Waterloo Quarter Business Alliance is an official Business Improvement District (BID), working with and for businesses to secure funding for a range of projects to improve the local area as a place to work and to do business. To find out more about the organisation and how it works, visit the Who we are page.

 

WQBA implements a range of projects to achieve its aim to improve the area and to benefit all types of business; from large office occupiers and service providers; to small independent retailers, bars and eateries. All services offered by WQBA are delivered in addition to those provided by the Council and other organisations, ensuring that you receive all the support that you need to make the most of running a business in the Waterloo Quarter. Click here for more information about our projects so far.

 

The Council's baseline services are set out in a legally binding agreement between WQBA and the Council to ensure that the BID only funds activity that is over and above the statutory obligations of the Council and other authorities such as the Police. BID Members can request a copy by emailing the WQBA team at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Read on to find out how we can help your business...

 

Networking events

 

We organise several networking events throughout the year at a variety of venues. The events provide the opportunity for you to meet with fellow businesses in the area, either to discuss and share your views of current issues or to consider the possibilities of working together; and also the chance to get to know your neighbours. Look out for your invitation to the next event in your inbox or through the post. Any business wishing to host an event can get in touch with the WQBA staff team.

 

Graffiti removal

 

WQBA provides a graffiti removal service in addition to that provided by the Councils, who currently only deal with graffiti visible from public highways. Alert us to any graffiti on your property and we will arrange for its removal free of charge.

 

 

We know the right people in the right places. To make it easier for you to deal with authorities such as the Council and the Police, we can act as a representative voice on your behalf. You can call us about anything, from waste collection, recycling and street cleaning; to parking restrictions and licensing; plus any other issues that are affecting your business and we will ensure that your issue is actioned and reported back to you.

 

 

Every BID business in Waterloo Quarter has a free listing on the Waterloo Quarter website. This listing features a short description of your business as well as contact details and opening times. There is also an opportunity for your customers to share their opinion of you! To update your listing just send the new information to us. Click here to view current business listings.

 

 

Do you have special discounts or sales promotions that you would like to advertise to fellow BID businesses and/or their employees? An effective way of building up a loyal following in the local area, we can promote any offers you may have to your target audience via the monthly newsletter or on the website. Ideas for offers can include a free drink with a meal, buy one get one free, 10% discounts and free gifts.

 

 

Do you have news that you would like to share with other businesses in the area? Maybe you’re looking for partner businesses to work with? Maybe you’re new to the area and would like an introduction? Whatever it is, we can spread the word to your fellow BID businesses through our monthly Voice newsletter.

 

 

Are you currently negotiating your rent with your landlord? WQBA holds sample rental information for different types of business within the WQBA area, which can be made available to BID Members on request. Make sure you're getting a fair deal.

 

 

Do you need information about a planning application or do you want to object to or lend your support to a local development? WQBA will respond to local planning applications on behalf of its Members via the Environment and Public Realm sub-group. Similarly, we can offer support with licensing applications - for music, alcohol and events, through to putting tables and chairs on the pavements. Please get in touch for advice and assistance.

 

 

There are many businesses in the area with meeting rooms and conference facilities available for hire, of varying sizes. Click here for the full listing or call us for details. Alternatively, if you have facilities that you would like to advertise on our site, feel free to let us know by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

Waterloo has a vast array of charities concerned with issues ranging from youth and homelessness; to refugee support and learning difficulties. If your business is keen to get involved and support local charities, maybe from a Corporate Social Responsibility angle, we can help put you in touch with the right people. If you are a charity organisation, you may be interested in our Charity of the Year scheme.

 

 

The Walking Waterloo maps and business directories are helpful guides to what is on offer in the Waterloo area, from transport options and places to eat, to dry-cleaners and shoe repairers; ideal for your new employees and visiting clients as well as members of the public. The maps are free of charge to all businesses and come with a handy dispenser for you to display at your reception or on your shop counter. For a supply of maps and/or a dispenser, please get in touch with us via email or phone. Feel free to also let us know when you need a top-up!

 

 

Are you aware of a grot-spot? A poorly lit corner? Or an area in need of repair? If so let us know and, provided it's not within the Councils' remit, we will be able to source funding and arrange for the improvements to be made. Examples of some of our previous public realm improvements include the installation of year-round tree lights brightening up Kennington Road; the summer planting in Emma Cons Gardens; the clean up of Granby Place, off Lower Marsh, which previously attracted rubbish blown in from the street; and the steam cleaning of the western end of Lower Marsh where the pavements had become stained with grease and dirt from large bins.

 

Please get in touch with suggestions for areas that you think might need improving or alternatively visit the Previous projects page to find out more about the types of activities we have undertaken in the past.

 

 

These are just a sample of our current services and to businesses. For full details of the commitments made to local businesses at the time WQBA was established in Lambeth in April 2006 and in Southwark in 2008, please see the relevant BID Proposal, or call and request a hard copy on 020 7620 1201.

 

---

 

 

As BID levy payers you are entitled to all of the services mentioned in this flyer. Becoming a BID member takes your involvement in the BID one step further.

 

Would you like to have a say on how your BID levy money is spent? WQBA is governed by a Board of Directors made up of representatives from a range of businesses throughout the area.  Two sub-groups feed in to the Board – Environment and Public Realm concerned with development and planning issues and green projects; and Marketing and Business Development responsible for marketing the area and encouraging business-to-business trading. The sub-groups each contribute projects with the aim of benefiting the BID and improving the Waterloo area both as a place to visit as well as do business.

 

As a BID levy payer, you are entitled to become an official BID member, allowing you to join the Board as well as either of the sub-groups, and have direct influence over how your levy money is spent and how projects are delivered. This also gives you the opportunity to attend all General Meetings of the Company.

 

We strongly encourage you to get involved and we welcome your input. You, as business representatives, are best placed to advise about the area’s needs and the issues affecting businesses.

 

 

Becoming a BID member is easy and does not incur any extra financial costs in addition to the annual levy payment. Contact us to find out more about becoming a member or alternatively download a Membership form here.