All eyes are on Birmingham’s new Retail Business Improvement District (BID), which is now
operational and looks set to reinforce the city centre’s position as a European shopping capital.
Retailers in Birmingham city centre voted last autumn to join forces and create a BID, which will add to and improve the level of services already provided by the City Council, Police and other agencies, in order to achieve the highest possible standards of street operations, business support and marketing.
Alan Chatham has been elected as Chair of Retail Birmingham, the company formed to manage the BID, which sees retailers from Bullring, The Mailbox, Pallasades, Pavilions, New Street, High Street, Corporation Street, Great Western Arcade, Piccadilly Arcade, to name but a few, working together to improve the shopping experience for all those visiting the city centre.
The BID has an initial term of five years, during which time income of over £5 million is expected through the BID levy, voluntary contributions, Birmingham City Council and other sources. This will fund a range of additional projects and services which will be managed on a day to day basis by the City Centre Management Team.
Alan Chatham, who is ideally placed to lead Retail Birmingham as Director of The Mailbox, said: “Birmingham is a world-class shopping destination and whilst an excellent level of support is already provided, it is our job to exceed the expectations of visitors and create the best possible environment throughout their time in the city centre.
“Through the newly formed Retail Birmingham company, the interests of all retailers, from large department stores to small independent outlets, will be represented and the plans implemented will be designed to benefit Birmingham city centre.
“I am delighted to be leading the BID and am confident that we will achieve tangible results for
visitors, retailers and the local economy alike.”
Alan takes over the reins from Kevin Breese, General Manager of Harvey Nichols who has chaired the Retail Birmingham group since 2004 and led projects such as the Chid Safe Zone, Style Birmingham, Christmas advertising campaigns, and the retail response during the M6 roadworks.
Kevin said: “By working together, we can realise the full potential of our status as the best
shopping destination in the UK outside London’s West End.”
The Retail Birmingham board includes key figures from a variety of retailers of different sizes and areas of expertise so that the interests of all those involved are represented and a coordinated approach is adopted at all times.
Jenny Inglis, City Centre Director whose City Centre Management Team will be running the day to day operations of the BID said: “Retail Birmingham will address a wide range of issues which will impact on the retail trading environment in Birmingham city centre and implement projects and campaigns to improve and enhance every aspect of it.”
Changes are already taking place, with four new street wardens appointed specifically to patrol the BID area seven days a week. This new team, adding to the existing resources provided by the City Council, will ensure that shoppers enjoy a clean, safe and welcoming environment, with trained individuals on hand to help with any issues and enquiries that may arise, as well as providing peace of mind with their visible presence.
Retail Birmingham BID is Birmingham’s second Business Improvement District. The first, Broad Street Partnership Ltd., has been operational since the summer of 2005 and has made significant progress towards its aspirations for a brighter, safer and cleaner environment. It was announced earlier this month that Erdington has now voted to create a BID, which will make Birmingham the only UK city outside London to have three BIDs.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Charlotte Beeching, Retail Birmingham Press Office
Tel: 0121 202 5110 or email us.
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