03 November 2026
Businesses across Southampton are benefitting from several support services that help them save on costs, upskill their staff and market themselves thanks to the Business Improvement District (BID), GO! Southampton.
From identifying cost savings of over £136,000 to more than 880 hours of training completed by employees via its online training hub, the BID’s range of services is helping businesses access valuable opportunities, improve their operations and connect with the wider business community.
Other initiatives include a dedicated recycling service to help reduce waste management costs and a professional photography service that has helped over 40 businesses enhance their marketing.
Steph Terry, BID member and Venue Manager at Locked in a Room in Southampton, finds these services invaluable. “The BID has connected us with valuable marketing tools such as the photography service, which we have found particularly useful” she said. “It has also organised events like City Networking that help businesses build relationships, and the team consistently show genuine care and interest in us and the growth of Southampton.”
She added: “GO! Southampton has always been there for our business, supporting us and providing opportunities that would have been difficult to access without their help. Through their hard work and enthusiasm for supporting businesses of all sizes, they have created an irreplaceable sense of community within the city.”
Stephen Manion, Executive Director of GO! Southampton said: “At a time when businesses continue to face rising costs and ongoing economic pressures, we’re committed to providing practical support that delivers real value. Whether it’s helping businesses reduce overheads, access high-quality training opportunities or improve their marketing activities, our services are designed to make a noticeable difference.
“Every pound saved can be reinvested, and every new skill developed helps strengthen the local economy. By working together, we’re able to offer support that may otherwise be out of reach.”
Alongside its practical support, GO! Southampton represents the interests of the city’s businesses at local, regional and national level, ensuring their concerns are heard and their priorities are reflected in wider discussions about economic growth.
This includes supporting national campaigns like the VATs The Problem campaign lobbying for fairer measures for businesses in hospitality.
Stephen added: “One of the BID’s most important roles is ensuring that businesses have a strong and collective voice. We regularly engage with decision-makers and stakeholders on behalf of our members, championing the policies and initiatives that will help businesses thrive.
“By bringing businesses together, we can highlight their concerns, influence important conversations and help shape a successful future for Southampton.”
GO! Southampton is seeking a renewed five-year term to continue delivering support for levy-paying businesses and investing in initiatives that contribute to a vibrant and successful city centre.
If the ballot is successful, the BID plans to introduce its ‘Playful City’ project, designed to support the health and wellbeing of Southampton’s employees. It also aims to strengthen connections between the city’s workforce and its hospitality and leisure businesses through events, offers and partnerships, while continuing to champion the needs of local organisations.
Voting is now OPEN, giving BID levy payers the opportunity to decide whether GO! Southampton should continue delivering services and improvements for a further five years. The ballot closes on 26 November 2026.
Businesses can read the full plan and find ballot information here.
