Birmingham Future’s growing influence on important matters that affect us all in the city has been demonstrated once again by the announcement that we have been given a Stakeholders seat on the Board of Directors of the Colmore BID. Paul Fielding, of Brewin Dolphin and current chair of the Events Committee, has been appointed as that future representative. He gives below his answers to some questions that our members may have about the BID.
What is the Colmore BID?
The BID is a ring fenced, not-for-profit, company that is financed by other firms in the area agreeing to pay a fixed levy over the five years of the BID. This financing was agreed in a recent vote where 50% of those companies voted and a large majority agreed in favour of a small surcharge based on their rateable value. The BID company will use this money to improve the district by working alongside the council but never duplicating or replacing existing services.
Why is the BID needed?
The Colmore Business District provides visitors to Birmingham with a wealth of top class national and globally renowned business from many different professional sectors. These sectors include Accountants, Lawyers, Property specialists, Financial companies such as Banks and Investment Managers, PR companies and many others.
The BID is therefore needed for a number of reasons which include:
- Further improving the area’s identity,
- improving the look of the area by making it cleaner, greener and more attractive,
- improving transportation in and around the area
- making the area more safe and welcoming.
By tackling important matters such as these we can help to further enhance the area’s reputation as a prestigious place to do business not only nationally but also internationally.
How will this be achieved?
The BID board will shortly appoint a BID Manager who will work alongside the Board. The Board will determine this individual’s role but it is likely to include matters such as liaising with the council, police and transport companies, managing a team of Street Wardens, helping to brand the area, arranging for events, extra cleaning and organising more floral arrangements etc…
Why is it important that Birmingham Future is involved?
Birmingham Future is one of the main voices of the young professional in the city and one of its aims is to try and ensure that the top young talent want to stay in the city. Birmingham Future can therefore help to achieve this by having a say in matters such as the BID. Hopefully our involvement in this company will see that collectively we are helping to influence major decisions that are made in the city.
How will Young Professional’s be able to have their say?
If there are any matters that you feel need to be addressed please feel free to get in touch with me or any member of the leadership team and I will ensure that your thoughts and ideas are relayed to the rest of the Board. If you would like my contact details please contact the office and they will send them on to you.
