
    17

    Community Safety Partnership seminar

    Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026

    Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

    Venue: Cineworld Watford, Charter Place, Harlequin Shopping Centre

    All Watford Town Centre BID businesses are invited to join us for the Community Safety Partnership Seminar on Wednesday 17 June 2026.

    It is a great opportunity to hear about ‘individuals of concern’ and receive crime and ASB updates from all partnership members as we strive to further tackle crime & safety in Watford Town Centre.  You can also have a voice during the Q&A panel to share your feedback and ask relevant questions to stakeholders.

    10:00am – Arrival & Refreshments
    10:10am – Welcome & Overview of the Seminar
    10:15am – The BID’s Role in Community Safety: Partnerships & Key Initiatives
    10:35am – Herts PCC: Strategic Overview of Community Safety Across the County

    10:50am – Watford Borough Council: Collaborative Approaches to Community Safety
    11:05am – Watford Police: Local Priorities & Policing Update

    11:15am – Harlequin: Security Insights & Operational Scope
    11:30am – Panel Q&A
    12:00pm – Close

    Please RSVP your attendance to enquiries@watfordtowncentre.com by Monday 15 June 2026.

    Jun – Sep
    19 – 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

    TBC
    TBC

    Martyn’s Law 2026

    The statutory guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, has now been released by the UK Home Office.
    Alongside the statutory guidance, the Home Office confirmed it is continuing to develop a wider package of supporting material to help organisations understand the requirements of the Act and prepare for commencement. As and when we learn about these, we will share these with you.


    Please scan the QR code to view the guidance and supplementary documents:


    Whilst those that fall within scope of the Act may wish to begin considering the requirements, there is no requirement to comply with them until the legislation comes into force.
    The Home Office encourages those wishing to find out more to refer to Protect UK (https://www.protectuk.police.uk/) which hosts a range of Martyn’s Law materials.

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