We’re excited to announce that our Proposal and Business Plan for the Birmingham Accommodation BID (2027-2032) is now live.
The document outlines our consultation findings, funding mechanisms, the plan for spending and key dates in preparation for the upcoming Accommodation BID ballot.
All accommodation providers in the boundary will be receiving a physical copy of this document shortly. In the meantime, you can read the full business plan online by clicking below.
The ballot: key dates
Civica, (an independent electoral company commissioned by Birmingham City Council) will operate the Accommodation BID postal ballot.
A Ballot paper, together with a statement of the Arrangements, will be sent to each hereditament via post prior to 20th August 2026.
The ballot be live for a 28-day period, commencing on 20th August 2026 and ending at 5pm on 17th September 2026.
The result will be announced on 18th September 2026, 195 days prior to commencement of the ABID Arrangements to begin on 1st April 2027. The BID term will then take place over five years, to 31st March 2032.
For the Birmingham ABID to succeed at ballot, the number of votes in favour (by number and by rateable value), must exceed the total of those voting against.
If you have any questions regarding the upcoming ballot, get in touch.
ABID funding: Visitor Economy
One key element of the ABID funding will be used to deliver better results to improve Birmingham’s visitor economy.
Working with key cultural and venue partners, the ABID will curate and promote a homegrown events programme including an annual cultural experience, and food and drink campaign. In addition, it will support and expand city-wide projects including Birmingham Cocktail Weekend and other City Curator initiatives.
The ABID will also create dedicated leisure marketing campaigns to target different priority visitors during shoulder periods.
It’s vital that as part of this work, the ABID will provide the mechanism by which the hospitality sector can work with the wider business community to deliver a long-term strategy to encourage investment in the city.
Our business plan details our budget and priorities across the five-year term, from 2027 to 2032. Read the business plan in full by clicking below.
A comment on the visitor economy: NEC Group
Ian Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, NEC Group
“A vibrant visitor economy benefits the entire city, supporting jobs, businesses and investment across Birmingham. As a major gateway for millions of visitors every year, we know the importance of championing Birmingham’s appeal and ensuring it remains a destination of choice. Collective support from both accommodation providers and the hospitality sector will help strengthen the city’s profile, attract more visitors and deliver long-term benefits for businesses and communities alike.”
Results from Liverpool’s ABID
Liverpool’s Accommodation BID is continuing to demonstrate the power of collective investment in growing the visitor economy. During “Super July” 2025, the city recorded its highest-ever hotel occupancy levels, driven by a programme of strategically supported events and activities.
Over 11 days in July, events backed by the Accommodation BID helped deliver occupancy increases of up to 44% year-on-year, highlighting the significant impact of targeted destination marketing and event support from the ABID.
In total, 195,000 hotel rooms were sold during the month, providing a major boost to Liverpool’s hospitality sector and wider local economy.
This is a compelling example of how collaborative funding models can attract visitors, increase overnight stays and generate tangible returns for accommodation providers and city partners alike.
From the hospitality industry
We sat down with Glynn Purnell, co-owner of the brand new Trillium restaurant and owner of small plates venue Plates by Purnell’s, to share his thoughts on why attracting more visitors is crucial to the hospitality sector.
“Restaurants are often one of the first and last experiences visitors have of a city, so a thriving visitor economy is essential to our success Additional investment in promoting Birmingham, attracting major events and encouraging overnight stays will help bring more people into the city, creating valuable footfall for restaurants, bars and hospitality businesses.
Every visitor who chooses to stay overnight is more likely to dine out, explore the city and contribute to the local economy. By investing in Birmingham’s visitor economy, we’re also investing in the long-term growth and vibrancy of the city’s hospitality sector.”