Cheltenham BID has strengthened its team as it looks towards its next ballot.

The not-for-profit organisation, which supports town centre businesses, has recently appointed James Bailey as business engagement manager and Jim Hugill as project and events manager.

Francesca Inman has been in post as chief executive for 11 months and, in that time, has restructured the team to make it more operational.

Now in the fifth year of its second term, it is required by legislation to run a renewal ballot to continue. This is the chance for town centre businesses to shape the future of Cheltenham BID for the next five years.

Businesses occupying a property with a rateable value of £7,500 or more within the defined BID area are being asked to contribute their ideas and opinions during this consultation.

Francesca said: "This is a real opportunity for every business to have their say on the good or bad in the last five years and what they want us to do in the next five years. We are here to support everyone in the town centre from the smallest independent businesses to big national retailers."

Town centre businesses should complete the consultation survey by April 30. The ballot to decide Cheltenham BID's future will take place in October.

Through the partnership created by the BID businesses and using the £570,000 annual levy collected by businesses, it has delivered a range of projects and services to support businesses, improve the visitor experience, bring exciting new events to the town and give levy payers a collective voice on town issues.