IT’S HAPPENING
IN SUNDERLAND

We are creating a vibrant city centre with opportunities for everyone.

Access invaluable business support, learn about how our city is developing, access an array of fantastic events and see everything that’s #HappeningInSunderland city centre – all in one place.

WE’RE IMPROVING
SUNDERLAND

We are working to create a city we can all be proud of. Our priorities ensure our goals are met and we are accountable for the promises we make.

These three priorities represent our driving force to build a safe, clean & attractive environment, to ensure our city centre business voices are heard at the highest levels, and to raise Sunderland’s profile regionally and nationally.

City PRIDE

We are changing perceptions and building civic pride by ensuring our city centre is a welcoming, safe, clean, and attractive environment for everyone.

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City VOICE

We provide a robust and collective voice for our businesses at the highest level to make good things happen to improve Sunderland city centre’s trading environment.

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City PROMOTION

We raise the profile of Sunderland regionally and nationally and create a year-round programme of city-wide marketing activities, high-profile events, and promotional campaigns.

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WE ARE
YOUR BID

Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) is a collaborative effort driven by businesses, united under a single vision: to create a vibrant city centre with opportunities for everyone.

Since our inception in 2014, we have injected over £6 million into enhancing the city centre. Through the backing of our levy payers, business stakeholders, and essential partners, we have formulated a pragmatic and attainable blueprint for the future.

BECOME AN
AFFILIATE MEMBER

All businesses and organisations benefit from the work we do in Sunderland.

Therefore, we have extended many of the benefits our levy payers enjoy to other businesses in the city centre and around Sunderland by creating an Affiliate Scheme.

Find out how we can support your business.

WHAT IS
GOVERNANCE?

Governance might seem a boring and dry subject, but actually, it can be fascinating and hugely dynamic as it consists of the processes, policies and laws which will affect how an organisation is managed.

In the case of Sunderland BID, the processes and policies are directed and controlled by our Board of Directors to ensure that performance and risk are managed effectively.

LATEST EVENTS

    • Music Against
      Child Poverty LIVE

      8 December 2024

      In an effort to give children from disadvantaged wards in Sunderland a memorable Christmas, Sunderland Music City is launching a series of activities to raise money for a local charity. 
       
      A unique and impactful initiative, Music Against Child Poverty aims to combat the pressing issue of child poverty through the power of music, with all proceeds going to Sunderland charity Love, Amelia.  
       
      Love, Amelia is a children’s charity offering direct support to families experiencing poverty and hardship across Tyne and Wear and County Durham. Since 2019, the organisation has distributed over 13,000 bundles of essential items to those in need.  

      The campaign’s flagship event Music Against Child Poverty Live will see countless Sunderland music stars take the stage at The Fire Station to raise money for this crucial cause. 

    • Jack and the Beanstalk

      Jack &
      The Beanstalk

      13 December 2024

      When a heinous henchman kidnaps a cow and a princess from the downtrodden town of Boggy Bottom, young Jack finds himself on an adventure that he thought only existed in story books!

      Expect a wholesome hero, a punch-packing princess, a feisty fairy, a silly sibling, a witty widow, a slippery servant, a kind-hearted king… and a cow with some beef. Oh… and a very large magical plant, of course!

    • Singo
      Bingo

      20 December 2024

      The event everyone is talking about is coming to Sunderland this December! Brace yourself for a boozy bingo blowout – a raucous, flirtatious affair!

      Friday, 20 December, is a Christmas cracker-themed extravaganza, gearing us all up for the Christmas countdown with all the biggest Christmas bangers you might expect and a few you might not!

    • SUNNISIDE FESTIVE
      FOOD MARKET

      22 December 2024

      Pop-up community market supports new and emerging food and drinks businesses across the North East.

      From brewers, bakers, and cheesemongers to world-class street food vendors, our north east food and drink traders are delighted to bring themselves to your doorstep.

    • SUNNISIDE
      FOOD MARKET

      25 January 2025

      Pop-up community market supports new and emerging food and drinks businesses across the North East.

      From brewers, bakers, and cheesemongers to world-class street food vendors, our north east food and drink traders are delighted to bring themselves to your doorstep.

    • Taylor
      Fever

      25 January 2025

      CALLING ALL SWIFTIES!

      TAYLOR FEVER is the electrifying tribute production to worldwide megastar TAYLOR SWIFT!

    BUSINESS PLAN

    THE FUTURE OF OUR
    SUNDERLAND BID

    SEE THE 2024-2029 BID BUSINESS PLAN

    OUR CITY
    IN NUMBERS

    ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT
    (2019-2024)
    £13,396,790
    INVESTED BACK INTO THE CITY CENTRE
    (2019-2024)
    £3,300,000
    ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL FOOTFALL
    (2019-2024)
    440,000