Hello Dorking BID Third Term Plans 2027–2032
Hello Dorking is currently in its second five-year term as Dorking town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), which runs until 30th November 2027. We are now beginning preparations for a proposed third term, which would run to 2032. Over the coming months, we’ll be speaking with local businesses and using their feedback to help develop the next five-year Business Plan before the ballot.
Why a third term is being proposed
Hello Dorking is proposing a third five-year term so the work it already does for town centre businesses can continue beyond November 2027. That would allow the work already being funded through the BID to continue beyond the current term.
What the BID has delivered for Dorking
Hello Dorking runs events that bring people into the town, including Vintage Day, the Christmas Festival, Festival of Light and the Walking Festival. The BID also runs business training and networking, as well as practical schemes such as DISC and the Handyman scheme. The website and business directory help local businesses reach more people, and Hello Dorking’s social media promotes Dorking throughout the year.
Since 2024, Hello Dorking has secured more than £125,000 in external funding and over £10,000 in sponsorship. Over the last year, the website had around 60,000 active users and Hello Dorking’s social media generated 4.6 million views. Vintage Day increased footfall by 66%, while the Christmas Festival saw an increase of 111% compared with a typical Sunday.
How the BID is funded
Hello Dorking is funded by eligible town centre businesses, which pay a BID levy equal to 2% of their business rateable value. Unlike normal Business Rates, this money stays with the BID and can only be used for projects and improvements in Dorking town centre. The BID currently raises around £235,000 a year, which it uses to support local businesses and fund work across the town.
Have your say
Hello Dorking wants local businesses to have a say in what happens next. Your feedback will help decide what goes into the new five-year Business Plan and what the BID should focus on if a third term goes ahead.
The consultation will continue over the coming months, with the BID ballot planned for next year.
Jo McGowan
CEO, Hello Dorking
Chris Gregory
Director, Heartflood
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the proposed third term or would like to talk through what it could mean for your business, please get in touch with Jo.
Hello Dorking is being supported with the consultation by independent specialists Heartflood. You can also contact Chris Gregory directly if you would prefer to give your feedback or discuss the proposals with someone outside the Hello Dorking team.
Meet the board
The BID Team
Beyond the board, we have a dedicated Business Improvement District (BID) team working tirelessly to implement our vision. This includes BID Manager Jo McGowan, Community Manager Rosie Riordan, communications support from Lisa Clancey, and the Averma team led by Joe, who look after the website, hosting, search engine optimisation, and wider digital and design support. Each team member brings their expertise to focused projects that raise our town’s profile, strengthen community links, and support marketing, PR, digital transformation, security, sustainability, placemaking and creative campaigns.
Jo has run her own businesses, worked for charities and the higher education sector and has 30 years experience in marketing and events, digital development, and community building initiatives. She has lived in Surrey all her life and has always been a champion of local businesses and the effects joining communities together can have.
Rosie is a social media and branding specialist with over 25 years’ experience working with global brands and local communities. She has a strong background in digital engagement and a people-first approach, helping to build connections and celebrate what makes Dorking unique.
Lisa is the founder of The Minute Maker, a social media specialist helping small Surrey businesses stay visible online with bold, engaging content. A long-time cheerleader (and resident!) of the local area and independent businesses, she supports her clients with consistent posting, increased visibility and fresh followers so their socials have real impact. Combining content creation with dependable admin support, she helps keep the wheels of local businesses rolling.
Averma is a Surrey-based website design team that supports Hello Dorking with website management, SEO, hosting and creative design. Led by Joe, the team brings local knowledge and technical expertise together, ensuring Hello Dorking’s online presence is reliable and kept up to date.
Get Involved
If you’re passionate about Dorking’s future and believe you can contribute to the board’s objectives, we’d love to hear from you. We have a through application process to join the board and the first stage is an informal chat. Contact us via our contact form.
