Our Ambition
Our Ambition
We are the Eastern City BID, the Business Improvement District working to promote and enhance a unique part of the City of London, known as the Eastern City.
In February 2022, the Eastern City business community voted to establish a formal Business Improvement District (BID) in the area, after the success of its predecessor – the EC Partnership.
Business Partnerships and Business Improvement Districts give a voice to business communities – championing local priorities and ensuring the right people are at the decision table. Businesses understand that together they can be stronger; lobbying on big, strategic issues that impact on their commercial performance and ability to grow. This is not a case of the private sector plugging public sector funding gaps, but genuine collaboration and collective action.
A BID operates in 5-year terms. Through mandatory business levies and voluntary contributions, the BID will raise over £20 million during its first term, which will fund a range of strategic and operational projects anchored by the ESG agenda.
The BID’s programme will focus on:
A Sustainable District
Our commitment to supporting the City of London Corporation’s strategy for achieving net zero by 2040. This covers everything from major public realm enhancements that seek to reduce vehicle congestion, improve air quality and increase the quantum of green space, to exploring area-wide renewable energy networks, lobbying for continued investment in our public transport system and providing businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to initiate their own positive change.
An Evolving District
Working patterns across the City have undoubtedly changed and in order for the commercial ecosystem to thrive we need to reach new audiences and diversify what this part of the capital has to offer. Working with key stakeholders we’ll be delivering a significant programme of cultural events and installations to enliven our public spaces and empty properties.
Our Community
Enhancing the experience of the Eastern City for our businesses, their staff and customers. This involves promoting our diverse retail, leisure and hospitality occupiers, providing additional street cleaning, supporting local charities/community initiatives, organising wellbeing events for staff and delivering a variety of projects around safety, crime reduction and resilience.
Promoting the Eastern City
This part of the Square Mile is home to over 80,000 jobs with economic output in excess of £11 billion per year – it’s recognised globally as a commercial powerhouse. To bolster this reputation, the BID works to position the area as a global pioneer, setting the blueprint for what’s needed in a world-leading central business district.
Get involved in our Social Responsibility Programme
Social ResponsibilityAt Eastern City BID, we’re committed to building a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable urban community. From supporting homelessness charity @ProvidenceRow with a £100K partnership, to funding grassroots projects through our Community Fund, we’re proud to drive real impact. From Free online learning, RNLI fundraising, and backing The Lord Mayor’s Appeal are just some of the ways we’re helping shape a more connected City. Get involved, make a difference.
Supporting Providence Row this Christmas
This Christmas, the Eastern City community is coming together to support Providence Row, a local charity that has been helping people affected by homelessness and vulnerability in East London since 1860. Through a series of initiatives, events, and volunteering opportunities, we’re encouraging everyone — residents, workers, and visitors — to…
Free Suicide Prevention & Awareness Training for Eastern City Businesses
Free Suicide Prevention & Awareness Training for Eastern City Businesses One in five people have suicidal thoughts, one in 14 people self-harm and one in 15 people attempt suicide. Making sure that those who need support are able to access it in a timely manner is crucial to being able…
Staying safe in the Eastern City
The Eastern City BID is committed to ensuring that everyone who lives, works, and spends time in the area feels safe and supported. Working closely with the City of London Police, St John Ambulance, and local charities, we fund and coordinate a range of initiatives that enhance wellbeing, deter crime,…
City of London Police Cluster Panel Meetings
These meetings are an opportunity for the local business community to sit down with Police and Local Government Officials to share their concerns and help them respond to their needs by setting local policing priorities across the Square Mile. The meetings are also an opportunity to be briefed on current…
A FIRST FOR THE CITY – LAUNCH OF THE CITY SAFE BUS
The City of London Police, in partnership with the Eastern City and Aldgate Connect Business Improvement Districts, has launched the City Safe Bus – the first initiative of its kind in the Square Mile. The City Safe Bus is a converted former ambulance and will be situated next to…
Eastern City BID Supports Providence Row During Homeless Action Week
As part of Homeless Action Week, Eastern City BID is proud to support our Charity Partner of the Year, Providence Row, as they launch their Winter Safe Spaces Appeal — part of the #TheMileBetweenUs campaign. Located just a mile from the City, Providence Row has been tackling homelessness and poverty…
Our BID footprint
You can download our BID map here.
The streets/part streets covered by the Eastern City BID footprint:
| Abchurch Lane | Adams Court | Aldermans Walk |
| Arthur Street | Barbon Alley | Beehive Passage |
| Bell Inn Yard | Bengal Court | Bevis Mark (part) |
| Billiter Street | Birchin Lane | Bishopsgate (part) |
| Bishopgate Churchyard | Browns Building | Bulls Head Passage |
| Bury Street | Byward Street | Cannon Street (part) |
| Camomile Street | Cavendish Court | Change Alley |
| Clements Lane | Clerks Place | Copper’s Row |
| Corbet Court | Creechurch Lane | Crutched Friars |
| Cullum Street | Cutler Street | Devonshire Row |
| Devonshire Square | Dunster Court | Eastcheap |
| Fenchurch Avenue | Fenchurch Buildings | Fenchurch Place |
| Fenchurch Street (part) | Fen Court | Finch Lane |
| Fish Street Hill | French Ordinary Court | George Yard |
| Goring Street | Gracechurch Street | Great St. Helen’s |
| Great Tower Street | Hart Street | Hogarth Court |
| Houndsditch | King William Street (part) | Leadenhall Place |
| Leadenhall Street | Lime Street | Lime Street Passage |
| Liverpool Street | Lloyds Avenue (Part) | Lombard Court |
| Lombard Street (part) | London Street | Lower Thames Street |
| Mark Lane | Martin Lane | Mincing Lane (part) |
| Monument Street | Muscovy Street | New London Street |
| Newmans Court | Nicholas Lane | Nicholas Passage |
| Old Broad Street | Outwich Street | Pepys Street |
| Rood Lane | Royal Exchange Avenue | Savage Gardens (part) |
| Seething Lane (part) | Sherborne Lane | Ship Tavern Passage |
| Star Alley | St Benet’s Place | St Helen’s Place |
| St Mary Axe | St Michael’s Alley | St Swithins Lane (part) |
| Swan Lane | Talbot Court | Threadneedle Street |
| Trinity Square | Undershaft | Upper Thames Street |
| Whittington Avenue | Wormwood Street (part) |
OUR BOARD
Nick Carty, Chair, AIG
Peter Woods, Vice Chair, DAIWA Capital Markets Europe Limited
Paul Sewell, Vice Chair, Metro Bank PLC
David Cooper, Wells Fargo
Dominic Christian, AON Insurance
Florine Le Guilloux, Axa XL
Jo Scott, Aspen Insurance
Mark Higgs, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Dan Scanlon, Brookfield Properties
Terry Blacker, Lloyd’s of London
Ruth Duston, Primera Corporation
Ruby Raw (Observer), City of London Corporation
Matthew Waters (Ward Member Observer), City of London Corporation
Kate Hart, Chief Executive Officer
Henry Johnstone, Chief Operating Officer
Claire Dumontier-Marriage, BID Director
Ailsa Anderson, Director of Marketing & Communications
Will Dyson, Placemaking Director
William Austin, Cultural Partnerships Manager (Consultant)
Lucy Bowles, Executive Assistant and Office Manager
Bryn Little, Assistant Project Manager
Tarisai Ejeta, Events & Experience Manager
Helena Forrest, Senior Marketing Manager
Rebecca Crofton, Placemaking Programme Manager
Publications
24/25 Annual Report
Find out more about our approach and performance in 2024 – 2025 in our annual report.
Download25/26 Billing Leaflet
Our billing leaflet outlines our delivery plan and budgets for the year
Download25/26 Delivery Plan
Read more about how we intend to deliver our services and strategy in 25/26
Download24/25 Delivery Plan
Read more about how we intend to deliver our services and strategy in 2024 – 2025
Download23/24 Annual Report
Find out more about our approach and performance in 2023 – 2024 in our annual report
DownloadFreight, Servicing and Deliveries (FSD) Consolidation Mapping
Find out more about the Eastern City BIDs Freight, Servicing and Deliveries Consolidation Mapping by Polaris
DownloadBusiness Plan 2022-2027
Read our Business Plan 2022-2027 and find out more about the Eastern City BID’s work over the 5-year term.
DownloadBroadworks Impact Review
Eastern City BID is proud to publish the Broadworks Impact Review, a landmark study evidencing the social, cultural and economic value generated by creative activation in the Square Mile.
Download
Friday Sessions Sushi Samba
SAMBAROOM invites guests to experience the all-new Friday Sessions, taking place from 10:30 PM to 3 AM. This vibrant event is set to kickstart the weekend with an electrifying atmosphere where music and entertainment take center stage. Attendees can look forward to a night filled with dynamic DJ sets, live…
The City of London Guides Walking Tours
The City of London Guides – or, to give us our full title, the City of London Guide Lecturers Association – are the official guides to the Square Mile. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time, looking to book a corporate activity for your team or simply curious about…
Weekend Bottomless Brunch at Wagtail
Enjoy weekend brunch with stunning views at Wagtail. This rooftop bar and restaurant offers a unique dining experience high above the City. Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday. Guests can enjoy two or three courses of delicious food. The menu features classic brunch favourites and modern twists on traditional…
Afternoon Tea at The Wolseley City
Experience the timeless tradition of afternoon tea at The Wolseley City. This elegant venue offers a refined setting for a truly British experience in the heart of the Eastern City. Guests can enjoy a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment…
Lunchtime Street Food Market at The Leadenhall Building
Lunchtime Street Food Market at The Leadenhall Building Discover the Trash and Treasure Food Market under the iconic Leadenhall Building—serving up a vibrant mix of global street food favourites every Tuesday to Thursday, from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Since launching in 2022, the market has dished up over 68,000 lunches, becoming…
Glassed in Dreams at 100 Bishopsgate
Glassed in Dreams, a a new site-specific installation presented by Brookfield Properties and The Association of Women in the Arts (AWITA) reflecting their shared commitment to fostering support for and celebrating female creative talent. The commission has been made following a highly-contested open call for female artists and curators to respond to the space.
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What is a BID?
BIDs are established via a ballot of eligible businesses and if successful a small levy is charged and the money raised is then invested into local projects and programmes developed through collaboration with the business community. There are now more than 60 BIDs across London, and are five in the City: the Cheapside Business Alliance, Aldgate Connect BID, Fleet Street Quarter and Culture Mile BID.
The Eastern City BID is one of the biggest BIDs in the UK, able to have a transformational impact in the area and be a powerful force for good in the Square Mile.