Firstly, we save you money. Our free recycling services are saving some businesses more than they pay in BID levy. Also our free advice on any planning problems you might have saves repeated spending on refused applications. That's not to mention the savings via the Angel Police Team preventing shoplifting and cutting shrinkage.

Secondly, we make the Angel a better, more popular place to work and visit, increasing your customers and enabling you to attract and retain high quality staff. Thirdly, as well as spending every penny of your BID levy on improving the area, your contribution generates additonal investment delivering significant economic benefits and services which are sustainable. The BID is a transparent, clear and democratic process, allowing self-management and self-funding with no red tape or bureaucracy.

Angel AIM is a not-for-profit company whose accounts are updated regularly and can be viewed anytime. EVERY penny raised in BID levy is spent on projects and services to improve and maintain the area - not one penny is spent on our administrative or office costs, which are covered by Islington Council and voluntary donations from local landlords. Angel AIM represents excellent value for money - for every £1 of levy-payers' money, we raise an extra £2 to match it.

Services delivered by a BID are always additional to services provided by the council. What you get from Islington Council is outlined in legally binding baseline agreements which set out the standard levels of service they carry out in the BID area, such as how often the streets are cleaned or litter bins emptied. We constantly survey businesses to see what extra initiatives or more regular services will bring real benefits to your business.

Board members are elected and anyone representing local businesses is welcome to apply, as long as they are prepared to give at least 5 hours of their time per month for free. The board reflects the diverse nature of local businesses at the Angel, plus landlords and a representative from Islington Council.

Yes, the levy is compulsory for all businesses in the area whose property has a rateable value of over £21,500

The person who pays the business rate will be responsible for paying the additional levy. UK legislation does not oblige property owners to pay but they will be invited do so on a voluntary basis.

If you are required to pay the levy but do not do so, the enforcement procedures will be the same as those that currently exist for the non-payment of non-domestic rates.

The law requires that two criteria to be met in a ballot. More than 50% of the votes cast must be in favour. These must represent more than 50% of the rateable value of the votes cast.