Birmingham businesses show support for BID
Businessmen and women in Birmingham have over-whelmingly voted in favour of establishing the city's Broad Street as a business improvement district (BID).
The scheme received a 92 per cent vote in favour of the scheme - the highest level of support given to any proposed BID in the UK.
The initiative encourages business people - including licensees - to jointly invest money in designated areas for improvements alongside their local authority.
It allows local businesses to have a say in the management and promotion of their district. The BID will deliver an additional investment of £400,000 directly to Broad Street over the next five years. Earmarked projects include festive lighting, additional floral decorations, evening warden patrols and a daily pavement washing service.
The BID will be led by a partnership company composed of representatives from local businesses, property owners, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police and the City Centre Neighbourhood Forum.
Councillor Mike Whitby said: "I am confident that this partnership will transform the whole area, creating a better managed and vibrant district, attracting more investment and trade. The BID will focus our efforts and resources on delivering a high-quality environment for businesses, their staff and all who live in or visit the area."
The private sector-led, not-for-profit company has 15 directors. These include Gabbie Cooney, estates manager for Wetherspoon's and Andrew Cox, director of property at Mitchells & Butlers.
However, Alex Salussolia, chairman of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, recently voiced fears that BIDs could place just another financial burden on businesses. He was concerned that the landlords and property companies, which support the scheme would recoup their financial contribution by increasing their service charges to retailers.
This could mean licensees and pub companies face extra burdens on two fronts, with increased service charges and payment of their levy for the local project.
Pictured: Hollywood heartthrob Will Smith appeared in Birmingham in March to encourage businesses, including pubs, to invest money back into the city. The movie star, who was in town to celebrate the premiere of his film Hitch, was asked to drum up support for Birmingham's first business improvement district.
