26 October 2026
Southampton businesses are being urged to vote YES in the upcoming ballot to secure another five years of investment in the city centre, as GO! Southampton seeks a third term as the city’s Business Improvement District (BID).
The ballot opens this Friday 30 October, giving eligible businesses until 5pm on Thursday 26 November to return their ballot papers and decide whether GO! Southampton will continue its work from April 2027 to March 2032.
Over the past decade, GO! Southampton has worked with businesses and city partners to improve the city centre, tackle business crime, attract visitors and support local organisations.
John Cooney, Owner of The Cricketers Arms in Carlton Place, said: “GO! Southampton consistently provide focused and effective support to the city’s hospitality sector. The team work with venue owners to ensure we have a safe environment and also lead and contribute to business development initiatives.”
A YES vote would enable the BID to build on this work and deliver its proposed five-year business plan, shaped by consultation with local businesses and partners. Its priorities include attracting more visitors and investment, creating a safer and cleaner city centre, helping businesses grow and supporting improvements to Southampton’s public spaces.
Stephen Manion, Executive Director of GO! Southampton, said: “The ballot is an important opportunity for Southampton businesses to shape the future of their city centre. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the past decade, but there is more to do.
“A YES vote will allow us to build on that progress, deliver our plans for 2027–2032 and continue investing in the priorities that matter most to local businesses.”
Councillor Sarah Bogle, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “A thriving city centre is vital to Southampton’s economy, creating opportunities for businesses, supporting jobs and attracting people to live, work and visit our city. Over the past decade, GO! Southampton has played an important role in bringing businesses and partners together to improve the city centre, tackle business crime and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
This ballot is an opportunity for eligible businesses to have their say on the future of that work and the role it can play in supporting Southampton’s continued growth and regeneration over the next five years.”
Businesses can read the full business plan and find information about the ballot at www.gosouthampton.co.uk/ballot2026/.