BUSINESSES across Stourbridge town centre have voted in favour of plans for a Stourbridge Business Improvement District (BID) - securing around £835,000 to be spent on supporting businesses and improving the town centre.

The result follows many months of planning, in-depth interviews, surveys and a month-long ballot in which businesses in the town were asked to vote on the proposals.

A total of 77 per cent of votes cast were in favour of the BID which will now begin on April 1 2025 - creating a collective fund of more than £835,000 to spend over the next five years.

The plans were driven by the Stourbridge BID Steering Group of business representatives from across the town, supported by pfbb UK, who develop and deliver Business Improvement Districts across the country.

Aaron Powell, manager of the Ryemarket Shopping Centre and chairperson of the Stourbridge BID Steering Group, said: “This is superb news for Stourbridge and huge congratulations must go to all the businesses which rallied and joined forces to ensure we secured a yes vote in the BID ballot.

“Thanks must go to all those businesses who engaged in the process by sharing their ideas and opinions on how we can work together to improve the town centre and who, ultimately, voted in favour of the plans that support each other in these challenging and uncertain times.

“The BID’s business plan, which businesses were being asked to vote on, has been designed to address the issues which came up during the lengthy consultations with many of the businesses in the town centre, from the small independent businesses to large national businesses.

“The money will now be spent through the three key strategic objectives and their related activities.”

The Stourbridge vision is to promote Stourbridge and develop its reputation as an attractive, vibrant, historical, market town.

To view the business plan visit https://www.stourbridgebid.com/stourbridgebid

The BID aims to create a vibrant town centre with a strong sense of identity and a positive awareness locally, regionally and nationally.

It also aims to work with organisations and businesses in public, private and voluntary sectors to create a place which looks and feels great for families, the community, businesses and visitors as well as striving to achieve the best for businesses and organisations in the town encouraging people to work together to create a positive working environment, a great place to develop a business and a strong business community.

The BID aims to bring about improvements to the town centre to ensure businesses prosper.

Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles said: “I'm so pleased with the news that Stourbridge businesses said yes to the BID!

"This result is testament to the hard work of the BID Steering Group, which I'm proud to have played my part in. Giving traders this platform is fantastic news for our town and comes at a key time with the planned regeneration around Stourbridge.

"People always raise concerns to me about the town centre and the BID will give Stourbridge a bright future.”

A company will now be formed to deliver the objectives of the BID over the next five years.