Ilkley BID (Business Improvement District) is helping to keep the town vibrant, attractive, and thriving by supporting local businesses and funding initiatives that enhance the area.
Ilkley BID works with three objectives: to attract people to the town, to support its business members, and to keep Ilkley a clean and attractive place. It has around 350 businesses who all pay a small levy into a central pot, allowing the BID to undertake projects that help members and the town – something that wouldn’t happen otherwise.
With challenged council budgets and cost-of-living pressures, Ilkley BID believes it’s important to look for creative ways to keep Ilkley vibrant and deliver improvements to it. Just some of the improvements it has made include securing funding to deliver a feasibility study to improve the train and bus station, and it is currently fundraising towards the delivery of the next phase of the project. It has introduced six new town maps, provided planting to a central area of the town, and was a major contributor to the Mill Ghyll Fountain.
It also supports businesses by offering PR support, running marketing campaigns, operating the Ilkley Gift Card (accepted in over 80 businesses), and lobbying against proposed increases in parking charges. Ilkley BID was the largest – and first – contributor to the Improving Ilkley campaign to deliver the beautiful new fountain, opened in April by Alan Titchmarsh.
Thanks to the BID’s efforts, the town has been awarded Coach Friendly Status as well as the Walkers Are Welcome status. In September, it’s partnering with Ilkley Literature Festival to offer special deals from its businesses to festival-goers, sponsoring an event with Mary Portas, and showcasing the art and culture attractions in the town.
The feedback Ilkley BID receives is overwhelmingly positive:
“I have valued the input of the BID team so far, and they can only build on the great work already done to protect, preserve, and promote our town and ensure it’s safeguarded from current and future council budget cuts,” says one local business. “The BID manager has always been so helpful and inclined to assist as much as possible. I think ideas like the Ilkley Gift Card and BID-sponsored business awards are just some of the little extras that make having a business in the area even better.”
This Yorkshire Day and weekend, Ilkley BID has curated a jam-packed programme of events to celebrate God’s Own Country. On 1st August, there will be a procession starting at The Grove, followed by a proclamation by the Town Crier and a public singalong to On Ilkla Moor Baht’at. Ilkley Manor House will host the 160th anniversary of Ilkley Railway exhibition, and from 5pm the Yorkshire Beer Festival takes place at Clarke Foley Community Hub.
The Grove will be closed to traffic on 2nd August and filled with entertainment. Visitors can enjoy drama, dance, poetry, and music from talented local artists, ranging from a full big band to a five-piece jazz and funk outfit.
Time & Time Again
Established in 1996, Time & Time Again is a small family-run menswear business offering “good old-fashioned service by people who really care,” so you know you’ll be in safe hands. Whether you’re looking for smart everyday wear or preparing for a special occasion, Colin and Keeley are ready to help – no appointment needed.
Looking to hire suits for your wedding party? The fifth hire is free. The shop offers formal hire, quality menswear from trusted brands such as Peter England, Masotti, and Douglas & Graham, plus an impressive range of gifts and accessories from cufflinks to chess sets. In-house alterations are available free on store purchases, and outside garments can be altered at competitive rates.
Visit Time & Time Again Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm and Sundays from 11am to 4pm.
Timeandtime.co.uk | 01943 816 671
Jeremy Bloomfield
Jeremy Bloomfield has been in the jewellery business since 1993, opening his own contemporary fine jewellers in 2001 on The Grove. Known for his extensive array of high-quality jewellery, he is one of the largest stockists of Georg Jensen in the North of England.
His carefully curated showroom features exquisite engagement and handmade wedding rings by Charles Green, a family-run UK jeweller with over 190 years of heritage. There’s also an extensive selection of pearl jewellery by Matt Aminoff London, as well as vibrant gemstone pieces from his brother Sheldon Bloomfield – sourced from around the globe.
Through trusted goldsmiths, Jeremy Bloomfield also offers a complete jewellery repair and aftercare service, including ring re-sizing, re-mounts, re-setting, and more.
Visit Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm on The Grove.
Jeremybloomfield.co.uk | 01943 601 420
Fig & Willow
Run by Jules Wood, Fig & Willow is an independent clothing and lifestyle shop showcasing the best in Scandinavian and British brands
It prides itself on its range of homeware, cards, candles, gifts, and sustainable fashion – providing great quality at reasonable prices. Whether you’re on the hunt for a gift or treating yourself, you’ll find everything from hand-poured candles from Cornwall by St. Eval, Kusan hats made from 100% wool with fleece lining from recycled bottles, to quirky printed clothes from Danish brand NÜMPH – and much more.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Figandwillowilkley.co.uk
Main Womenswear
Based just outside Ilkley in the village of Addingham, Main Womenswear is an independent boutique focusing on women’s clothing and accessories
Owner Gill is on hand most days to offer styling advice and help put together the perfect outfit for all shapes, sizes, and budgets. With on-trend styles, quality fabrics, and luxurious items by top brands from across Europe and beyond, Main Womenswear is a haven for wearable fashion.
They offer a personalised shopping service, spending time with each customer to create the perfect look. Online shopping with home delivery and click-and-collect is also available. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturdays until 4pm.
Mainwomenswear.co.uk | 01943 839 193
J Reserve
Established restaurateur Julie Mountain has created J Reserve – a café bistro with a beautifully designed interior that’s been at the heart of Ilkley for 15 years
Julie’s dishes blend quality ingredients with bold, memorable flavours, offering a fresh twist for diners to savour. The team prides itself on great customer service to create that “let’s go back there” feeling.
Start your day with breakfast classics or creative twists, or enjoy a light lunch of vibrant salads, wraps, and homemade cakes in a relaxed environment. Space for small private functions is available. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 3pm and Friday to Saturday from 9.30am to 3pm.
Jreserve.com | 01943 816 989
Walton’s
Established in 1988, Walton’s Fine Furnishings has become a renowned interiors retailer in Yorkshire, offering high-quality products along with personal service and value for money.
Walton’s is a one-stop shop for everything you need to redecorate your home. From soft furnishings and upholstery to designer wallpaper and carpets, Walton’s offers a wide range of high-quality home furnishing products in all the latest styles.
Head down to the Ilkley-based showroom to check out the wide range of products or loan the soft furnishing pattern book to take home and see what matches well with your other furnishings.
Now featuring Farrow and Ball’s Little Greene paint, tinted in store while you wait!
Beau Monde
Since its establishment in 1995, Beau Monde has been dedicated to providing the highest standards of beauty therapy. Our commitment to excellence was recognized in 2002 when we achieved Clarins Gold Salon status, a testament to our quality and service.
The team of highly trained staff is passionate about delivering optimum levels of service, ensuring you receive the best possible experience with every acclaimed treatment you choose.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on offering the best quality beauty services available. Beyond renowned treatments, Beau Monde is also the perfect place to find a gift or treat yourself. We offer a curated selection of gifts, bath and body products, and jewellery, ensuring you’ll discover something special. Plus, we provide complimentary gift wrapping to add that perfect finishing touch.
The perfumery stocks all the best in top-of-the-range perfumes, with brands such as Chanel, Hermes, and Marc Jacobs – just to name a few!
Interiors of Ilkley
Elevate your home with design-led fitted furniture and interiors by Interiors of Ilkley.
Run by a trusted two-man team – a designer and a maker/installer working side by side for over 15 years – we specialise in handmade, bespoke furniture built to last.
From compact rooms to full home renovations, we take on projects of all sizes. Whether you’re updating your kitchen or bathroom, creating a stylish media wall, redesigning a bedroom, or adding custom shelving to your dining room, Interiors of Ilkley design and fit thoughtful interiors that reflect how you live – beautiful, functional, and made with care.
Get in touch for a quote today!
Interiorsofilkley.co.uk | 07980 264 801
Clayful
Clayful is a newly opened, fully licensed pottery painting studio where you can enjoy painting a wide range of items alongside a fully stocked bar!
The friendly staff are on hand to assist with your creative process, offering guidance and providing shaped sponges and stamps to help bring your vision to life. No matter your artistic ability – no experience is required, just go in with an open mind and a desire to have fun.
Clayful is the perfect venue for parties of all ages and occasions. From themed birthday parties to baby showers and team building to get your creativity flowing and bring your team closer together, it’s all covered.
It also hosts a variety of events such as sip-and-paint nights, art workshops, crafternoons, and more!
