Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) enjoyed a landslide ballot this week, with more than 84.9% of city businesses voting in favour of another five-year BID term.
This is the most successful ballot in the BID’s ten-year history, with 51% turnout and a record 84.9% of businesses backing their continued tenure.
The results, released today by Civica Election Services who conducted the independent ballot on behalf of Worcester City Council, show that 332 businesses cast their vote. 282 businesses voted positively, with a combined rateable value of over £17million.
Worcester BID will manage more than £2 million worth of investment over the next five years, building on their success of the last decade which has seen Worcester’s high street footfall grow when other cities have seen significant decline.
Phoebe Dawson, BID CEO, said: “We are beyond delighted with the results of this year’s ballot, which have exceeded expectations and are better than any ballot in the BID’s history.
“The city boasts enviable high street footfall numbers, and new initiatives such as evening food festivals and the pop-up park have been a great boon for the city. We are looking forward to continuing this great work, as well as expanding and improving Worcester’s commercial offering.
“Worcester BID’s success can be attributed to the collaborative approach that partners and stakeholders have taken over the last few years. Thanks to our shared ambition and effective cooperation, the future for the Faithful City looks very bright indeed.”
Nicki Williams, Chair of the BID Board and Deputy CEO of Heart of Worcestershire College, said: “Worcester BID is taking the lead in tackling issues facing the city. Businesses have seen a return on their investment over the last five years and have voted accordingly.
“It’s an exciting time for the city with huge investment planned over the next couple of years. The city centre community is passionate about Worcester and there’s a great feeling of confidence in the future.”
Worcester BID3 will operate from 1st April 2020 for five years. Their work is funded by the levy paid annually by businesses in the BID area and since its formation, BID has provided extensive cost saving and town safety initiatives.
BID’s mandate includes making improvements to the public realm, marketing and events, and other support for businesses. BID provides businesses with a powerful voice, lobbying on key issues from business rates to the town’s car parking strategy.
Worcester BID is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and its volunteer directors will continue to be drawn from the businesses in the BID area.
Current BID initiatives include Visit Worcester, Safer City, Training courses, Cost Savings and Worcester Cares.