Richmond upon Thames is exploring a business-led approach to bolster its visitor economy with the potential launch of an Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID). The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee discussed the proposal at a meeting on Thursday 25 September 2025.

The committee reviewed a report recommending that the council work with local businesses to develop an ABID proposal, drawing on successful models from other regions such as Manchester and Liverpool, which are mentioned as established ABID models in the Accommodation BID report. Blackpool and Great Yarmouth are also cited as examples of areas that focus their work on the visitor economy. The goal is to enhance the visitor experience and increase overnight stays in the borough.

An ABID is a business-led initiative where accommodation providers in a defined area collectively invest in projects and services that enhance the overall visitor experience. The specific accommodation businesses included, and the geographical area, will be determined during the development phase, according to the Accommodation BID report.

This is funded through a modest, supplementary charge per room/unit per night for qualifying businesses. The Accommodation BID report suggests that a similar scheme based upon an overnight levy of £2 could bring in annual income to a Richmond upon Thames ABID of some £600,000. Like a town centre BID levy, this would be collected by the Council on behalf of the ABID company, according to the Accommodation BID report.

The committee report noted that Richmond has been promoting the borough as a key visitor destination through the Visit Richmond partnership. The focal point of Visit Richmond is the website which has been recently upgraded, and which contains a host of information for new visitors and residents alike. The Council also produces the Visit Richmond brochure each year with production funded through partner advertising. An information kiosk at Richmond station, manned by volunteers, provides face to face information and advice for those arriving at the borough's principal transport gateway.

The report also acknowledged the need for alternative approaches for investing in destination management, given the borough's role within the wider London and South London growth ambitions.

According to the Accommodation BID report, specific advantages for Richmond Upon Thames include:

  • Strategic promotion: Targeted marketing campaigns highlighting Richmond's unique attractions.
  • Attracting events: Investment in attracting high-value events and conferences.
  • Enhanced guest welcome: Initiatives to improve visitor experience and local environment.
  • Strengthening partnerships: Collaboration between accommodation providers and local businesses.
  • Investment in skills & infrastructure: Training programs and infrastructure improvements.
  • Economic resilience: Sustainable funding stream for long-term growth and job security.

If an ABID was established, the Council would have a representative on the ABID Board, similar to the other BIDs in the Borough, and would therefore have a say in management and delivery. This would focus on shared goals, including maximising benefit for the local economy, especially in our town centres, ensuring good relations with local communities and promoting investment in the local environment and cultural fabric. The ABID's proposal and business plan would also, in the first instance, be dependent on the acceptance of the Council before announcing that a ballot would be held. The Accommodation BID report states that an ABID proposal is subject to a ballot in which the majority (by number and rateable value) of potential levy payers have to vote in favor. It should be noted that in the case of a successful ballot it would be likely that the Visit Richmond brand, website and function would eventually be transferred to the ABID.

The next step would be to start to engage with the accommodation sector via an initial on-line survey and face-to-face or virtual meetings, which would be conducted by a BID development consultancy. The Council can play an important enabling role and its explicit support will be an important contextual factor.