Erdington businesses back BID for second term

BUSINESSES in Erdington have voted in favour of a third term for the town’s Business Improvement District (BID).

Of the firms balloted, 84.2% voted in favour – up from 72% at the last vote in 2012.

Formed in 2007, Erdington BID includes more than 300 businesses and has during its lifespan has helped to bring in investment of more than £1m to support town centre businesses.

Jill Guest, chair of Erdington BID, said: “This is a great endorsement from the BID levy payers for us to carry on our work and bring improvements to the town centre. We look forward to working with Erdington businesses to get the best deal for the BID area.”

Cllr John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, welcomed the extension of the scheme to a second term.

“This is exciting news, not just for businesses in Erdington but for the wider community, who will also see significant benefits from a second term for the BID,” he said.

“Overseeing economic development across Birmingham is a key part of my responsibilities as council leader, so I am delighted that the business community in Erdington has overwhelmingly backed a second term, enabling a very successful BID to continue growing and building on the successes of its first term.”      
   
There are currently 11 BIDs in Birmingham. A BID can operate for a maximum of five years at a time and must hold a renewal ballot of its members to continue for further five-year periods.