Between 28th September and the 26th of October businesses in Harborne will be voting as to whether they want  Harborne Village to become a Business Improvement District (BID).  There are currently over 270 BIDs in the UK, 11 of which are in Birmingham.
 
Business Improvement Districts are defined geographical locations very often within a town, city or local high street, although they also exist on industrial estates. Businesses within the BID boundary vote to collectively invest in the local area via a levy which they pay annually.  Each BID lasts for a 5-year term after which businesses vote again to decide if they want it to continue into the next 5-year term.  The purpose of BIDs is to invest in projects that will benefit the trading environment and local community.
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If successful at ballot Harborne Village BID will invest £750,000 over the 5-year term.  We want to preserve and develop Harborne  Village’s appeal for residents and visitors. The objective is to drive footfall to our businesses and to sustain the Village’s unique offer.
 
The BID’s activities will be delivered through a not-for-profit company directed by a Board of local business owners and managers, to which an employed BID Manager will be accountable. The Harborne Village BID Business Plan outlines the key project themes which have been set according to local business priorities.
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For more information about the proposed BID for Harborne Village have a look at the Business Plan.
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BIDs exist to deliver above and beyond the existing services provided by the local authority and police.  As such Harborne Village BID will have baseline agreements with both Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police.  Both of which will be posted here as soon as they are available. 
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If you would like more information on BIDs in general visit the British BID's website.