Resounding YES: Knightsbridge businesses vote to back the Knightsbridge Partnership for another five years 

The Knightsbridge business community has voted overwhelmingly to renew the Knightsbridge Partnership’s mandate for a second five-year term, unlocking £8.3 million of ring-fenced investment directly into the district between 2026 and 2031. 

The ballot saw a turnout of 59%, with 97% of businesses voting in favour by number and 98% by rateable value, comfortably meeting the statutory requirements and securing a convincing majority across both measures. The message from Knightsbridge businesses is clear: the Partnership has delivered, and they want it to continue. 

This 59% turnout puts Knightsbridge well ahead of the sector as a whole. The average turnout for second-term BID renewal ballots nationally is 39.9%, according to British BIDs, meaning Knightsbridge’s result is a clear sign of how engaged businesses are in the district’s future. 

The result also means that the Knightsbridge Partnership will expand their designated area to include Old Barrack Yard, Basil Street, Hooper’s Court, Hans Crescent, Hans Road, Knightsbridge Green, Raphael Street, Lancelot Place and Montpelier Street, welcoming 81 new businesses to the Partnership. The Partnership will now represent almost 350 businesses across the district. 

The vote enables the Partnership to deliver their 2026–2031 business plan, built around four pillars: PROTECT, ENRICH, THRIVE and PROMOTE. Over the next five years the Partnership will continue to invest in district-wide safety and security, take forward its Place and Public Realm Strategy and Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan, invest in enhanced street cleansing, expand direct business support, advocate on the issues that matter to businesses including VAT Free Shopping and Business Rates Reform, and promote Knightsbridge to domestic and international audiences. 

Steven Medway, Chief Executive at the Knightsbridge Partnership, said:  

“I’m incredibly proud that both new and existing businesses have voted with a resounding ‘YES’ to keep investing in Knightsbridge, and to trust us to deliver on that investment for another five years. That carries real weight in the current climate. Costs are rising and every pound is rightly scrutinised, which makes it a responsibility we don’t take lightly. 

“I want to thank every business that voted. Our business plan was built on direct engagement with our members, and we will keep listening as we deliver. What I’m especially pleased about is the appetite from new businesses, who will join the Partnership for the first time this term. A bigger district and a broader membership make for a stronger collective voice for Knightsbridge.” 

Michael Ward, Chairman of the Knightsbridge Partnership and Managing Director at Harrods, said:  

“It is brilliant to see businesses back the Partnership so emphatically. Knightsbridge is one of the world’s most recognised international destinations, and it stays that way only through sustained investment, coordination and collaboration between businesses, property owners and the public sector. The Partnership is the convening power that makes that effort possible. 

“Customers have a wide choice of destinations competing for their attention, and standing still is not an option. This result is a mandate to maintain momentum, and continued collaboration through the Partnership is how we deliver long-term value for businesses, visitors and the wider community over the next five years.” 

Cllr Tim Barnes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning at Westminster City Council, said: 

“We have seen across Westminster what happens when businesses come together with a shared purpose, and the Knightsbridge Partnership is a strong example of best practice. It gives businesses a collective voice on the issues that affect them most, and it convenes business, the councils and governing authorities as well as the police around the things that shape the district day to day. 

“The Place and Public Realm Strategy shows the kind of long-term thinking that keeps a destination competitive. Knightsbridge sits across two boroughs and works best when everyone pulls in the same direction, and this result is a clear signal that businesses want that to continue.” 

Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said: 

“Knightsbridge is one of the most recognisable areas in our borough. It’s a global luxury destination, but it’s also a working neighbourhood, home to residents, employees and independent businesses who rely on it being properly looked after. A place like this doesn’t sustain itself; it needs local stewardship, sustained investment, and genuine partnership working.  That’s exactly what the Knightsbridge Partnership provides.  

“It brings together people who wouldn’t otherwise sit around the same table: two local authorities, Transport for London, landowners and businesses of every size. That collective voice, together with the Council, is what makes real, lasting change possible on the ground. We take great pride in the public realm here, and this result shows just how much businesses value the Partnership. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them over the next five years.” 

The Partnership’s next five-year term will officially begin on 1 October 2026 and run until 30 September 2031, delivering the commitments set out in the business plan, which is available at www.knightsbridgepartnership.com/ballot.  

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Notes to editors 

• The Knightsbridge Partnership is the Business Improvement District for Knightsbridge, spanning the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster. 
• The ballot opened on 27 August 2026 and closed on 24 September 2026. The result was declared at 3pm on 25 September 2026.  
• The ballot included the renewal of the current geographical designation and the expansion of the geographical designation to include Old Barrack Yard, Basil Street, Hooper’s Court, Hans Crescent, Hans Road, Knightsbridge Green, Raphael Street, Lancelot Place and Montpelier Street on top of the already existing Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner, Wilton Place and Sloane Street. 
• The current BID term ends on 30 September 2026. The new term runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2031. 
• The result: 59% turnout, 97% in favour by number and 98% in favour by rateable value. 
• The 2026–2031 business plan is available here.
• For any follow-up information, please contact Katie Blake, Director of Marketing and Communications, Knightsbridge Partnership at katie@knightsbridgepartnership.com.