Wight BID 3 - vote yes again to secure funding for our island
The Wight BID is up for renewal in October 2026. Ballot papers will be sent to all eligible business on 1 October.
This page contains all information about Wight BID 3 and how to get involved.
Wight BID 3 key dates.
1. Business plan published
Read more about Wight BID 3 and how Visit Isle of Wight will manage the BID.
2. Ballot papers are issued 1 October
All eligible businesses will receive the notice of ballot on the 17 September, head of the ballot papers on the 1 October.
3. Vote yes before 29 October to secure Wight BID 3
By voting yes it means greater visibility for our island and  better collaboration for businesses
Everything You Need to Know About Wight BID 3
What is the Wight BID 3?
The Wight BID 3 is the continuation of Wight BID. It’s is a business-led initiative designed to support and grow the Isle of Wight visitor economy through destination marketing, PR, business support, events, partnerships and industry representation.
Who manages the Wight BID 3?
The BID is delivered by Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, an independent not-for-profit company governed by a Board of Directors made up of elected levy payers and strategic partners from across the Island.
How is the BID funded?
The Wight BID 3, if voted by businesses, will be funded through a levy paid by eligible tourism and hospitality businesses within the BID area, alongside voluntary contributions and commercial revenue streams.
What does the BID actually do?
The BID delivers destination marketing campaigns, PR activity, visitor information, business support, industry training, event promotion, exhibitions, research and advocacy for the Island’s visitor economy.
What is the stepped levy?
A stepped levy is a new approach to calculating the BID levy, designed to make contributions more proportionate to the size and type of business.
Under the proposed Wight BID 3 model, different sectors will have different levy rates, reflecting the different ways businesses benefit from the visitor economy and their ability to contribute. The levy will be calculated as a percentage of the property’s rateable value, rather than being a flat amount.
This means businesses with a lower rateable value will generally pay less, while larger properties with a higher rateable value will contribute more.
How much will my business pay?
Your BID levy will depend on your business sector and the rateable value of your property.
The proposed Wight BID 3 model uses different levy rates for different sectors, ranging from 1.75% to 6%. Rateable values are set independently by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and broadly reflect the size and value of a property.
For example, two accommodation businesses may both fall within the same levy band, but the business with the higher rateable value will pay more in cash terms.
Importantly, the levy is not calculated on your turnover. It is based on the rateable value of the property.
The proposed model also removes the existing £150 minimum payment. This means some smaller businesses could pay less than they currently do, as they will instead pay solely according to their rateable value.
Where can I find business support and resources?
The Business Support section includes webinars, training sessions, downloadable resources, visitor insights, industry updates and links to national guidance and support.
When will BID 3 start?
If a yes vote is passed, then BID 3 will start of the 1 November 2026.
Still Have Questions? You’ll probably find the answers here, but if not, please Contact Us
What Wight BID 3 will deliver
Destination Marketing
Coordinated marketing across digital, PR, media and partnerships to raise the Island’s profile and drive demand for local businesses.
PR & Media Coverage
National and regional PR activity, media features and press coverage designed to showcase the Island and the businesses within it.
Insights & Data
Access to industry data, campaign performance and insights to help inform decisions and strengthen business performance.
Business Support & Training
Access training, workshops, webinars and resources designed to help businesses improve performance and adapt to changing markets.
Exhibitions & Trade Opportunities
Representation at key exhibitions and trade shows, helping showcase the Island and connect businesses with new audiences and partners.
Industry Representation
Representing the interests of local businesses at regional and national level, ensuring the Island has a strong and unified voice.
Being part of Wight BID 3
The Wight BID helps drive the Island’s visitor economy through levy-funded marketing, support and initiatives. Wight BID 3 gives businesses the opportunity to build on this work, unlock even greater opportunities and strengthen the Island’s visitor economy for the future.
Your vote matters. Vote YES for Wight BID 3 and help shape the future of tourism on the Isle of Wight.
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