Frequently Asked Questions

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a way for local businesses to work together and fund improvements to their area. In Dorking, this work is delivered through Hello Dorking.

Find out more about how the BID works and what it pays for here.

All businesses who have a rateable value of £8000 or more pay a BID Levy of 2% of their rateable value to fund the projects and priorities set out in the business plan.

For businesses below the rateable value threshold you can apply to become a voluntary business levy payer.

The Dorking BID (Business Improvement District) is a group of local businesses that work together to improve the town. Hello Dorking is the brand name we use to bring to life and deliver these improvements and the key aims in our business plan.

Hello Dorking works to make the town an attractive place to work, live and visit and provides many of the visible things that are valued by all including community and business events, town beautification initiatives such as hanging baskets, Christmas trees and lights, regular communication and promotion of the town to residents and the wider area.

The five-year plan is based on four key areas: digital transformation, running creative campaigns, placemaking, and business support. Each area includes projects to benefit Dorking’s economy and community.

No. We have no control over what shops or services open. If a business meets planning and licensing requirements, they can open without needing our input.

No. These are the responsibility of the council or national government. We do run two litter picks a year and pass on business concerns when needed.

No. We work with Mole Valley District Council and Surrey County Council, but we are a separate organisation led by local businesses.

Mole Valley District Council have a mechanism already set up to collect payments from businesses so we utilise this existing resource.

The Levy money collected then gets transferred to Hello Dorking to fund the projects and initiatives that we run to fulfil our Business Plan objectives.

Our focus is on BID levy-paying businesses. But if you’re outside the BID and want to get involved, contact us. We try to be as inclusive as we can.

Only levy-paying businesses in the BID area are automatically listed. If you’re not on there but think you should be, get in touch and we’ll check.

Yes. If your business is in the BID area and pays the levy, you can contact us for advice, support or help promoting your services. We’ll do what we can or signpost you to someone who can.

No. We’re not a regulator or complaints body. If there’s something serious, we can signpost you to the right authority.

Our team manages the content. We prioritise updates that support local businesses, events and community initiatives. We have limited time and space, so not everything gets published but we try to be fair and relevant.

Absolutely, get in touch and we will work with you to highlight your business through our channels and activity. We can also advise on what you can do to maximise your own marketing efforts.

Yes. If you’ve got an idea that supports Dorking or local businesses, contact us. We can’t run everything but we do take suggestions seriously.

Yes. We welcome support from local residents and volunteers. Whether it’s joining an event, helping on a litter pick or sharing our content. Every bit helps.