About Us
Welcome to Hello Dorking, your portal to a thriving community and a vibrant business landscape. Also known as The Dorking BID and the Dorking Town Partnership, we’ve evolved to become the cornerstone of a collective vision for Dorking, extending our reach beyond business into the very fabric of community life. Here, we bridge the gaps between businesses, residents, and visitors to create an ecosystem that elevates everyone’s experience of our beloved town. Together, we’re enriching our community, making Dorking a standout destination for all.
Our Mission
To nurture and amplify the unique character of Dorking, enabling it to stand as a premier destination for culture, commerce, and community. We’re not just about boosting business; we’re about enriching lives.
Who We Are
We’re a passionate collective of business owners, community leaders, and engaged residents. Guided by a volunteer-led Board of Directors that’s as diverse as our town, we’re committed to projects and initiatives that offer tangible benefits.
What is a BID?
Our Structure
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business-funded body, created through a ballot process, to improve a defined area in which a levy is charged on all business rate payers in addition to their normal business rates bill. The ballot resulted in 66% voting yes by number and 73% by aggregate rateable value. The turnout was 47%, which is above average for BID’s across the UK.
BIDs started in the US, but there are now more than 270 in the UK alone. They work together through organisations such as British BIDs and the BID Foundation. BIDs focus on improving the public realm, creating a better trading environment for local businesses.
How we are managed
The BID Area
The following streets are included in the Dorking BID area either in whole or part:
- Allan Court
- Ansell Road
- Butter Hill
- Chapel Court
- Church Street
- Constable Court
- Dene Street
- Hart Gardens
- Hart Road
- High Street
- Horsham Road
- Jubilee Terrace
- Junction Road
- London Road
- Lonsdale Road
- Lyons Court
- Meadow Brook Road
- Mill Lane
- Mint Gardens
- Moores Road
- Myrtle Road
- North Street
- Old Kings Head Court
- Paper Mews
- Parsonage Square
- Pippbrook Gardens
- Reigate Road
- Rose Hill
- Rothes Road
- South Street
- St Martin’s Mews
- St Martin’s Walk
- Station Road
- Tutts Close
- Victoria Terrace
- Vincents Walk
- Wathen Road
- West Street
Our Pillars
Governance
The bedrock of Hello Dorking, our governance structure ensures that decisions are made with the best interests of our community in mind. The BID is a private, not-for-profit, independent company. Any local levy payer is eligible to become a member of the BID Company and can then be put forward to serve as a Director of the BID. Learn more about our structure, legislative structure, and governance by reviewing our business plan.
Business Plan / The Next Five Years
We are planning for a dynamic future. Our four pillars: Digitalisation, Creative Campaigns, Placemaking and Public Realm, and Business Support, will guide us through the next half-decade, shaping a Dorking that’s resilient and thriving.
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers. From our operational details to how you can be a part of our mission, our FAQ section offers in-depth responses to your most pressing concerns.
Join Us
Whether you’re a business owner looking for support, a resident who wants to contribute, or a visitor eager to explore, there’s a place for you in Hello Dorking. We’re better together, and your participation makes us stronger.
Feel free to explore our website for more detailed insights into our governance structure, our future plans, and the questions we frequently encounter. And remember, we’re just an email or a phone call away should you want to connect directly.
Your engagement fuels our initiative, your voice defines our actions, and your trust drives our accountability.
