HALESOWEN'S BID team which has secured more than £300k investment in the town is celebrating after businesses voted ‘yes' for a second term.

The result means Halesowen Business Improvement District (BID) will continue its hard work in supporting the town’s shops and firms.

During their first term the BID, made up of manager Vicky Rogers and ambassador Ellie Hunt, have overseen an increase in footfall to the town centre, most notably in June 2020 when Halesowen was listed as the fastest footfall recovery rate in the UK.

They have secured over £300k of investment focusing on green space and town centre experiences to keep Halesowen tidy and an attractive destination for visitors.

They lobbied the local authority for free parking, installed new security systems including CCTV and a security radio network as well as managing the set-up and celebrations around the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

The BID became a valuable support for businesses during the pandemic helping to secure grants, funding and tax relief for many of the independent businesses facing the crisis alone.

Every business in the town which is a BID Levy payer could vote in the ballot with a massive 84 per cent of the voters giving their approval for the BID’s second term.

Vicky Rogers, BID manager, said “We’re thrilled to be back for a second term!

"The result of the ballot emphasises the huge support we have had from local businesses.

“It highlights the confidence businesses in Halesowen have in the BID and we are ready to continue to work on their behalf to help Halesowen thrive!

“It’s a pleasure to work with the businesses across Halesowen and it’s even more satisfying to see how much the town appreciates the work we do.”

In their second term the BID have pledged to focus on continued business support working closely with businesses owners and invest in an eco-friendly future.

Each BID is required to hold a ballot at least every five years to ensure they still have the support of the businesses who pay into them.

Halesowen BID, which is based in the former Hobbs building off Somers Square, is one of 333 active Bids in the UK.