The Colmore BID Team
Colmore BID has secured a new five-year term representing Birmingham’s Business District following a successful renewal ballot of its members.
The confidential postal ballot conducted by Electoral Reform Services closed on November 20, 2018. For a BID ballot to be successful, the majority of those who voted must have voted in favour of the BID, both in terms of number and rateable value.
A total of 96% businesses voted in favour of the Colmore BID continuing, with 98% in favour by rateable value. The turnout was 64%, the highest turnout for a BID renewal ballot in the country for 2018.
The result of the vote was confirmed by Robert Connelly, Head of Electoral Services at Birmingham City Council.
A Business Improvement District (BID) is where local businesses in a defined geographic area vote to invest together in additional projects and services to improve their business environment. There are now over 300 BIDs in towns and cities across the UK, with 12 of these in Birmingham. Colmore BID’s new term will begin on 1 April, 2019.
Colmore Business District is considered the commercial heart of Birmingham with over 35,000 employees and five million square feet of office space.
Colmore BID Executive Director, Michele Wilby, said: “We are delighted to have been voted in for our third term and we are looking forward to delivering our ambitious plans for BID 3. A third term will see over £6 million being invested over five years into Birmingham city centre.
“A third term allows us to continue to deliver on our transformational public realm programme around Snow Hill station and the surrounding areas and we will bolster our on-street presence to provide more support to businesses and partners in relation to security and street scene issues.
“In addition to the aims set out in our Business Plan, we will continue to explore innovative ways to ensure that Colmore Business District continues to be a key UK business hub.”
Gary Cardin, Chair of Colmore Business District, said: “I am delighted that local businesses have voted yes for Colmore BID’s third term.
“The next five years will be pivotal for the city and Colmore BID is looking forward to working with partners to ensure that Colmore Business District continues to be the place to do business in Birmingham.
“Over the last ten years, Colmore BID has delivered public realm projects, award-winning events and cultural activities, all whilst working to keep the quality of the experience of those who work and visit the District to a high standard.
“We will improve and expand on the work that we currently do, as well as bringing new, ambitious projects to the area. We would like to thank local businesses for their support, and we look forward to working with them through the next five years.”
The Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Ian Ward, said: “I congratulate the BID on its successful renewal ballot and look forward to a close partnership between the City Council and Colmore BID for the strategic success of the city centre.
“There are many exciting developments and opportunities in Birmingham and Colmore BID is integral in helping to maximise these for the benefit of the commercial heart of the city centre.”
For more information about Colmore BID visit: www.colmorebusinessdistrict.com.
