Rugby was one of the first areas in the UK to have a Business Improvement District (BID). Rugby First is a business-funded body working to transform Rugby town centre, making it a better place to live, work, visit, and do business. We are an independent not-for-profit business for the benefit of local businesses, with the levy fund collected being invested directly back into the area.

Rugby First comprises over 600 businesses, varying in sector, with the majority being in retail, hospitality and leisure. The Rugby BID was set up in 2005 and our current term runs from March 2021 to March 2026.

Rugby First is run by a Board of Directors representative of the size and sector of businesses across the town.

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-funded body working to transform Rugby town centre, making it a better place to live, work, and visit.

442435076_963149152485119_2207871250372968473_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg

Growing town centre footfall

Rugby First is moving from strength to strength, delivering events to encourage footfall, campaigns to promote the town centre, programmes to support business, initiatives to enhance our streets and running sessions to connect our member businesses.

Rugby Town Rangers

Tackling Crime

Street Cleansing

Facts & Figures

Rugby First BID Area

Our BID area comprises the heart of Rugby town centre. A more detailed list of the BID map area can be found in our business plan 2020-2025.

Our Board

Rugby First BID is governed by a board of directors consisting of, and representing, levy payers across the BID area. The board provide strategic direction and are responsible to stakeholders for the conduct, performance and due governance of Rugby First Limited.

Bid Levy Demand Notice Supporting Information
In accordance with paragraph 3(2) of Schedule 4 of The Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004 the following information is provided to support the levy demand notice.
a)    The revenue from the BID levy due to be received in the year ended 31 March 2025 was £493,650.72. This is different to the cash actually received in the year.
b)    The amount spent on the BID arrangements in the year ended 31 March 2025 was £962,000. External funding was received for CCTV and to support the delivery of events
c)    The BID levy was spent on the services described in the 2021/26 BID Mandate, namely the provision of Town Rangers, Street Cleaning Services, Events and Support Services for Rugby town centre businesses. CCTV services are part of the BID Mandate but were fully funded by external contracts and not by the BID levy.
d)    The services on which it is intended to spend the revenue from the BID levy in the 2025/26 financial year are on the services described in the 2021/26 BID Mandate, namely the provision of Town Rangers, Street Cleaning Services, Events and Support Services for Rugby town centre businesses. CCTV services are part of the BID Mandate but will be fully funded by external contracts and not by the BID levy.