Powering our High Streets: meet Bexley’s BIDs

A BID is a business-led partnership created to deliver additional services and improvements to a specific area. They are funded by local businesses through a small levy, ensuring that the money raised in the town centre stays in the town centre.

Bexley is home to two thriving BIDs; Bexleyheath BID (formed in 2011) and Sidcup Partners (formed in 2016).

The BIDs organise events and markets including the Bexleyheath Christmas Switch-On and Sidcup’s Fringe Festival, bringing extra visitors into our towns. The BIDs also provide town centre wardens, digital radio schemes and work with the Council and the Police to make our town centres safe.

Sidcup Partners funded the hanging baskets and planters that led Sidcup to a Gold Award in ‘London in Bloom 2025’, winning ‘Business Improvement District’ of the year.

Sue Petty, Executive Director at Sidcup Partners said:

Sidcup Partners supports local businesses and strengthens the community by delivering a year-round programme of events that bring footfall into the town, championing improvements to the local environment and supporting the successful effort to bring the cinema back to Sidcup. Our work helps to create a vibrant, welcoming town centre where people can live, work, visit and thrive.”

Caron Linyard, Bexleyheath BID Manager said:

We are proud to represent over 200 businesses. Our focus is on creating a ‘Shop, Celebrate and Stay’ environment that supports both our national brands and our wonderful independents.”

Are you a high street or town centre business?

The Council is committed to supporting vital partnerships across the borough ranging from formal BIDs to informal trader groups to help improve trading environments for everyone. Bexley’s Town Centres team acts as a vital link, helping businesses:

Connect with local networks.

Access Council services like highways and business rates.

Collaborate on initiatives that increase visitor numbers.

Stay connected: ensure your business is supported. Complete the online form at
 www.bexley.gov.uk/bbe-connect and select ‘Town Centres’.

Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, said:

Bexleyheath BID and Sidcup Partners are stellar examples of what happens when local businesses unite with a shared vision. These BIDs consistently go above and beyond their remit, acting as the driving force behind the vibrancy of our high streets. Their dedication and the immense pride they take in their local areas are what make Bexley a fantastic place to live, work and visit.”

Bexley’s got taste

Bexley’s Got Taste is our campaign celebrating the vibrant food and drink scene right on our doorstep. From independent cafés and family-run restaurants to bakeries, pubs and street-food favourites, the borough is home to a diverse and growing range of places to eat and drink.

The campaign shines a spotlight on the variety of food and drink Bexley has to offer. By encouraging residents to discover and support local venues, Bexley’s Got Taste aims to boost the local economy while strengthening our sense of community and supporting town centres across the borough.

Throughout the campaign, residents are invited to explore new places, revisit old favourites and share their own recommendations with friends, family and neighbours. Celebrating what’s on offer locally encourages us all to think local when choosing where to eat and drink, helping to keep Bexley’s high streets busy and thriving.

Bexley’s Got Taste is about more than food – it’s about pride in place and celebrating what makes our borough unique. Every coffee bought, meal shared and review posted helps create a lively, welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

We are currently asking for your views on ‘the best of the best’ in a range of categories – from family-friendly to vegan choices, from traditional English to international cuisines. Please go to Ask Bexley to vote. Closing date is 30 June 2026.

So, whether you’re a devoted foodie or simply enjoy discovering local favourites, now’s the perfect time to explore what Bexley has to offer. Support local, eat local – and discover why Bexley’s got taste.