In 2014, Partnerships for Better Business was asked by Northampton Business Improvement District to take over the management of its first BID at a time when business confidence had been lost and the organisation was approaching renewal. BID delivery was brought back on track, confidence was restored, and a successful renewal ballot was secured in 2016. pfbb UK then continued to provide full management services throughout the 2016–2021 term and led the BID through a second successful renewal ballot for its third term, 2021–2026.
In November 2025, Northampton BID secured a further successful renewal ballot and has now entered its fourth term, covering 2026–2031. Over more than a decade, the BID has grown into a highly influential organisation, representing business interests and playing a key role in the economic development of the town centre. Key stakeholders, including the Police, the University, Northampton Town Council and West Northamptonshire Council, proactively seek the BID’s advice and support on a wide range of social and economic issues affecting the town centre.
The BID has a strong track record of encouraging, enabling and facilitating collaborative working across the town centre, leveraging significant added value through in-kind support and additional funding alongside levy income. It also has a strong community focus, which has made a meaningful contribution to business retention and employment in the town centre, despite the loss of major employers and footfall drivers such as Debenhams and Marks & Spencer.
The BID is working closely with West Northamptonshire Council on the development of a new framework for the town plan and zoning approach, helping to create distinctive identities for different parts of the town centre, as well as shaping a place management delivery plan. pfbb UK is proud to have led the preparation of the successful BID Proposal and Business Plan for the fourth term, 2026–2031, building on achievements to date and helping to shape an exciting new phase in the life of Northampton town centre.
Testimonials
Northampton BID appointed pfbb UK as Project Managers in 2014, with just eighteen months to go before the first BID was due to end. Before pfbb UK were appointed, the role of the BID in Northampton had become confused and businesses were seriously questioning its value. Once pfbb UK were appointed they were able to help create some clarity and demonstrate effective project delivery in line with the BID Business Plan. This played a significant part in changing perceptions about the BID and enabled us to consider renewal with much more confidence.
Over the last ten years pfbb UK have led us through two renewal ballots and have developed the BID into a key influential body for the town, representing business interests throughout the demise and restructuring of the local authorities and forging new close working relationships with the new West Northants Council and the Northampton Town Council.
Through effective project delivery which has levered in substantial additional value from other businesses and organisations in and around the town, the BID is now playing a pivotal role in the regeneration of the town centre working at all levels from strategic to operational and is making a real difference to the experience, the economy and the future of the town centre.
The BID is highly respected and is considered to be a key partner and indeed an adviser to others including the Police and Local Authorities on all town centre matters. It is through pfbb UK’s professional approach and the application of their principle of ‘true partnership working benefits business’ that we are able to be as effective as we are.
I highly recommend pfbb UK as a highly professional and competent team who deliver valuable benefits both BID businesses and the town as a whole.
Sali Brown
Co. Chair of the Northampton BID