Our Neighbours’ Reflections on the District, Colmore BID, and the BID4 Business Plan

In light of our recently launched BID4 Business Plan, we asked Jasmine Young, Assistant Business Manager for CBRE and member of the BID’s Women’s Safety Forum, about the positives she believes the BID brings to the District.

This forms part of our neighbours’ reflections series, which kicked off last month with Gensler’s Birmingham office lead, Tariq Shaikh.

Jasmine shared how Colmore BID creates an environment where individuals can work, play, and live. She’s particularly excited about the Food Festival’s return this summer and being part of the Women’s Safety Forum, developing initiatives to help keep women safe in the District.

What are you and CBRE most looking forward to?

“I’m looking forward to seeing the BID’s BID4 Business plan come to fruition. I am so excited to be a part of the Women’s Safety Forum. Making sure women have information and resources on how to stay safe – not just whilst travelling to and from work, but also day to day in their personal lives.

“The establishment and promotion of the Hollie Guard app, a next-generation free smartphone personal safety app, and the Ask for Angela scheme are just two ways the Women’s Safety Forum has encouraged discussion surrounding women’s  safety in the District.”

What future events are you excited about in the District?

“I am so excited for this year’s Food Festival delivered by Colmore BID. The festival brings people together, attracting over 30,000 visitors each year, and showcases the District’s finest cuisines and local gourmet gurus. It’s not one to miss!

“This is just one of the many events that Colmore BID hosts, contributing to a productive economy and a fantastic living and leisure environment in the District. I’m really looking forward to the continuation of these great events as part of the BID4 Business Plan and the introduction of new programmes.”

What benefits does the BID bring to the District’s businesses?

“Colmore BID provides endless opportunities for businesses in the District to collaborate and grow. In particular, the night-time economy is booming, with many restaurants and bars. As more people come to play in the District, the BID’s focus on safety, with initiatives like the Colmore Licensing Network, LSAVI Accreditation Scheme and ambitions to extend the working of their dedicated security officers into the evening from 2024, will make sure everyone in the District feels safe and secure, day and night.”

Watch Jasmine’s BID4 Talking Heads video below:

Your creative District

Since 2009, we’ve been working tirelessly to benefit our levy payers and visitors, focusing significantly on developing a creative District. We’ve delivered on-street theatre, supported well-known cultural events such as the International Dance Festival and the Birmingham Weekender, curated art features such as the Livery Street Artwork and Umbra in Church Street Square, and hosted award-winning and thought-provoking exhibitions such as #NicklinUnseen and CONSTRUCT.   As one of the UK’s leading Business Improvement Districts, we’ve made great strides, but we want to do more.

As we look towards 2024-2029, we want to use public exhibitions to celebrate our District’s rich heritage, help our local creatives break the mould, and much more!

Watch how we are making your District creative here.

Find out more about Colmore BID’s projects and initiatives here.