Businesses in two inner-city districts of Birmingham have voted in favour of setting up new Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
A large majority of businesses in the Sparkbrook and Springfield area and the Soho district, which covers Handsworth, voted heavily in favour to join 10 other BID districts across the city.
The status offers member organisations the chance to improve trade and competitiveness and gives them the opportunity to shape their future.
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More than 80 per cent of business that voted in Sparkbrook and Springfeid were in favour of BID status, while a massive 92.7 per cent of organisations in Soho wanted the area to achieve BID recognition.
Businesses in both areas agreed to pay a small levy, so that the collective funds can be used to deliver improvements to promote and support the area and contribute to their regeneration.
Coun Tahir Ali, Cabinet Member for Development, Jobs and Skills, said he was delighted with the ballot results.
He said: “Both areas have a dynamic business culture, and possess a wealth of community and entrepreneurial spirit; BID status will be a catalyst to further boost competitiveness, attract investment and create strong partnerships. ”
Maz Iqbal, chairman Sparkbrook Springfield Town Centre Partnership, added: “With over 980 mostly independent businesses, from very diverse backgrounds, we will have the largest and most unique BID in the country.
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"I am absolutely certain that the BID will improve the experience of Sparkbrook and Springfield for traders, consumers and residents alike.”
A BID application is granted for five years. Both should become operational within three months.