Exeter’s Business Improvement District is to continue for a third five-year term from April next year after a majority of eligible businesses that took part in a ballot voted in favour of its renewal.
334 of the 670 businesses that were eligible to vote participated in the ballot, which was open for just under a month. 90% of those which took part voted to retain the Business Improvement District, branded InExeter.
InExeter charges a levy of 1.25% of the rateable value of the premises of the businesses located within its operational areas whose premises have a ratable value of at least £7,500.
These cover a total of 44 streets including Fore Street, Exeter High Street and part of Sidwell Street. They also include Princesshay and Guildhall shopping centres and the areas around the cathedral and castle, as well as Magdalen Road.
In return it provides services and support to businesses in its operational areas and is responsible for the city centre Christmas lights, among other things.
InExeter Business Improvement District operational area map. Image: InExeter.
InExeter’s 2025-30 business plan says the top three priorities for the businesses it represents, identified during a consultation process last year, are anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, high car parking charges and vacant city centre properties.
The plan lays out its strategic aims for the next five years, which cover safety, street cleaning, marketing and advocacy, and outlines its proposals for spending the £2.8 million it expects to raise via the levy during the period, based on its current 95% collection rate.
InExeter plans to increase its levy to 1.5% from 2025. It may then increase it by another 0.05% in each of the following four years of the term.
InExeter team with board members. Image: InExeter.
Exeter Business Improvement District launched in 2015. It was renewed for a second five-year term after 72% of the businesses which took part in the 2019 ballot voted in its favour. The turnout was also just under half.
A board of directors drawn from local venues and businesses, which currently also includes city councillor Laura Wright and county councillor Carol Whitton, oversees its operations, which are led by CEO Nicola Wheeler.
