So what is a Business Improvement District? The first were set up a decade ago - in 2004  - to revitalise and regenerate commercial areas in towns and cities across the UK. From a modest start there are now scores of BIDS all over the country, working in partnership in many diverse areas but with one aim - to help the commercial area thrive. 

We're in good company as some of the biggest cities in the UK have a BID scheme - from Bath to Birmingham, from Canterbury to Cornwall. 

The BID is financed through a levy paid by businesses in the improvement area which means that they have vested interest in ensuring that we are a success and make Sunderland city centre a vibrant, exciting, safe and green place to visit.