Focus on Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) and their role in urban regeneration. BIDS were first established in North America with a general aim of attracting investment to promote safer, cleaner and more attractive commercial public spaces in towns and cities. Expands on the characteristics and various definitions of BIDS and charts the emergence of BIDS in England. BIDS were formally proposed in the Local Government Bill 2002 and the legislation will be implemented in 2004. Defines BIDS under the bill, highlights the perceived benefits for businesses and local authorities and lists the 22 towns named as pilot locations. Although BIDS have generated lots of positive feedback there are a number or unresolved issues that need to be addressed. These include the challenge of guaranteeing stakeholder support and agreement among different stakeholders, the relationship between private sector interests and local authorities, the possible displacement of problems to other areas of the town or city and the need for BIDS not to conflict with other regeneration schemes. References.