About Taunton Town Centre & BID

Taunton Town Centre Company

Taunton Town Centre Company is a not-for-profit enterprise established in 2006 as a company limited by guarantee.  The company replaced the former Town Centre Partnership and is controlled by a management board of non-executive directors, drawn from the public and private sector.  The company directors are not salaried and give freely of their time.

A group of Company Members serve to broaden the experience available to the Town Centre Company and this group is representative of the business community of Taunton.

Taunton Town Centre Company is affiliated to the Association of Town Centre Management and is one of over 600 recognised practitioners operating within the UK.

A true partnership between businesses and local government, Taunton Town Centre Company is funded by the public and private sector.  Additional income is derived from commercial activities delivered in support of the companies aims.

The primary objective of Taunton Town Centre Company is to increase the vibrancy and appeal of Taunton town centre; making it the first choice destination for shoppers, visitors and those who come to work, study or live in the town.

Business Improvement District

Taunton Town Centre Company (the BID Body) is currently developing new plans to renew the BID for a further five year term.  You can read the new Business Plan Proposal here.  The ballot to renew the BID will take place during March 2012.

Established in October 2007 the Business Improvement District (BID) is a five year programme, within a specific geography, conceived to bring about sustainable improvements to the town centre.

Funded by an annual Levy charged to all properties attracting non-domestic rates, the BID is supported by over 750 businesses within the town centre.

The number of BIDs is growing steadily across towns and cities within the UK and the programme is backed by many of the countries national retailers including J Sainsburys, Marks & Spencer and Boots The Chemist.  Details of BIDs around the UK are available on the National BIDs Advisory Service.

Taunton Town Centre Company is the body responsible for delivery of all BID services.  The primary aim of the second term Taunton Business Improvement District is; 

To position Taunton as the first choice destination for business. Creating a vibrant, safe and accessible county town for retail, leisure and commerce. By 2017 Taunton will be recognised as the premier shopping and leisure destination in Somerset. 

 Full details of the new programme are contained within the proposed five year Bid Business Plan to 30 September 2017.