The Business Improvement District for Birmingham’s retail sector has been given the go-ahead for the a second term after nearly three quarters of its members gave it their backing.

Retail Birmingham - which has been behind initiatives such as Style Birmingham - will now continue for another five years following the ballot.

Jonathan Cheetham, chair of Retail Birmingham and general manager at The Pallasades shopping centre, said: “This is a fantastic result and a real milestone in affirming the good work that has already been delivered by Retail Birmingham, as well as securing the future of the city’s robust retail offering.

“Since its inception, Retail Birmingham has worked tirelessly to serve the retail community through promoting, enhancing and developing the shopping, living and leisure experience in the city centre. We have delivered promotional campaigns and established major retail events such as Style Birmingham LIVE and Celebration of Independents that have brought thousands of visitors into the city centre, worked behind the scenes for the benefit of our members, helped to keep our streets clean and safe through the delivery of a Street Warden service, as well as working with Birmingham City Council to help create a walkable, world-class and connected city centre.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to carry this work through into the next five years for the good of the city centre retail economy.”

BIDs are funded - and there are a number in the city including Broad Street and Colmore Business District - through a one per cent levy on the rateable values of the businesses within their jurisdiction.