Award winning BID now in its second term

Following discussions with the Town Centre management team and Luton Borough Council, pfbb UK led the development of Luton BID, becoming operational in 2015.

Luton was facing heavy competition from local places such as Milton Keynes and even smaller towns such as Dunstable, Hitchin and St Albans as they were all continuing to invest in their future making them a more commercially attractive setting to workers and visitors.

Since the first vote, pfbb UK has managed the Luton BID to achieve a considerable amount in terms of making the town look more attractive and driving footfall through an improved and more coordinated calendar of events, both of which have had an impact on improving overall perceptions of the town. The BID also acts as a collective voice for the businesses of Luton town centre representing a diverse range of interests and business sectors which ultimately all want the best for Luton.

Luton BID gained their renewal status in October 2019 once again led by pfbb UK. The new BID Proposal and Business Plan builds on the first five years of work to address the overall perceptions of Luton town centre but will be also embracing the successful businesses of the surrounding area to build the pride and confidence in Luton as a place to invest and grow. .

pfbb UK continues to manage the BID with its full range of retained strategic, operational, technical and back office services to fully implement the business plan that runs through until 2025.

The Luton BID initiated the Luton Task Force formed and chaired the Luton COVID Communications Group in response to COVID-19. Working closely with partners it supported businesses with providing clear information during uncertain times, supporting them in accessing much-needed funding and lobbying on their behalf for greater assistance. The BID has also continued to work with partners to implement plans to assist the recovery of the local economy, both in the short and long term playing a key role in shaping some of the strategic recovery plans including the Luton Masterplan.

Significant Achievements

• Saw significant improvements in visitor and business perception of the town centre as a place to visit and as a place to do business.
• Increased visibility of Police in Luton town centre by match funding officers resulting in the police re-establishing a reporting centre in the mall.
• Secured ‘Purple Flag’ accreditation for safe evening offer in May 2018.
• Leveraged in additional £1.2 million for a three-year arts and events programme and £20,000 for Divali in the town centre.
• Supported Luton Investment Fund to attract £375,000 of funding for the ‘As You Change so do I’ project.
• Luton Culture (The Culture Trust, Luton) and the BID supported the programme with a £10,000 a year contribution for three years and helped lever in £350,000 for events in the town centre.