ABOUT YOUR
SUNDERLAND BID

We are a business led, working partnership with one clear vision – to create a vibrant city centre with opportunities for everyone.

Since 2014, we have invested more than £6m into the city centre and with the support of our business owners, stakeholders and key partners, we have developed a relevant and achievable plan for the future.

Festival goes cheering with two elaborate characters
Sharon Appelby talking to a female member of staff in the Sunderland Bid Office.
Person dressed as Jellyfish
A colourful street art mural on a gabel end in Blandford Street Sunderland

SUNDERLAND BID
PRIORITIES

    • SR1 Street Ranger Lee Taylor painting a mural on Blandford Street in Sunderland for Future Walls Project

      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.

      SR1 Street Ranger, Attractive Streets, Crime Reduction and more…

    • Sharon Appleby talking with Steve Davison at Hays Travel Head Office

      CITY
      VOICE

      We provide a collective voice for businesses and will work on your behalf to get your views heard and influence positive change in the city.

      Influence, Funding Streams, Partnerships and more…

    • The Big Jubilee Lunch

      City
      Promotion

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

      Big City Events, Sunderland Gift Card, Street Animation and more…

    BUSINESS PLAN

    THE FUTURE OF OUR
    SUNDERLAND BID

    SEE THE 2024-2029 BID BUSINESS PLAN

    AFFILIATE
    MEMBERSHIPS

    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.

    All businesses can partner with Sunderland BID to help shape a bright future for our city in a non-voting capacity. Affiliates of the BID will not be able to join the BID’s Board of Directors, but you can enjoy appropriate services and get involved in relevant projects and campaigns.

    Women laughing in Hays Travel Retail Strategy Event
    Two pink-haired women on stilts dressed as cupcakes with a family getting a photo with them
    Kayleigh Derbyshire & Hena Ahmed laughing and drinking coffee in Sunniside Sunderland
    Karen Williamson speaking to businesses at the Retail Strategy Event

    OUR
    BID TEAM

      MEET THE
      BID DIRECTORS

      Our board has continually excelled, showcasing a blend of skills that not only mirror but also enhance our strategic objectives.

      We are delighted to work with a collection of influencers and leaders from across key business sectors of the city that provides strong governance, strategic direction and ensure oversight and scrutiny of the delivery of our ambitious business plan. We appreciate the perspective, balance and support they provide to us and our businesses.