roads into the city, raising awareness and providing valuable promotion to major events and festivals in Gloucester. The BID works with Maybetech, one of the Future High Street Task Force members on projects to help promote BID members digitally. A chatbot was deployed on social media to help gain a better understanding of what the people of Gloucester want to see more of in the city. Results show that the variety of shops is important, and that Gloucester is still missing ‘better’ shops.Also, there is a demand for more community events for families. The BID’s first of several social media workshops started in May, helping local businesses gain better knowledge of how to best utilise Twitter. The Gloucester Gift Card and rewards scheme launches this month, enabling shoppers to collect loyalty points with an app to earn stored-value gift cards to be redeemed at participating businesses. Supporting events The BID has organised several events to supplement existing festivals to help further drive footfall into Gloucester. Last year’s Aethelflaed 1100 celebrations received national media coverage. Other events that have been supported by Gloucester BID are Gloucester Folk Trail, Gloucester Tall Ships and Adventure, Gloucester Music Festival, Pro Gloucester Goes Retro, Siege of Gloucester and a Christmas market on Kimbrose Triangle. Next year sees the launch of the Gloucester Country Music Festival and Gloucester BrewWeek. Business cost reduction The BID cost reduction team has negotiated a deal for Gloucester BID businesses with an alternative
company offering a cheaper commercial waste collection service, with a saving of 18.5 per cent. The BID has also negotiated general waste bins with savings of 24 per cent. Commercial waste bags are also delivered to businesses, rather than needing to be collected. Networking opportunities Through a partnership formed, all BID members are entitled to a free year of membership with Gloucester Chamber of Commerce. By working together for the good of the city, more businesses can get involved, network and invigorate the business community throughout the year. Eastgate Shopping Centre is now home to the UK Digital Retail Innovation Centre, this has enabled another venue in the heart of the BID area to host regular networking event for businesses. Engaging with public bodies Following strong demand from BID members, Gloucester BID was highly successful in lobbying for the reversal of the county councils plans to introduce a new system for on-street parking for permit holders. Due to direct lobbying by BID board members, these plans were reversed within a week of them being introduced. The BID is in discussion about larger ‘public realm’ improvements to make a
real and lasting impact l www.gloucesterbid.uk
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