BID LEAMINGTON 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT CREATE INNOVATE COLLABORATE ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 BID LEAMINGTON CHAMPIONING OUR TOWN CENTRE A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and BID LEAMINGTON controlled partnership in a given area such as a town centre. It Supporting Royal Leamington Spa delivers an agreed set of services and projects to enhance the commercial wellbeing of the area, which are beyond the statutory responsibilities of the local authority and other public agencies. These are agreed, and formally voted for, by all businesses. A BID typically lasts for five years and is regulated by legislation contained in the Local Government Act 2003 and the Business CONTENTS Improvement District (England) Regulations 2004. There are now over 300 BIDs established in the UK, representing over 100,000 businesses and locally, there are also BIDs in FOREWORD Stratford, Rugby, Banbury and Coventry City Centre. BIDs have become a fundamental part of the wider place- making landscape. Collectively they are working to represent business interests locally and nationally and are now regarded as a powerful influencer of change, also levering in substantial A YEAR IN REVIEW additional income, developing partnerships and meeting local challenges with a focused and committed delivery body. Local businesses voted to establish BID Leamington in March 2008 for a five-year term. In March 2013 and again in 2018 MARKETING, businesses voted to renew the BID for a further five-year term. PROMOTING & EVENTS BID Leamington is a non-profit organisation whose duty it is to ensure Royal Leamington Spa is attractive to visitors, customers and investors alike. Representing around 400 businesses in the town centre, BID activities are set out in a Business Plan and ENHANCING & SUPPORTING guided by the BID Board which is made up of local business owners and managers. The implications of this are that all retail businesses and properties within the BID boundary that have a rateable value (RV) in excess of £15,000 (as defined by the 2017 NNDR listing) pay a levy INFLUENCING & INSPIRING equivalent to 1.6% of the RV of their property. This is collected annually by Warwick District Council on behalf of BID Leamington Ltd in July each year. Businesses that have a RV less than £15,000 and are located within the Local Plan town centre boundary can join the BID FINANCES scheme as a voluntary member. The levy is calculated the same way with a minimum contribution of £100 per year. THE YEAR AHEAD ESSENTIAL CONTACTS THE BID BOUNDARY 2 WELCOME FOREWORD proposing proactive, innovative ideas to Looking forward, we know that Leamington manage the impact. Though this has not town centre is not immune to the wider yet come to a conclusion we continue to economic uncertainty and we will be work towards a collaborative solution that doubling our efforts to ensure the town takes account of business needs. centre remains resilient to such challenges. As set out within, there was significant This includes continued efforts to attract activity in digital marketing and visitors as well as supporting strategic support as we saw growth across all partnerships with estate agents and our platforms. This was the first year relevant authorities to respond to vacant units and attract new investment. As we bring another busy year to a close having a dedicated ‘digital ambassador’ it is my pleasure to share our 2018-2019 and it has been great to see how many We will also remain committed to being Annual Report. As highlighted within, the businesses engage with us online. responsive and supportive on the ground. impact and influence of BID Leamington We also enjoyed supporting many With this in mind we welcome interaction in the town centre is significant. businesses who took up our offer of and feedback from our members to help training and support. us shape our activities. This might be Building on the strong mandate provided This activity was delivered alongside through participation on the BID Board of by the renewal ballot in March 2018 (85% Directors or via direct feedback. Through by rateable value and 79% by number), extensive local and regional marketing as well as events and event support. The understanding what is important to our the work of the BID continues to impact members, we can ensure we manage the many areas of life in the town centre and ‘Summer of Fun’ season has grown significantly and there are many voluntary town’s challenges, create vibrancy and ensures that business interests remain at commercial success. the heart of decision-making. groups delivering local events such as Cars at the Spa, Art in the Park and the It is evident that businesses that get Focusing on the four priority areas set Brazilian Festival. Whilst these events involved, get more out of our activities, out in the BID Business Plan, Promoting, drive footfall and add to the positive so please do make contact with us. Enhancing, Supporting and Influencing, sense of community, we are conscious to For individual businesses, there are evidence of BID activities can be seen in a ensure our members are involved and will opportunities to take advantage of wide range of areas including: events and continue to facilitate integration. events, promotions and activities, cost marketing, digital promotion and training, savings and training. Where businesses car-parking, town centre development A further area of ongoing development relates to managing the streetscape have a head office, we are happy to work issues, out of town development, crime, together directly. begging and antisocial behaviour, and in environment and addressing issues strategic conversations about how the around begging, crime and anti-social As always, I would like to thank the BID town centre evolves. behaviour. This employs a multi-agency Board of Directors who generously partnership approach and relies on offer their free time to attend our monthly Alongside continuing uncertainty as a reporting from local businesses. In meetings. Finally, I wish to thank the BID result of national political issues, locally the year ahead we will be launching Businesses and partners for your support there has been uncertainty about the ‘Meaningful Change’, an alternative and investment in the town, and I look development of the Covent Garden car giving and education campaign which forward to working with you in the future. park (468 space). Throughout this period aims to bring information and activity BID Leamington rose to the challenge of Stephanie Kerr under one umbrella to target specific BID Executive Director – June 2019 representing the business community and local issues. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR “We know Leamington is not immune to the uncertainty facing our high streets and wider economy, and it is during these times that we “BID Leamington is the only need our BID more than ever. organisation in town with two Working with the BID Board of Directors, the team is listening to the concerns of large and passionate staff who are focused small businesses and implementing innovative, solely on supporting us. collaborative solutions to ensure Leamington I remain convinced that we need remains attractive and vibrant. This includes campaigning on parking, delivering events, their experience, knowledge and promoting the town near and far to customers, and looking for collective cost savings for members. They are also working hard to ensure businesses passion more than ever! ” are represented in the face of local development that will shape the future of the town centre. Looking forward, we welcome your feedback and ideas to Chair - BID SarahLeamington Horne support this work, so please do get involved to ensure you gain maximum Owner, Sarah Horne Flowers value for your business.” 3 A YEAR IN REVIEW OUR HIGHLIGHTS: JULY 2018 - JUNE 2019 Coming to the year end, it is worth reflecting on what we have achieved and to remind ourselves about some services on offer to you. Our key highlights of this year are set out in the following pages and for more information please contact us or visit the BID Leamington website. SEPTEMBER The Leamington Food & Drink Festival attracted around 25,000 people. Around 50 BID businesses took up the offer JULY AUGUST of a free stall and local eateries and Throughout the summer BID promotes Art in the Park Festival is now in its performers are showcased at this all aspects of the town’s offer across a sixth year and BID Leamington is a much-loved local event. Leamington’s wide range of platforms to drive footfall. proud supporter. Now supported with evening economy is promoted through 2018 250 Floral Baskets also brighten up the Arts Council funding, last year an advertising at neighbouring towns’ bus town centre! estimated 40,000 people attended and and train stations. with over 150 exhibitors, it highlights the creative community. Join in our #loveleam challenge! attendance at Love is all around... FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING Fall in Love with Leam all over & try something new again with loads of activities for TREAT YOURSELF families, friends and romantics make someone smile today Food & Drink of all ages! Visit the butcher, baker, grocer and café! Relax with dinner and a movie 16 – 24 Feb: Tell us why you STROLL AROUND THE TOWN CENTRE #LoveLeam on Facebook for & explore Festival BREATHE IN BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACES your chance to win some fab SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE prizes! shout out why you 25k+ 16 Feb: Pick up a Goody-Bag in Royal Priors Shopping Centre TWEET, TWEET, TWEET ~ - packed with giveaways and &