Nottingham soapbox racers roll into Old Market Square

Morning Briefing Sunday 10th May Mono

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The Nottingham Super Soapbox Challenge is happening today in Old Market Square, where squads of builders race their homemade carts down a four meter high ramp, hoping to safely make it to the end of the track.

Soapbox cars are gravity powered - so no engines. Teams of five have to design and build their carts to withstand racing down Kings Street from a four meter high ramp, around a haystack-lined route winding through the Square.

Teams win based on their finishing times, but it’s often a feat just to get to the end without falling apart. Prizes are also given for best designs, a “joker of the day”, and a sponsor’s choice award.

Lindleys Autocentre appear to have gotten very into the whole thing: they’re a sponsor of the event as well as building three carts to compete. They said: “It’s a brilliant way to bring people together, support local businesses, and showcase some seriously creative engineering.”

Supporting local businesses is a key motivation of the event - which is free to attend. The event is organised by It’s In Nottingham, the business improvement district (BID) for central Nottingham.

A BID is a special kind of business which exists to promote and perform extra services within its area.

Forming a BID requires notice given to the Secretary of State and a ballet run by the council, where all the businesses in the catchment area are given the opportunity to review the proposed charter. If a simple majority vote in favour the BID is created.

The organisations are funded through a levy on all businesses and empty properties within the district who pay business rates. The levy in Nottingham is 1.8% of the rateable value. It’s In Nottingham expect to collect £1.2million in 2026.

There are a number of key services they give to businesses in return. For instance, they work with (and apply pressure on) the local council to improve safety for employees and customers from crime and harassment. Some cleaning and recycling services are funded by the BID. They work on improving the city’s green credentials through effective waste management. They also commit to helping small and starting businesses to collaborate with each other, improving their chances of success.

The Soapbox Challenge today is part of another promise: to increase footfall throughout the city. £355,000 has been allocated for their "Promoted City" strategic pillar, which is used for events like this, with costs offset by sponsorships. Light Night and Ay-Up Market fit into this category too.

The races kick off at 10:45am today and finish around 5pm. It's a free event, but It's In Nottingham are hopeful that you stop off at Nero along the way (or any other business in the centre of the city).