Retail Business Improvement District secures third term
BIRMINGHAM’S city centre-based Retail Business Improvement District (BID) has secured a third five-year term following a successful renewal ballot of its member businesses.
The postal ballot conducted by the Independent Scrutineer, Electoral Reform Services closed on October 27 with 79% voting in favour of the BID continuing, with 86% in rateable value.
The result of the vote was confirmed by Robert Connolly, Deputy BID Ballot Holder and Head of Electoral Services at Birmingham City Council.
The Retail BID’s first term spanned 2007-2012 and following its first renewal ballot, continued from 2012 to March 2017. During this time, the BID has delivered high profile events and marketing campaigns, street scene improvements and business support, as well as lobbying on behalf of its businesses on many key issues affecting the city centre.
Chair of the Retail BID and general manager of Grand Central, Jonathan Cheetham said: “This is excellent news and shows the confidence that our businesses have in the Retail BID and their support for our plans to improve the success of the cityscape over the next five years.”
The BID works in partnership with Birmingham City Council and other organisations on a number of projects and services.
Cllr John Clancy, leader, Birmingham City Council said: “I am delighted that the Retail BID has secured its third term, enabling continuation of all the good work carried out since 2007 and as a key partner of the city council on matters concerning the city centre.”
The third term for the Retail BID begins on April 1, 2017 and runs until March 31, 2022.
A Business Improvement District (BID) is where local businesses in a defined area vote to invest together in additional projects and services to improve their business environment. There are now well over 200 BIDs in towns and cities across the UK, with 11 of these in Birmingham alone.
