More than 100 business representatives packed into Tullie on Tuesday night to hear plans for a new Business Improvement District (BID) that aims to unite Carlisle’s businesses and boost the city’s profile as the Great Border City.

The event was hosted by The Great Border City team, led by co-directors Adrian Lochhead and Kevin Beaty, who have developed the BID proposal alongside a wide range of local partners.

The BID would raise £4.6 million over five years through a small levy on eligible businesses to fund marketing, events, business support, and improvements to the city environment.

Kevin Beaty told the audience: “Carlisle is seeing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment in major projects like the station redevelopment and the university relocation. It’s time for businesses to step up and make the most of that opportunity.”

Adrian Lochhead added: “The BID is about collaboration and confidence. It’s about businesses taking the lead in shaping a more vibrant, successful and welcoming city centre — one where creativity and enterprise go hand in hand.”

Guest speakers included Lesley Robinson, of the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, who said the BID would strengthen partnerships and give businesses a stronger voice; Simon Harrison, local property developer and hotel owner, who highlighted the chance to promote Carlisle more boldly as a visitor destination; and Professor Julie Mennell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cumbria, who said the BID “comes at just the right time” to complement the University’s £75 million move into the city centre.

A short film featuring Tom Piatak, Chairman of Carlisle United FC, was also shown. In it, he described Carlisle as “a hidden gem” with huge untapped potential, adding: “It’s not just a pass-through city — it’s a place people should come and enjoy. Now is the time to invest in Carlisle. When the football club does well, the whole community does well. I support the BID fully — it’s the right approach and makes tremendous sense.”

Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of Newcastle’s NE1 BID, shared examples of how similar schemes have delivered major economic benefits, including Newcastle’s Restaurant Week, which attracts 60,000 visitors and boosts the local economy by £1.2 million.

Among those attending was Jonny Foster, lead singer of Hardwicke Circus, who said:
“Carlisle has a long and fascinating history that we can carry forward through business, creativity and community.”

Chelsea Norris, manager at Lush Carlisle, added:“We spoke to colleagues in other BIDs across the country and heard great feedback. We hope a Carlisle BID will help us connect more with other local businesses and reach further into the community.”

The ballot to establish the Carlisle BID opens on 31 October. To go ahead, it must win a majority of votes by both number and rateable value.

How the levy would work: In year one the levy would be 1.58% of rateable value for eligible premises, with a cap for larger institutions and multi-site operators. Charities receive a significant discount. The levy applies only to premises with a rateable value of £15,000 or more, which excludes around 75% of premises. Eden Valley Hospice and state schools will be exempt. All businesses are expected to benefit from the activity generated by the BID.