January is an important month for planning for the year ahead, and the focus has been on putting together and organising a calendar of meetings and events for the next few months.
We had a successful end to last year in terms of events, with our Festive Feast Markets and Christmas Extravaganza Show proving to be incredibly popular. This has given us a solid platform to build on the efforts of the BID and we are excited to see what 2022 holds for us.
I have been busy visiting many of our local businesses this month and being on hand to answer any questions they may have. Some wanted more information on BID plans, and others wanted to ask how we can further support them. We are keen to demonstrate to our current and prospective levy payers the ways in which we are here to support local businesses, and more information about this can be found here.
I also began to discuss our new ‘In the Spotlight’ initiative, aimed at promoting and gaining exposure for some of the fantastic businesses we have around Redditch, and it was really encouraging to hear that this is something many of our levy payers are keen to get involved with.
Speaking with various businesses this month has been really helpful and given us more insight into the feedback surrounding what our levy payers would like to see delivered by the BID. It has also helped to highlight some of the businesses that perhaps need more support from the BID, and this is something we will be working on to ensure in due course.
We have made some good partnerships with other organisations who share the same vision, one with Redditch Kingfisher Rotary to deliver the Networking Program in 2022 and the other with Raceways, a Community Interest Company who organise road running races in support of Marathon Kids UK.
I met with the events and marketing manager of Raceways to discuss a possible partnership to co-host the Redditch Kingfisher 10K. Their largest events are the Leamington Spa Half Marathon and the Alcester 10K, both of which have become firm fixtures in the calendar for each town and I am hoping to achieve the same with Redditch, so be sure to keep an eye out on our news section for further announcements.
We are also working on the members page on our website which will be a useful resource in providing more information to our BID levy members.
The main goal for February is to further engage with more businesses in town and to improve awareness of the BID through social media. The #LoveRedditch Valentine’s Day competition will help with online engagement, and this should ultimately increase our connections within the community.
Finally, I would like to welcome Redditch Craft Bakery, Bakes & Shakes Cheeky Desserts and Green & Olive Solicitors, the three new businesses that have opened in Redditch and we look forward to working with them to provide any help/support on behalf of the BID.
