A NOT-for-profit organisation that aims to develop projects to benefit Salisbury businesses has been renewed for a third consecutive term. 

Salisbury BID announced an "incredibly successful renewal ballot result" last week.

The ballot saw an overall turnout of almost 60 per cent, with 92 per cent voting in favour of keeping the BID.

281 votes were cast in the ballot, with 258 votes in favour of a third term for the group. 

Keith Hanson, Chairman of Salisbury BID and Director of recruitment agency Personnel Placements, said: “It’s really heartening to see so many businesses took the time to vote in support of Salisbury BID.

"It's an outstanding vote of confidence that strongly demonstrates the importance of the BID, our many achievements so far, and our aim for even greater success in the future.”

The confidential postal ballot was conducted by Civica Election Services and the result was declared on Friday, November 3, by Wiltshire Council.

Salisbury BID is funded by just under 500 businesses in the city centre that have a rateable value of £12,000 or more. These businesses were eligible to vote in the BID’s renewal ballot.

Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said: "We are grateful to the businesses who came out in such numbers and showed their support for the continuation of the BID.

"We thank you again for taking the time to vote and look forward to working with you over the next five years."

In its business plan for 2024-2029, the BID said: "Our mission is to create a thriving and vibrant city that fosters economic growth, empowers businesses, and enhances the overall experience for locals and visitors alike.

"We’ll do this by collaborating with our partners to make Salisbury an ever more compelling place in which to work and live, renowned for its rich heritage and bright future"

When announcing the result, the BID added: "In everything we do, Salisbury BID represents the needs and concerns of our approximately 500 members. Our organisation is firmly grounded in a business-led ethos, where your interests become our priorities.

"We have enabled over £4 million to be re-invested in the city, alongside over £200,000 more in grants, sponsorships and project-generated income. Our expertise, reactive creativity and tangible achievements have been vital in Salisbury’s post-Novichok and post-Covid recovery, striving to return our city to a thriving destination for our businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

We believe that whatever the challenges ahead, we can work together to move Salisbury forward."