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Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Business Improvement Districts Mark 20 Years Supporting Welsh High Streets
Cardiff City Centre This month marks a significant milestone for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Wales – two decades since the first BID was introduced. Having now become an essential part of urban regeneration, BIDs bring together businesses, local authorities, and communities to drive economic growth, improve public spaces, and support thriving local economies. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographical area where local businesses collectively invest in services and initiatives that aim to improve the trading environment. Funded by a levy paid by the businesses within the district, with the goal of creating a better, more vibrant area for both businesses and the public, initiatives often include improvements to public spaces, events, marketing campaigns, street cleaning, security, and infrastructure, all aimed at enhancing the economic viability of the area. With 347 BIDs operating across the UK, collectively contributing over £153 million each year, Wales has seen its own BIDs transform Welsh cities and towns across the country with projects that foster innovation, community impact, and economic resilience. FOR Cardiff: A Model of Innovation and Resilience As the BID for Cardiff city centre, FOR Cardiff has played a transformative role in shaping the capital's urban landscape. Established in 2016, Cardiff's city centre BID has delivered more than £14 million in additional direct investment from its resident businesses into the city centre, funding a wide range of projects that have boosted footfall, supported businesses, and enhanced the city's reputation as a retail and cultural destination. Notable projects include the City of Arcades campaign, which attracted over 200,000 visitors in a single day and increased sales by 63% for participating retailers. The BID has also been instrumental in improving safety with initiatives like Night Marshals and mental health training for businesses. Additionally, FOR Cardiff has been recognised with four consecutive years of Purple Flag status for excellence in managing the night-time economy. As the BID prepares to enter its third term, it remains focused on driving inclusive growth and ensuring Cardiff's city centre remains a competitive and vibrant place to do business. 'Whether it's the work we've done in helping over 460,000 people get home safely, injecting life into the independent retail scene, or delivering nationally recognised campaigns, our mission has always been to make Cardiff a city that works better for businesses and the people who use it every day. This milestone is a chance to reflect on just how much has been achieved – and to look forward with purpose.' said Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff. Swansea BID: Pioneering Regeneration in Wales Swansea BID, the first of its kind in Wales, was established in 2006, marking a pioneering step for BIDs in the region. Over the past 20 years, Swansea BID has reinvested approximately £8 million into the city's regeneration efforts, helping to improve the local environment and support businesses. Key initiatives include a successful street cleaning programme and the Billy Chip scheme, which raises awareness for mental health and homelessness. Swansea BID has also worked closely with South Wales Police to reduce crime, achieving a 48% reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents and helping SWP achieve a 76% positive outcome rate for city centre incidents. Swansea BID has also been instrumental in supporting local events, with the Swansea Half Marathon and Krazy Karts—an event that brought nearly 20,000 people into the city in a single day—becoming staples of the city's events calendar. Merthyr BID: Building Community and Supporting Local Businesses Merthyr BID, known as The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil, was established in 2012 and has invested £1.9 million in the local area, funded entirely by business levy payments. Under the leadership of BID Manager Elizabeth Bedford, Merthyr has become a model of community engagement, with initiatives focused on bringing local residents and businesses together. One of the BID's standout achievements has been the successful lobbying for free parking in the run-up to Christmas, a move that proved to be a major benefit for local businesses. The BID has also focused on growing community events, including the Chilli & Chocolate Festival and Merthyr Food Festival, both of which are now among the most popular events in Wales. Merthyr BID has also made significant strides in digital marketing, growing its social media following to over 20,000 and gaining recognition through a second British BIDs Accreditation. Looking Ahead: The Future of BIDs in Wales As cities and towns face challenges from economic shifts, high street closures, and changing consumer habits, BIDs remain a crucial tool for businesses to come together and support one another, with FOR Cardiff, Swansea BID, and Merthyr BID standing as key examples of how collaboration and collective investment can make a real difference. 'The challenges facing retail and city centres are real—but so is the opportunity,' said Carolyn Brownell, 'We're optimistic, and we're ready to work with the business community to keep Welsh cities moving forward.' With regeneration projects on the horizon and a focus on inclusivity and resilience, the future of BIDs in Wales looks bright.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Northampton retains Purple Flag award for safe nightlife
A town has retained its Purple Flag status for the sixth year running, recognising its safe, vibrant and well-managed night-time has had the award, which is held by just 90 places globally, since were particularly impressed with safety initiatives such as Ask for Angela, and Safer Routes Home, which provides a safe path from the town centre back to the University's Waterside Nicola Davis-Lyons, of Northamptonshire Police, said: "I think the award is something to be proud of." The Purple Flag award is given to towns and cities that show excellence in managing their evening and night-time offer while ensuring visitor businesses have also welcomed the recognition. Chris Evans, director at the Royal & Derngate theatre, said: "To be a part of the 90 places across the world, and to see the impact that [the Purple Flag award] will have on businesses and the night-time economy, it's fantastic, it sets the bar."Ian Gardener, who runs The Cordwainer pub in the town centre, added: "I think Northampton is fantastic. We're busier now than we've ever been. I've got my three kids here and I wouldn't want to move to anywhere else." 'Lot more confident' Speaking about measures to improve safety, Mr Gardener added: "We have door staff who act as a deterrent. We have the Ask for Angela scheme – anyone that's in trouble, we can get them the support they need. "[The town centre stabbing yesterday] unfortunately does happen, but it's a societal problem, it's nothing to do with Northampton as being a particular issue."He also said students now feel "a lot more confident" going out at night, thanks to safer routes and improved lighting brought in through the Purple Flag scheme. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo rated as a safe, welcoming place for a night out for the tenth year in a row
Sligo Champion Sligo has been awarded its 10th Purple Flag, a prestigious recognition for excellence in creating a vibrant, safe, and thriving evening and night-time economy (ENTE). The international accreditation celebrates destinations that offer a diverse and appealing cultural, dining, and entertainment experience while ensuring public safety and well-being after dark. Sligo first applied for the Purple Flag in 2015, becoming the 10th destination in the Republic of Ireland to achieve the distinction. Since then, the town has continued to raise the bar, with consistent efforts from local businesses, community members, and public service representatives. Earlier this month, Finbarr Filan proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Sligo Purple Flag Taskforce during a ceremony in England. The assessment team commended Sligo for its strong, collaborative approach, noting the clear and robust partnerships across the town. They recognised the dedication of individuals who generously give their time and energy to make Sligo's night-time economy both safe and welcoming. Late-night bar and venue operators were specifically praised for their commitment to keeping patrons safe, while the broad range of offerings from local businesses was highlighted as an attractive and inclusive mix for both residents and visitors. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree said: 'It is wonderful that Sligo has once again been recognised as a vibrant and safe town, offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, culture and arts. The importance and value of the nighttime economy cannot be underestimated and this award is a testament to the efforts of our collaborative partners, local business and community groups'. The Purple Flag Project Team has been a cornerstone of Sligo's night-time economy for nearly a decade. Their sustained growth and development over the years stand as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. Edel Doran, Sligo's Night-Time Economy Advisor, said: "It's wonderful to see the recognition of the night-time economy of Sligo Town on an internationally accredited level, particularly the work of the Purple Flag Taskforce. The volunteer efforts of this partnership not only supported the case for Sligo's selection as a Night-Time Economy pilot town but continue to shape and develop our local night-time offering, and are an incredible support in helping to realise the town's Action Plan." This 10th Purple Flag is not just a milestone—it's a celebration of a decade of dedication, innovation, and community spirit in making Sligo's night-time scene one of
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Taxi marshals return to make city nights out safer
Taxi marshals have returned to York to ensure two city centre cab ranks are safe for people to use on Friday and Saturday nights. The scheme, operated by York Business Improvement District (BID), has operated from spring to December for the past eight years, with two marshals on patrol at each location from 23:00 to 03:00 BST. Since its inception, it has helped to reduce noise complaints, street fights and public urination, according to the BID. Operations manager Carl Alsop said it ensured "local residents can sleep and local businesses aren't worried". "Ultimately, there might be a lot of drunk people there, but there also might be people who've just finished work of have gone to see a friend and just want to get home. "The last thing they want is to be worried about a big group of people who've had a drink and might start something," he said. The scheme is funded by local businesses, residents and the licensing team at City of York Council, with the BID contributing "very little money", Mr Alsop said. It contributes to the city's Purple Flag status, according to councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport. The status, awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), is an internationally-recognised scheme similar to Blue Flag awards to coastal towns for high beach standards. Purple Flags are given in recognition of efforts made to create safe and thriving places for people visiting pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants at night. Ravilious said the scheme had been "warmly received" by residents and businesses since it started in 2017. It "supports the aim of reducing violence against women and girls" and "provides additional securities to the taxi trade", she said. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Taxi drivers lose licences over conduct and driving Uber gets go-ahead as York licence granted Man knocked unconscious in taxi rank attack The York BID City of York Council
BBC News
15-04-2025
- BBC News
York late-night taxi marshal scheme returns for spring
Taxi marshals have returned to York to ensure two city centre cab ranks are safe for people to use on Friday and Saturday scheme, operated by York Business Improvement District (BID), has operated from spring to December for the past eight years, with two marshals on patrol at each location from 23:00 to 03:00 its inception, it has helped to reduce noise complaints, street fights and public urination, according to the manager Carl Alsop said it ensured "local residents can sleep and local businesses aren't worried". "Ultimately, there might be a lot of drunk people there, but there also might be people who've just finished work of have gone to see a friend and just want to get home."The last thing they want is to be worried about a big group of people who've had a drink and might start something," he said. The scheme is funded by local businesses, residents and the licensing team at City of York Council, with the BID contributing "very little money", Mr Alsop contributes to the city's Purple Flag status, according to councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport. The status, awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), is an internationally-recognised scheme similar to Blue Flag awards to coastal towns for high beach Flags are given in recognition of efforts made to create safe and thriving places for people visiting pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants at said the scheme had been "warmly received" by residents and businesses since it started in "supports the aim of reducing violence against women and girls" and "provides additional securities to the taxi trade", she said. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
