The Weymouth BID Board met earlier this month to discuss plans, aims and ambitions for Weymouth in 2016. As the BID approaches the mid-way point in its 5 year term the emphasis will change from Marketing and visitor engagement to High Street and business enhancements in the levy area.
During the first year the BID concentrated on setting up a team, employing contractors to deliver the visitor marketing strategy and to deliver events in Weymouth. The second year has then been focused on delivery, the website now attracts over 5000 visitors per month, the Facebook page engages with over 4500 people and the monthly reach of the social media activities reaching in excess of 100,000 people on a monthly basis. The Weymouth BID operations team is now firmly in place at the town centre offices, 15 St Alban Street, Weymouth and the team of 12 Weyfarers are regularly seen in and around the town welcoming visitors from the cruise ships and generally offering assistance to anyone who needs it in the town.
Steve Newstead, Chair of the Weymouth BID said “At this mid-way point of the current term, the Weymouth BID is now firmly focused on supporting businesses. There are many plans already in place to help us do this more effectively. The Springboard Footfall counting programme will anniversary its launch in September and this valuable year on year data will help us target the quieter times of day, week and months with additional activity to stimulate business activity. The website is now optimised and working well to provide a comprehensive tourist information source for visitors and residents. The programme of over 8 events is now in place and we are looking forward to the return of Waterfest Weymouth in September, closely followed by the 6 week long food event “Feast” in October and November plus the popular October half term “Freaky Streets” will make a welcome return. We have learnt lessons from the Christmas event in 2013 and 2014 and this year we are planning a month long programme of events starting on 4th December with the BIG Christmas Shownight , the opening of the real ice rink, Santa will come into town with his real reindeers and take up residency in his Grotto located at Cineworld in the town centre. A programme of entertainment will fill every weekend in December and the Ice Rink and Grotto will be open at certain times throughout the month. In August we will be launching the BIG Christmas programme of events and sponsorship opportunities”
The Board agreed to review its current marketing contract with the RLA Group which is worth up to £100,000.00 p.a. and are currently considering other marketing options which are available to them. Plans for 2016 include improved communication with businesses, by continuing with the weekly email newsletter, the monthly visitor newsletter and the regular monthly news round up in the local media. The Board will also be setting up sector specific meetings with businesses to allow two way communications of ideas, suggestions and collaborative working for the future.
Nigel Reed, Weymouth BID Manager said “The BID has already worked on a number or projects to support businesses including contracting CM Energy to look at utility costs for those that requested a review and to date has saved over £45,000 in total for local businesses. In addition we have invested in the Best Bar None project which supports improvements in the running of pubs and clubs in the night time economy and have provided match funding to Pub watch for replacement digital radios. The BID has supported other local events including, Motocross, Challenge Weymouth and Weymouth Carnival which all bring additional footfall into the area.
We are part of the group that were successful in achieving the Coastal Community Grant and the recent Healthy High Street programme that will be running from September 2015.” Mr Reed went on to say “The aim is to ensure that all aspects of the BID Business plan are implemented to enhance the customer experience when they are in the town and ensure businesses make the most of the increased footfall.”
The Weymouth BID intend to concentrate on the customer offer in years 3 and 4 of the Bid term and will be launching a survey to find out what businesses really want from the BID and how the levy is spent.
Find out more at www.weareweymouth.co.uk
Email : [email protected] or Telephone 01305 779410
Or Weymouth BID www.weymouthbid.co.uk
