POOLE Business Improvement District (BID) will operate for a second five-year term after winning support from 73 per cent of traders who took part in a ballot.

The turnout for the ballot was 34 per cent of traders, with 162 votes cast.

The BID required the backing of a majority of the levy-payers taking part in the vote to achieve this, which it did.

The overall support percentage of 76 per cent means that Poole BID will now operate through to June 30 2026.

Poole BID’s second term will focus on delivering the commitments made in the 21/26 Business Plan, published in advance of the ballot.

Three key elements Enhance, Promote and Support were identified in two independent surveys undertaken for the Poole BID and will form the basis of the next five years' operations.

Poole BID Lead, Jacqui Rock said: "We acknowledge that it is hard to satisfy the many diverse requirements of Poole's wide-ranging businesses and there have been obstacles along the way – not least the ongoing pandemic.

"Now that we have the clear support of the majority of businesses for a second term, my job will be to deliver the services outlined in the 21/26 Business Plan. Together with my Operations Manager, Christina Pengelly, I am looking forward to helping Poole businesses fulfil their potential."

The BID ballot met two key criteria that 50 per cent of those voting would vote in favour, and those 'yes' votes represented a majority of the total rateable value of all of the voting businesses, leading to the majority 76 percentage.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Broadhead said: "We have a clear vision to harness the potential we have locally and to strengthen our economy, as laid out in BCP Council’s Big Plan. Working with the local BID is fundamental to driving this forward, so we are delighted that Poole BID have the support of levy payers and will run for another term."