FAQs
BID (Business Improvement District) directors can be business owners and representatives. While the Local Government Act 2003 and BID Regulations 2004 set out the overall framework for BIDs, they do not prescribe specific rules for director eligibility. This is left to each BID’s governing structure.
The Discover Clevedon Board comprises owners and representatives of BID levy payers. As per the Articles of Association, the Board will be made up of up to 21 directors; 75% of seats will be reserved in favour of businesses of which 2/3 will be reserved for levy payers; 25% of seats may be made up; 1 each guaranteed for a councillor from Clevedon Town Council and from North Somerset Council and thereafter from landlords and/or developers (on condition they are making voluntary contributions) and other representative individuals or organisations as agreed from time to time by the Board. Observers and Advisors such as Police, Council officers and others are at the discretion of the Board.
Meet the team to see who is on the Discover Clevedon Board >>
Discover Clevedon is a public facing visitor destination brand, owned and managed by the Clevedon Business Improvement District (BID).
The purpose of the BID is to deliver projects and services that enhance a town and its economy. BIDs demonstrate the power of businesses working together to achieve shared goals.
BIDs have grown significantly in popularity across the UK since their introduction in 2004. There are now over 341 active BIDs across the country.
Here in Clevedon, the BID was established in 2018 through a ballot for a five-year term. At the end of that term, a second ballot was held resulting in a vote in favour, meaning we are now in our second term, running from 2023 to 2028.
BIDs demonstrate the power of businesses working together to achieve shared goals. They bring businesses and stakeholders together to fund and deliver projects that enhance local areas, driving economic growth and improving public spaces. Benefits include increased footfall, area marketing and promotion, a collective business voice and representation on issues affecting their area, and assistance in dealings with the Council, Police and other public bodies.
Each year, Discover Clevedon, via the BID, collect a total of around £90,000 in levy payments from businesses with a rateable value of over £5,000. The levy is 2% of rateable value, meaning the average business pays just £4-5 per week—around £200-300 per year
The BID is managed by two BID Managers, Kate Cowdy and Laura Durrant who are paid to work for one day a week each. Strategic direction is provided by a dedicated Board of Directors. Each represents a local businesses or community group and undertakes the role in a voluntary capacity.
Discover Clevedon, via the BID, fund a variety of projects designed to enhance the town’s appeal, support local businesses, and foster a vibrant community. By investing in projects, the BID helps to create a welcoming and dynamic environment that benefits businesses, residents, and visitors alike. These efforts not only boost the local economy but also contribute to the town’s long-term growth and sustainability, ensuring Clevedon remains a thriving destination for all.
Investment is prioritised into three focus areas which have been defined to guide decision making and reporting. Click here to read about our three focus areas for investment, and examples of projects that we fund >>
There are many ways you can get involved. You can attend one of the members meetings, become a Board director, attend a Traders group meeting, or simply list your business or event on this website. Click here to visit our Get Involved section for more information >>
We have a Conflict of Interest policy to ensure transparency and integrity in the decision-making processes of the Discover Clevedon / Celevdon Business Improvement District (BID). This policy aims to protect the organisation and its Board members from any real, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest that may arise due to Board members’ affiliations with local businesses. Click on the link below to read our policy:
We are aware that a recent flyer circulated by the “No Campaign” has caused concern among some of our members. The document contains numerous inaccuracies regarding how BID levy funds are spent, the composition and operations of our Board, and levy enforcement processes.
At Discover Clevedon, we are committed to transparency and accountability. We ensure this by:
- Publishing all board minutes on our website (see the “Get Involved” section).
- Hosting quarterly open member meetings where members and community groups can meet our team, ask questions and hear about our projects and spending.
- Communicating regularly through newsletters, social media and WhatsApp groups to keep members informed.
- Meeting with businesses throughout the year to listen and respond to feedback.
We would like to clarify the most significant inaccuracies presented in the flyer, and provide you with the correct information below:
BID Managers: £24,772 – INCORRECT
The actual cost is £14,000 in total. This is shared between two part-time BID Managers, each working one day per week. They receive £7,000 per year, each. The flyer noted an information source from 2024 to misrepresent current salaries.
3-minute promotional video: £2,500 (£833 per minute) – MISLEADING
We invested £2,500 to develop an online advertising campaign to promote Clevedon to an audience of up to a 150 mile radius. This campaign budget included three full day of filming, editing, graphics, distribution, three professionally produced videos and the creation of a meta advertising campaign to support. These videos have already reached over 54,000 viewers, resulting in a cost per view of around 7 pence.
Blogger campaign at seafront restaurants: £300 – INCORRECT
We worked with local blogger Lizzie Eats Explores to support seafront hospitality during roadworks. She received a £150 total budget, to be spent across 5 venues to create a social media promotional campaign. No further payment was made. The campaign reached over 500,000 viewers across social media platforms and website. This generated excellent ROI.
Replacing seafront noticeboards: £9,586 – INCORRECT
We invested £7,748 to upgrade and rebrand two “What’s On” signs at the seafront, previously in disrepair and with no visible management strategy. We now manage them to promote events across the town only, creating a much more pleasing aesthetic and community asset for our town.
Objection letter re: parking charges – £1,000 paid to themselves – FALSE
A £1,000 budget was approved to obtain independent legal advice regarding proposed parking charges. No payment has been made to any board member or manager. All spending is for the benefit of the business community and is being invested in legal services only. Discover Clevedon have sought professional advice and are seeking to engage with the council to avoid the order coming into effect.
Christmas Lights – 31% reduction in funding and no support for the town centre – FALSE
In 2024, we invested £15,000 in festive events across Clevedon. The 2025 budget again includes a minimum of £15,000, supporting events such as the town centre switch-on event to be held on 21 November 2025. Discover Clevedon Manager and Board members are working hard to coordinate the town centre event which will include a lantern parade, music and entertainment performances, a nutcracker trail, appearances from Santa, the VDUBZ and late-night shopping. We have received funding applications from four groups across Clevedon and are working together to ensure a cohesive and well planned Christmas season.
Queen’s Square improvements – INCORRECT
Discover Clevedon invests over £10,000 annually in planting and maintaining hanging baskets and floral displays in the town centre. In 2024, we also funded summer bunting and a public piano to enhance the space. While the canopy is privately owned, we continue to work with stakeholders to make further improvements to Queen’s Square.
Seafront investment – INCORRECT (duplicate)
As above, £7,748 was invested in improving seafront signage, and we continue working closely with North Somerset Council on wider public realm improvements at the seafront.
No support for festivals or events – FALSE
This year we have provided funding for three major events and festivals in Clevedon including:
- LitFest, receiving £3,500
- EAT Festival, receiving £2,000
- Clevedon Music Festival, receiving £2,500
We organised and delivered a launch event for the community piano in Queen’s Square which was live-streamed on social media, and has since been featured on an ITV West in a live weather link.
Board representation and decision-making – MISREPRESENTED
Board members are elected in line with our Articles of Association (available via Companies House). Each member represents a levy-paying business or community group. Our financial accounts are publicly accessible, and all members are invited to four open meetings annually.
Levy collection – 92 businesses didn’t pay in 2024 – FALSE
This is completely false. While it is correct that not every business paid their levy, 2024–2025 saw the highest total amount of levy income collected yet, reflecting strong payment rates from the majority of businesses. We are aware that North Somerset Council will pursue unpaid levies through formal recovery if necessary, and we urge all businesses to avoid this by paying promptly.
Our Position on the No Campaign
Discover Clevedon firmly condemns the tactics employed by the No Campaign, including the spreading of misinformation and the public targeting of our Board, managers, local businesses, and supporters through social media.
We are here to work with and for the business community. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us directly so we can have an open and constructive conversation.
Let’s keep Clevedon thriving—together.
Discover Clevedon
