About Knutsford BID
In 2025, businesses across Knutsford voted in favour of establishing the town’s first Business Improvement District (BID). Following a successful ballot, the Knutsford BID will officially commence on 1st April 2026. Over its five-year term, the BID will generate approximately £1 million of new investment dedicated to enhancing and supporting Knutsford’s town centre between 2026 and 2031.
The Knutsford BID will be delivered and governed by a newly formed, business led partnership. This partnership will represent the priorities of local businesses and ensure that all BID funded projects, services, and initiatives directly support the long-term vitality of Knutsford.
The BID will be delivered by Groundwork CLM and governed by a new board of businesses representing the interest in levy payers. The Knutsford BID Board will be responsible for holding delivery of the BID’s projects to account and will be accountable itself to the wider business community.
The Knutsford BID Board is committed to regular reporting, transparent governance and will ensure that the ‘voice’ of BID levy payers drives the plans for improvement.
What the BID Will Do
The Knutsford BID has identified a series of 10 clear opportunities for the project to add value:
GIVING BUSINESSES A STRONGER VOICE
The BID will provide a platform for Knutsford’s business community to influence local decision-making, access funding opportunities, and shape the town’s future direction.
BOOSTING FOOTFALL THROUGH EVENTS & EXPERIENCES
The BID will work with partners and stakeholders to build on existing events and introduce new high-quality events – markets, festivals, late-night shopping, and cultural activities to attract visitors and encourage local spending.
ENHANCING THE LINK WITH TATTON PARK
Enhance physical and promotional links between Knutsford town centre and Tatton Park to encourage two-way visitor flow, ensuring both locations benefit from increased footfall and engagement.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
Working with key stakeholders to promote a strong, unified identity for Knutsford as a must-visit destination – targeting both residents and regional/national day-trippers through coordinated campaigns.
IMPROVING THE PUBLIC REALM
Invest in cleaner streets, greener spaces, better signage, and improved lighting to make the town centre more attractive, accessible, and welcoming.
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
The BID will provide free training, link businesses to support and provide networking opportunities, and collective services (e.g. waste management, joint procurement) to reduce costs and improve competitiveness.
ENCOURAGING A DAY-TO-NIGHT ECONOMY
Support the growth of Knutsford’s evening economy by promoting dining, culture, and leisure options to encourage longer dwell times and more diverse opportunities.
IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY & PARKING
Work with partners to address parking concerns, enhance signage, lobby for public transport improvements, promote public and active transport options, and make it easier for people to work, visit and stay longer.
ENHANCING SAFETY & SECURITY
Introduce initiatives which may include a business crime reduction partnerships, to create a safer and more secure town environment.
INFLUENCING LOCAL INVESTMENT THROUGH DEVOLUTION
As devolution brings greater powers and funding to the region, the Knutsford BID can act as a key voice in shaping how investment and resources are directed locally. By aligning BID priorities with the wider Cheshire and Warrington devolution agenda, the BID can champion the needs of Knutsford’s business community – ensuring the town benefits from infrastructure improvements, skills funding, transport upgrades, and place-based regeneration initiatives.
A Business Led Approach
The BID exists for businesses and is driven by businesses. The BID partnership will work collaboratively with local authorities, community organisations, and regional stakeholders to ensure that BID investment adds value and delivers measurable benefits for everyone who works, visits, and trades in Knutsford.
A Stronger Future for Knutsford
By pooling resources and working collectively, the Knutsford BID will create a stronger, more vibrant, and more competitive town centre. The five-year plan represents an ambitious step forward – bringing new energy, new opportunities, and a unified vision for Knutsford’s future.