The latest news: Safe Space Action Week A Success
This week Worcester BID took to Broad Street daily from 10 am to 4 pm, offering insights into Safe Space from the Worcester BID and Safe Space medic team. Residents and visitors were encouraged to drop by and engage.
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID, said “We were delighted to witness the community actively engaging, asking questions about our services, and leaving more informed during the action week. We trust they’ll spread the word that Safe Space is free and available to all, especially to friends and family visiting Worcester at night.”
Safe Space is a vehicle that typically operates in the nighttime economy on a Friday and Saturday night between the hours of 10 pm and 4 am. The dedicated team provide free, no judgment, medical and welfare support to all. Safe Space has now assisted with 451 cases, ranging from medical traumas to getting someone home safely and has received great feedback from those who have used it and their families.
On Monday Safe Space showcased alongside Neighbourhood Matters, a West Mercia Police initiative and knife collection points manned by West Mercia SNTs as part of the national police force programme, Operation Sceptre. Last year Operation Sceptre year removed 9,737 knives from our streets across England and Wales – something partners are hoping to emulate this year with intensified action and coordinated education on knife crime across forces.
This week of outreach aligned with national action weeks, Dementia Action Week & Mental Health Awareness Week. The presence of Safe Space in the daytime trade aimed to support the city’s day traders and visitors with any medical or welfare needs, but also to shine a light on work surrounding the city’s efforts in becoming more accessible to those with disabilities such as dementia.
A variety of events and activities were also hosted at The Hive this week to raise awareness and decrease the stigma around dementia.
More information regarding accessibility in the city can be found via Accessible (https://www.accessable.co.uk/worcester-city-council), a free online platform that details accessibility guides and venues in the area.
Worcester News Article: Independents make us tick
Worcester’s independents are the heartbeat of our city and should be celebrated! With a whopping 67% of businesses flying the independent flag, it’s no wonder we’re making waves. Recently, The Telegraph even ranked us as the ninth-best city in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why.
The city’s ranking was determined by various factors, including its rich culture and heritage, where Worcester proudly secured fourth place. This cultural tapestry is woven by the multitude of independent businesses that line its streets, offering everything from artisanal crafts to culinary delights. We’ve got a bit of everything here and our independent businesses play a big part in that. They bring a unique offering to our streets, whether you’re after a quirky gift or a cosy café to unwind in.
But beyond their offerings, independent businesses play a crucial role in supporting our community. When you choose to shop locally, you’re not just making a transaction; you’re investing in the prosperity of our city. Many of our indie heroes are deeply committed to giving back, whether through fundraisers or collaborations with other local businesses to support community initiatives.
We caught up with a few of our Worcester BID member indie retailers to hear what they love about doing business in Worcester and why they chose the city to trade in.
Anja Potze, proprietor of Anja Potze Fine Jewellery nestled on the historic Tudor Street of Friar Street, extolled Worcester’s virtues, stating, ‘With its vibrant history, fantastic transport, and infrastructure, Worcester is a fantastic location for my business to thrive.’ Anja has recently celebrated 30 years of business and we look forward to 30 more on Friar Street!
And then there’s the talented team at Trio, which offers high-quality beauty treatments, from manicures to dermaplaning also situated on Friar Street, who emphasised the significance of community: “It was an easy choice for us to have this beautiful, historic city by the river as TRIO’s home. The community feel is one of the many reasons to visit and reside in Worcester, we wouldn’t be anywhere else!”
Julie Reilly, Owner of Perfections Bridal Studio echoed these sentiments, describing “Worcester is a beautiful location full of history, character, and a thriving business community”. Adding, “it’s a privilege to be located on Friar Street”.
So, here’s to Worcester’s independents who make our city a little more unique every day. Let’s remember to support these local businesses that make Worcester the unique and thriving place that it is. By choosing to shop local, we can all play a part in keeping our high street ticking for generations to come.
Take the Worcester Sounds x Three Choirs Festival Trail
This Worcester Sounds Trail is developed in partnership between Worcester BID and Three Choirs Festival.
The Three Choirs Festival is a week-long programme of world-class music-making, featuring choral and orchestral concerts, solo and chamber music recitals, talks, cathedral services, theatre, exhibitions, and walks, rotating each summer between the beautiful English cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester. This year we are lucky to have the festival in Worcester.
To celebrate we are hosting a musical trail with musical highlights that you can hear at the Festival which will take place in the city between July 27 and August 3.
When you find a board, scan the code to listen to some great music that will transport you straight to the festival. You can find some interesting extra information by each trail shield, or catch up below.
1️⃣Gustav Holst / The Cloud Messenger
🎵You are now listening to Gustav Holst, The Cloud Messenger
Gustav Holst was born in Cheltenham in 1874. He enjoyed writing music from a young age and his first big success as a composer came when he was just 18 years old. Nowadays he is best known for his musical work, The Planets, inspired by his love of astrology and horoscopes.
Composer Gustav Holst was fascinated by Indian culture, stories and language, and his piece The Cloud Messenger tells the story of a nature spirit who asks a cloud to take a message to his wife in the Himalayan Mountains. It is full of rich, colourful music – does it make you imagine being in a different country?
2️⃣Charles Villiers Stanford / The Blue Bird
🎵You are now listening to Charles Villiers Stanford, The Blue Bird
Charles Villiers Stanford was born in Ireland in 1852. His father wanted him to become a lawyer, but Stanford’s love of music made him determined to succeed as a musician and he became one of the most popular composers of his time. He made a lasting impact on British music by teaching and helping many young people who would become future great composers themselves.
The Blue Bird by Irish composer Charles Stanford is a beautiful song which sets the words of a poem by Mary Coleridge to music. It is written to be sung by a small group of singers using different voice parts. Listen out for the top voice part – the soprano – singing the word ‘blue’ over the top of the rest of the choir.
3️⃣Edward Elgar / Serenade for Strings
🎵You are now listening to Edward Elgar, Serenade for Strings
Edward Elgar was born in Lower Broadheath in 1857. He came from an ordinary family without much money, but by the end of his life he had been knighted, appointed Master of the King’s Musick, and is now thought of as one of the greatest ever English composers. His music is much loved and is often played at important events and featured in films.
Edward Elgar’s Serenade for Strings was written before he was famous, but it is often performed at concerts and is very popular. It was Elgar’s favourite piece from everything that he wrote. Listen out for the romantic violin tune singing out over the top of the gentle music from the other string instruments.
4️⃣Judith Weir / The Song Sung True
🎵You are now listening to Judith Weir, The Song Sung True
Judith Weir was born in Cambridge in 1954. She studied music and then went on to teach at several different universities, as well as writing music for many famous choirs and orchestras. She is Master of the King’s Music and wrote pieces for King Charles’ coronation in 2023, as well as for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
O Sweet Spontaneous Earth by Judith Weir sets the words of three poems to music, describing what it feels like to live on our planet, like the Earth bringing forth new life every spring and the stars shining in the sky above us while we sleep. There isn’t a recording, so here is one of Judith’s other pieces to give you an idea of what her music sounds like.
5️⃣Sarah Nicolls / Skim II
🎵 You are now listening to Sarah Nicolls, Skim II
Sarah Nicolls plays the piano and writes her own music. She invented her piano herself and it is very different to a normal piano. It is 2.5m tall and inside out! This means that Sarah can use the strings and the inside of the piano to make music, as well as pressing the keys.
This piece by Sarah Nicolls, Skim II, is played on Sarah’s inside-out piano! Listen out for what sounds different to a normal piano in her calming, peaceful music.
6️⃣Bob Chilcott / The Angry Planet
🎵You are now listening to Bob Chilcott, The Angry Planet
Bob Chilcott was born in Plymouth in 1955 and has loved music since he was a little boy when he sang in the famous choir of King’s College, Cambridge. He works as a full-time composer and conductor, writing music that has been performed worldwide. He is particularly good at writing great music for children to sing.
Bob Chilcott’s piece, The Angry Planet, uses animals’ voices to tell us how humans hurt our world and how we need to love and care for our environment. In this part of the piece, an otter sings about swimming in a river, rolling and rippling through the water. Listen to the joy and flashes of light shown in the music.
7️⃣Cameron Biles-Liddell / Yr Afon Yn Awyr
🎵You are now listening to Cameron Biles-Liddell, Yr Afon Yn Awyr
Cameron Biles-Liddell plays the piano and writes his own music. He was inspired to become a musician by his Grandad who used to be an opera singer in London. Cameron loves Wales, the place where he lives, and tries to paint pictures of nature and the Welsh countryside in much of the music that he writes.
Cameron Biles-Liddell’s piece Yr Afon Yn Awyr – The River in the Sky – is a musical picture of the water in the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales, where the canal flows over the top of the River Dee. Listen out for the splashing of the water as it flows over the aqueduct and on through Wales and beyond.
8️⃣Hans Zimmer / Interstellar
🎵You are now listening to Hans Zimmer, Interstellar
Hans Zimmer was born in Germany in 1957. He writes music for films and is one of Hollywood’s most successful composers, winning an Oscar for the music he wrote for Disney’s film, The Lion King. Hans never enjoyed music lessons when he was growing up so taught himself how to play, but says that he could always hear music in his head.
The incredible music for the hit film Interstellar was written by Hans Zimmer, who thinks of it as one of the best pieces he has ever written. In this thrilling clip, you can hear the organ playing. The intense, epic music builds suspense and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you listen.
9️⃣Paul Mealor / Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal
🎵You are now listening to Paul Mealor, Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal
Paul Mealor was born in 1975 in Wales and now teaches young people at University how to write music. His music first became famous when he wrote a piece performed at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, and he has since written pieces performed at King Charles’ Coronation in 2023.
Ringed with the Azure World (Four Madrigals on Birds) is a piece which composer Paul Mealor has written for this year’s Three Choirs Festival and will be performed for the first time in Worcester Cathedral this summer. It sets the words of four poems describing an eagle, a swan, a nightingale and a bluebird. There isn’t a recording of this piece yet as it is brand new, but here is one of Paul’s other pieces to give you an idea of what his music sounds like, Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal.
🔟Nathan James Dearden / Moral and Interludes
🎵You are now listening to Nathan James Dearden, Moral and Interludes
Nathan James Dearden was born in 1992 in Wales, he composes his own music, as well as conducting choirs like the National Youth Choir of Wales. His music has been performed by many famous choirs and orchestras in this country and all over the world, in concerts and on the radio.
Messages is a piece which composer Nathan James Dearden has written for this year’s Three Choirs Festival. It sets the words of a series of messages from throughout history. There isn’t a recording of this piece yet as it is brand new, but here is one of Nathan’s other pieces to give you an idea of what his music sounds like.
1️⃣1️⃣Francesco Scarlatti / Kyrie
🎵You are now listening to Francesco Scarlatti, Kyrie
Composer Francesco Scarlatti was born in Sicily in 1666. Both his younger brother and his nephew also wrote music. He played the violin in the royal court in Naples and later travelled around Europe, living in both London and Dublin, where he probably worked in orchestras playing music in theatres.
Composer Francesco Scarlatti’s beautiful composition, Kyrie, is very unusual as it was written for 16 different voice parts to sing all at once, which is a lot more voices than most pieces are written for! How many of the different voice parts can you count as you listen?
1️⃣2️⃣Sarah Kirkland Snider / Mass For The Endangered
🎵You are now listening to Sarah Kirkland Snider, Mass for the Endangered
Sarah Kirkland Snider was born in America in 1973. Her family weren’t musical, and when she was little she used to knock on the doors of her neighbours’ houses and ask to play their pianos as she didn’t have one. She worked as a lawyer before deciding to write music full-time instead.
Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Mass for the Endangered is written as a prayer for endangered animals and their under-threat habitats. The beautiful music asks us to take care of the world we share with so many other animals. Listen out for the rippling sound of the harp underneath the voices singing.
1️⃣3️⃣Cecilia McDowall / Shipping Forecast
🎵You are now listening to Cecilia McDowall, Shipping Forecast
Cecilia McDowall was born in London in 1951. She writes her own music, performed by many famous choirs and orchestras in this country and all over the world in both concerts and on the radio. She has been asked to write special pieces of music by many different people and organisations, including the Scott Polar Research Institute.
Shipping Forecast by composer Cecilia McDowall is a piece of music all about the sea, setting the words of poems and also snippets from the shipping forecast itself. This clip from the piece is very energetic and lively – you can hear how the music is always moving on, constantly in motion like the sea.
1️⃣4️⃣Michael Tippett / String Quartet No 2
🎵You are now listening to Michael Tippett, String Quartet No 2
Michael Tippett was born in 1905 and his music became well-known after the Second World War – he was a pacifist and was imprisoned for two months because he wouldn’t fight. His music became popular both in this country and in America, and he was influenced by jazz and blues as well as other classical music.
This string quartet by composer Michael Tippett is known for its lively, dancing rhythms, as well as its spiky tunes. It was written for two violins, a viola and a cello – can you pick out the different instruments when you listen?
1️⃣5️⃣Ralph Vaughan Williams / Prelude ‘49th Parallel’
🎵You are now listening to Ralph Vaughan Williams, Prelude ‘49th Parallel’
Composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was born in Gloucestershire in 1872. When he was little he learned to play the piano and the violin and loved English folk songs, which he collected and wrote down. Many people think that his pieces have a very ‘English’ sound because of these traditional tunes shining through his music. He wrote many famous, well-loved works, such as The Lark Ascending.
Prelude ‘49th Parallel’ was written by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams as music for a wartime film, 49th Parallel, about a German U-boat crew stranded in Canada. This piece is performed by a brass band, it sounds sad, yet full and warm.
The city is Purple: What does Purple Flag mean for Worcester
While Worcester may be clad in blue for its historic football team, its nighttime economy is undeniably purple. For the past two years, Worcester has proudly achieved the Purple Flag accreditation, with plans underway to secure a third consecutive year.
Presented by the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM), the Purple Flag is a prestigious international recognition that celebrates cities’ efforts in enriching their urban centres during evening hours. It’s not just a badge of honour; it’s a testament to Worcester’s commitment to creating vibrant and safe nighttime spaces that draw visitors, boost spending, and ease crime.
The success of this initiative in the city owes much to the collaborative efforts of Worcester BID, West Mercia Police, Worcester City Council, Worcester Street Pastors, and Worcestershire Regulatory Services. Recently, Worcester BID members, in conjunction with city partners, undertook a thorough evaluation of the nighttime economy’s amenities, ambience, and safety measures. From 5 PM to 5 AM, they scoured every corner of the city, identifying areas for enhancement and gauging the public’s perception of safety.
This proactive approach not only goes towards the lengthy application that allows Worcester to maintain its Purple Flag status but also fosters ongoing improvement and growth. Moreover, Purple Flag accreditation has been shown to attract more visitors, increase spending, and even stimulate investment in the city, making it an attractive destination for residents and newcomer businesses alike.
Crucially, the Purple Flag accreditation is more than just a symbolic gesture—it’s a catalyst for tangible change that takes place through findings from pre-assessments as well as the collaborative efforts and heightened awareness it brings. Worcester is not only curbing crime but also nurturing inclusive and secure spaces for all residents and visitors.
Worcester is now gearing up to renew its Purple Flag accreditation this summer. With each passing year, the city’s purple glow shines ever brighter, with the evolution of projects such as Safe Space, we are signalling an unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic and safe nighttime environment for all.
Worcester is on the upward: The Future Of Worcester Is Safe
Step into Worcester’s vibrant nighttime scene, where safety, business innovation, and community converge to look to create a safer future.
At the heart of this vision is Safe Space, a beacon of compassion and security that operates in our streets every Friday and Saturday night, ensuring residents, students, and visitors alike can enjoy the city’s offerings without worry. Launched in December 2023 with steadfast support from leaders, Worcester BID and key partners, this initiative is not just a fleeting gesture but a commitment to safeguarding our nightlife for years to come. At current at least 2 years, worth of funding (beginning December 2023), has been secured by Worcester BID via funding from the West Mercia PCC (Police and Crime Commissioner).
Beyond Safe Space, Worcester BID is leading additional efforts to enhance the city’s safety measures. The upcoming Worcester Night Charter encourages businesses to pledge their support for training and safety protocols, fostering a culture of responsibility across venues which will impact visitors by both staff and venues being increasingly trained and supported.
The pursuit of a third consecutive Purple Flag accreditation further underscores Worcester’s dedication to providing a secure and thriving environment after dark, attracting investment, and fostering economic growth. Since earning this esteemed recognition in September 2022, the city has continued to elevate its standards with the unwavering support of Worcester BID, Worcester City Council, and West Mercia Police.
As we look to the future in Worcester, these initiatives serve as cornerstones of a safer Worcester by night. With each success, such as the £10,000 saved to the NHS in the way of ambulance call-outs saved by Safe Space Worcester, we inch closer to demonstrating the need to fund initiatives that improve safety, allowing us to further expand programs like Safe Space, ensuring their enduring impact on our community for years to come.
With Worcester BID leading the charge, Worcester BID’s goal is clear: to fund the next five years of Safe Space, keep Worcester on the upward direction for positive change, and leave an indelible mark on Worcester’s evening economy—one that prioritises safety, inclusivity, and business prosperity.
Operation Forefront
In addition to this, it has been great to see the work of our partners, West Mercia Police during Operation Forefront.
Activating the city of Worcester: why do Worcester BID do it?
Worcester boasts a diverse array of urban spaces, ranging from Tudor housing and cobbled paths to the modern design of the Hive building. Yet, amidst this diversity, there is a common thread—activation of space. This concept lies at the heart of a thriving city. But what exactly does it entail?
In recent years, Worcester BID has led transformative initiatives across the cityscape. From captivating aerial displays on New Street, Friar Street, and the Shambles to the addition of extra festive lighting on Broad Street, street art on wayfinding signs, and the introduction of vibrant city planters and year-round floral displays, these endeavours are examples of activation of space. Looking ahead, Worcester BID plans to further invigorate neglected areas, transforming a neglected overgrown area at the base of Broad Street into a green space teeming with biodiversity and increasing the number of striking city artworks. Such initiatives not only enhance the visual appeal of the city but also serve to increase dwell time and footfall, cultivating a vibrant and dynamic urban environment for all to enjoy.
Dwell time, the duration individuals spend in a specific location, holds significance for businesses and communities alike. By transforming city spaces—such as converting neglected corners into lush green areas with seating—Worcester can create inviting environments that encourage prolonged engagement.
The activation of spaces naturally leads to an upsurge in footfall. When areas undergo revitalisation through attractive enhancements, people are drawn to explore and discover. This surge in pedestrian traffic translates into tangible benefits for local businesses, offering fresh marketing opportunities and ultimately driving sales. An example is The Big Spring Window Trail, featuring 50 beautifully hand-drawn floral business windows. Visitors can download a map for this free floral trail from Worcester BID’s website (www.worcesterbid.com/2024/04/02/thebigspring) and share their experiences using the hashtag #TheBigSpring.
Beyond the economic benefits, activating spaces also enhances Worcester’s aesthetic appeal. Beautifying neglected areas through greening and rewilding, public art, and creative lighting not only makes the city more visually appealing but also instils a sense of pride among residents whilst creating memorable experiences for both locals and visitors.
In conclusion, activating Worcester’s spaces is not just about improving aesthetics; it’s about creating dynamic, inclusive, and thriving urban environments. By enhancing dwell time, increasing footfall, and improving the city’s appearance, Worcester can unlock its full potential as a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.
Funding the Future: What do you want to see Worcester do next?
Worcester’s transformation owes much to effective city centre management and strategic funding allocation. Four primary funding streams are driving Worcester’s progress: the Future High Streets Fund (£17.9 million), UK Shared Prosperity Fund (£2.96 million), Cultural Development Fund (£3 million), and Levelling Up Funding, with recent news of an additional £5 million injection into Worcester’s cultural landscape, bringing total capital funding over five years to £46 million for Levelling up funding alone.
Since 2019, Levelling Up Funding has been used to revitalise unused spaces like the train arches into vibrant venues for dining, arts, and activities, contributing to Worcester’s cultural growth. The recent £5 million boost will sustain this momentum, facilitating more art projects and community initiatives.
In 2019, Worcester City Council secured £3 million from the Cultural Development Fund to enhance Worcester’s profile as a visitor destination, foster festivals like Light Night, and support local businesses. Festivals such as the Victorian Fayre and Paint Festival have become integral to Worcester’s cultural tapestry, drawing diverse crowds.
To ensure continued funding, collaboration with entities like Arts Council England is essential for sustaining Worcester’s festival momentum and visitor influx.
Worcester BID is seeking ways to sustain the momentum by creating dedicated spaces for youth engagement and promoting discussions on implementation tailored to residents, visitors, and students between city partners. The success of initiatives like Teenage Markets in other regions underscores the potential for similar models in Worcester. Championed by Councillor Joe Bennett, Teenage Markets empower young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and sell goods at public markets run by teenagers for the community.
As we contemplate Worcester’s future, community input is invaluable. What are your thoughts on providing dedicated spaces for young people in Worcester? What other initiatives would you like to see?
Let’s envision a Worcester that thrives for all its residents.
Worcester BID's Safer Streets Officer: Making a Difference
In the bustling heart of Worcester, the Worcester BID’s Safer Streets officer is working diligently to ensure safety and security for businesses and visitors alike. Since June 20th, 2023, the Worcester Business Improvement District’s (BID) Safer Streets Officer has been patrolling and intervening, making a significant impact on the community.
The officer’s efforts have not only prevented losses but also led to the recovery of significant amounts of stolen stock and money, providing much-needed relief to affected businesses and individuals, with the total stolen stock and money recovered now totalling £15,803.14!
The successes of the Worcester BIDs Safer Streets Officer stem from great partnership working. Collaborating with West Merica Police, central security teams such as Crowngate and Cathedral Square and various stakeholders, their efforts are emblematic of a collective resolve to foster safer shared spaces in Worcester. By pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, all parties have been working hard to address community safety comprehensively, deploying proactive strategies and interventions to mitigate risks, prevent incidents, and ensure the well-being of residents and visitors alike.
The Worcester BIDs Safer Streets Officer has attended and accomplished the following during these 9 months:
- 64 theft incidents attended
- 59 stops/recoveries
- 16 first aid interventions
- 88 offences deterred
- 19 counts of intelligence gathering and monitoring
- 5 active interventions ensuring staff safety
- 21 counts of assisting Police and witnessing arrests
- 17 assistances with homeless and welfare checks
- 27 counts of training provision
- 8 counts of combatting fraud and illegal activities
- 6 counts curbing sales of stolen goods
- 2 missing persons cases assisted with
- 21 enforcements of PSPO regulations
The Safer Streets Officer role within Worcester BID has provided an additional layer of protection for the business community, residents, and visitors. By effectively collaborating with partners, they have helped to enhance the city’s security landscape, creating a safer environment for all.
Read more about Worcester BID’s safety measures on their website at www.worcesterbid.com/promote/safer-city.
The Big Spring: Download the Map and take the Trail!
Spring has officially arrived in Worcester! With 50 windows now adorned with festive decorations by local artist Catt Standen, we’re thrilled to present the trail map to everyone. Embark on a city walk and discover the stunning floral displays on our business windows this Easter—a delightful, cost-free adventure for the family. Access the BID trail map below!
Download the map PDF here: Spring Window Art Map 
Remember to share your photos with us by tagging @makeitworc on Instagram, or @worcesterbid on Facebook and Twitter, and use the hashtag #thebigspring!
Safe Space Worcester: From Strength To Strength
Worcester BID has now released the newest Safe Space stats! Safe Space, a moving venue of compassion and care takes to our streets every Friday and Saturday night, as well as during events, providing a safe environment for residents, students, and visitors alike.
Safe Space is an organisation run by a team of dedicated professionals. It’s not just a physical location in the form of a Safe Space vehicle, but a helping hand for anyone in need. Safe Space welcomes everyone with open arms, free of charge, and has already helped nearly 100 city-goers (as of the end of February 2024 since December 15, 2023). The ethos of Safe Space is simple: to offer medical and welfare support without any preconceived notions.
According to the latest statistics, Safe Space has looked after a total of 98 events. Within these events, they have provided care in various categories: welfare (34 cases (35%)), medical (48 cases (49%)), mental health (8 cases (8%)), police assistance (1 case (1%)), and enquiry (7 cases (7%)). These figures underscore the breadth of Safe Space’s reach and the diverse range of support it offers to the community.
Sam McCarthy, Worcester BID CEO said, “We are proud to serve the community via Safe Space Worcester and would like to thank all of our primary and supporting partners for their assistance in making this project possible.”
In addition to ensuring the safety and well-being of 98 individuals in Worcester, the interventions and care delivered by the Safe Space team have resulted in a notable decrease in ambulance callouts, saving the NHS a minimum of £9500. This figure is conservative, denoting the minimum amount saved according to NHS data regarding the cost of an ambulance call-out. However, the actual amount saved may be much higher than the stated figure. This fantastic stat provides an additional layer of justification for the need for Safe Space in Worcester’s nighttime economy, highlighting the tangible impact of Safe Space on both public health, nighttime business operations and financial resources.
Since its inaugural night, the Safe Space team have received fabulous feedback from stakeholders, parents, friends, partners, Police Teams, and Safe Space users. Richard Nash, lead medic at Safe Space Worcester said, “The initiative has certainly shown its worth over the first 3 months of operation and we are looking forward to providing ongoing support and welfare.”
Worcester BID, Safe Space partners and the Safe Space team have collectively expressed commitment to providing sustained support and care to the community moving forward.
For more information and to stay up to date, follow Safe Space on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Take a look at our latest stats in the below infographic.
Safe Space works to provide operational support for the NTE
Safe Space is operated by a team of dedicated professionals, extending medical support, welfare support or otherwise and offering this without any preconceived notions. Safe Space is free to all, no judgement and is working to promote a positive view of Worcester City Centre as a safe destination for a night out, to live and to study. This is bolstered by our work on becoming Purple Flag accredited.
Take a look at our latest stats in the below infographic.
The Big Spring Has Fully Bloomed in Worcester! 🌸🌻🌼🌷
We are busy installing 50 giant florals around Worcester this spring! There are 5 beautiful designs including daisies, tulips and gorgeous forget-me-nots.
Share your new business window artwork with us by hashtagging #thebigspring and tagging @worcesterbid on Facebook and Twitter or @makeitworc on Instagram.
Find the helpful map with all the flowery locations below!
Worcester BID's Cleaner Streets Initiative: Enhancing Our Spaces
We all share a responsibility to uphold the beauty of our city, taking pride in our municipal spaces. Unfortunately, urban areas often fall victim to graffiti tagging, chewing gum, litter such as cigarette butts, and other forms of damage, detracting from their aesthetic appeal and contributing to urban decay.
To combat these challenges and instil a sense of city pride, Worcester BID is launching the Cleaner Streets project. Beginning in April 2024 and extending through the summer months, this initiative aims to transform neglected, damaged, and graffitied spaces into vibrant works of art for the enjoyment of all.
The Cleaner Streets project encompasses various strategies, including the removal of graffiti from brickwork, improvements in lighting where needed, and the promotion of responsible mural and urban art through converting unloved areas into community and business district reflective works of art.
Over the past two years, Worcester BID has already invested in enhancing the city’s visual landscape through the artwork seen on utility boxes and wayfinding signage, as well as via the organisation of workshops and mural painting events in community hubs.
Looking ahead, Worcester BID is committed to implementing prevention methods such as resistant coatings and ongoing maintenance to ensure a welcoming and fresh street scene for years to come. Throughout the Cleaner Streets campaign, success stories will be shared, showcasing the transformative impact of these efforts on our social media accounts. Additionally, Worcester BID is dedicated to collaborating with and celebrating the contributions of local artists and the community. By involving residents and businesses in the creation of public art we hope to foster a collective sense of ownership and pride.
The ultimate goal of the Cleaner Streets Project is to cultivate more vibrant urban spaces while reducing and repairing damage in the city centre. Worcester BID invites talented local artists to join in this endeavour by reaching out on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram if you would like to participate in shaping a brighter future for our city.
Together, let’s make Worcester’s streets cleaner, more attractive and a source of pride for all who call it home. Join us in this transformative journey towards a more vibrant urban environment by following us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn [@WorcesterBID] or on Instagram [@makeitworc].
All Aboard: Foregate Street Station gets a new lease of life
Foregate Street Art is in!
Last Thursday we launched the new partnership artwork at Foregate Street Station with an evening at the fantastic JNCTN.
Over the last six months, we have worked to support The Arts Society Worcester and partners in bringing a new display to the city, enhancing the first appearance of Worcester when arriving by train and showcasing local artist talent. The art also helps with wayfinding with maps positioned by stairwells and promotes our vibrant city to all who pass through.
Find out more by pressing here!
Make sure to pop down to Foregate Street Station to have a look!
Worcester BID's new Safer Streets Role leads to £15,803 recovered
Worcester’s success in combatting retail theft is backed by tangible statistics.
From June 20th, 2023, to March 20th, 2024, Worcester BID’s Safer Streets Officer reported 59 instances of asset and monetary recovery and 88 cases of deterrence within the business district. This dedicated officer actively addresses anti-social behaviour, particularly in hot-spot areas, and supports staff in reporting crimes, contributing to a substantial recovery of £15,803.00 in just over eight months.
Other support given by the Safer Streets Officer is as follows:
- First aid 16
- Intelligence/Monitoring 19
- Staff safety 5 [Where staff members have felt uncomfortable in certain situations so have shown presence or ejected offenders]
- Assistance with authorities/ Witness arrests 21
- Homelessness Advice/Interaction 17
- Fraud 8
- Stolen Goods 6
- Missing & Vulnerable Persons 2
- PSPO [Public Spaces Protection Orders] 21
Through collaborative efforts and heightened awareness, Worcester’s partners have effectively intensified the targeting of retail theft, working towards safer streets for everyone. It is great to see that there is a national push to reduce retail theft, and even better to see that Worcester’s endeavours have already yielded success in combatting retail theft. The city is committed to further cultivating partnerships and providing ongoing efforts that support businesses to flourish.
Resilient Businesses: Navigating Flood Challenges in Worcester
Worcester, situated along the River Severn, faces common flooding due to heavy rains, impacting infrastructure, homes, and businesses alike. The highest recorded flood level at the Worcester measuring station occurred on 26 February 2020, with recent bouts of flooding in January and February causing disruption and damage to local businesses, green spaces, and walkways. Community support is crucial in aiding these resilient businesses to bounce back.
At Worcester BID, we have spoken to some of our local BID businesses that are located on the riverside and are thus often disturbed by flooding.
The effect on businesses can be extensive. Julia Seymour, Director of Diglis House Hotel, said “At the inception of my investment in Diglis House Hotel, the advice concerning flooding at that time, was to expect flooding every 40-50 years. Today flooding is common news.” General Manager of Diglis House Hotel, Debra Jones, added that “the flooding brings disruption to our business from loss of revenue due to access issues, internal flooding, the cost of pump systems as well as clean up to the grounds, the hotel in general and the bedrooms. These must be properly sanitised by special companies each time flooding occurs.”
So, how can we as a community help these resilient businesses to bounce back?
Richard Hill, Manager of Browns at the Quay said “Dealing with the flooding has been an ever-increasing challenge to the business.
One of the main challenges is trying to get across to the public that when we close due to high river levels, we will bounce back very quickly, often in just a couple of days.
There is a perception that once you are affected by flooding you will be closed for many months, whereas we have shown this does not need to be the case. With the correct flood barriers, pumping systems and resilience work it can be managed, preventing serious damage to the building and its interior, enabling us to re-open very quickly and move on with the business.
We think that Worcester as a community has been supportive and hope it continues to be so. Our customers are very understanding when we have to reluctantly close for a period of time. We like to welcome new customers as well as old ones and hope they think of us when deciding where to go after flooding has happened.”
Whilst Worcester has weathered many floods throughout its history, its businesses demonstrate resilience and adaptability, constantly evolving to withstand environmental challenges. It’s crucial to support local businesses by visiting your riverside venues that are open for business, aiding them in minimising the disruptions brought about by flooding incidents.
Worcester Celebrates International Women's Day!
International Women’s Day, which takes place on the 8th of March, is the yearly global celebration of all things women. It’s a day of inspiring talks, worldwide social media buzz, activism, and marches, that look to inspire change and aspire to worldwide gender equality. International Women’s Day was first celebrated in 1911, when women were struggling for their basic rights, seventeen years before they finally earned the right to vote if over the age of 21 in the UK following the Equal Franchise Act of 1928. There is of course still work to be done; according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it will take another 131 years to reach gender equality!
Women encounter various forms of unfair treatment across the world today. As per a 2020 UNICEF report, only 66% of countries worldwide offer equal educational opportunities to both genders. Data from a 2020 United Nations report reveals that, despite constituting half of the global population, women occupy less than 30% of high-ranking governmental roles and senior management positions in the business sector. As well as highlighting social injustices, International Women’s Day serves as a platform to demonstrate the immense strength and capability of women and celebrate their accomplishments.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Inspiring Inclusion.’ So, Worcester BID has taken to the streets, inviting Worcester’s women to join in with the international campaign. Worcester BID’s video, released on International Women’s Day, showcases the women in our city and Business Improvement District who keep the city ticking, through the provision of essential services, strong leadership roles, and as business professionals. There will also be video content from some of our city’s female CEOs, who will provide insights into local leadership. You can watch these videos on Instagram by pressing HERE, or on Facebook, HERE.
Did you know many of our city leaders are female?
> The BID team is 75% female!
> Worcester City Council is under joint leadership from 2 women: Councillors Marjory Bisset and Lynn Denham.
> The City Centre Manager for Worcester is also female.
To name but a few…!
Three Choirs Festival is Coming! Download your poster now!
The World’s Longest Running Music Festival is coming to Worcester in Summer 2024
The Three Choirs Festival is the world’s longest-running music festival, rotating between the cathedral cities of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester. Since its beginnings in 1715, the festival has provided incredible music which has served as the inspiration for thousands.
The Three Choirs Festival is a week-long programme of world-class music making, featuring choral and orchestral concerts, solo and chamber music recitals, talks, cathedral services, theatre, exhibitions, and walks, rotating each summer between the beautiful English cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester. One of the elements which makes the festival so special is the Festival Chorus, which is made up of auditioned singers from the local area trained by professional directors, meaning that the Chorus both sings to a high standard and is a real part of the community. Three Choirs is thought to be the longest-standing classical music festival in the world and celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2015.
“A beacon for music making in our region”
At the heart of the festival are large-scale evening concerts featuring the Festival Chorus and the Philharmonia Orchestra (resident at the festival since 2012). Concert programmes feature internationally recognised soloists and combine favourites of the classical choral tradition with the best new music of our time. The Three Choirs Festival Youth Choir performs a major cathedral concert with the Philharmonia Orchestra every year, giving a unique opportunity to young singers in our region to rehearse and perform to a high standard with expert direction.
Next year, the festival is in Worcester. Learn more about what’s in store on their website: Home | Three Choirs Festival (3choirs.org).
If you want to display a poster in your business, please download it here: A3 / A4
If you would like a hard copy, please email us at info@worcesterbid.com to request a drop up or pick up.
Martyn's Law: Ensuring Security for Worcester Businesses
The consultation phase for Martyn’s Law, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is now underway, representing a crucial opportunity for Worcester’s business community to contribute to enhanced security measures.
Named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester bombing, this legislation aims to mandate venue owners to assess terrorism threats and implement appropriate and robust measures. The legislation ensures readiness and response training for individuals in the event of an attack. Enhanced security systems, staff training, and clearer processes aim to deliver better protection, aligning with government responses to the Manchester Arena Inquiry. The bill will be passed under a tiered framework, meaning different types of businesses will be mandated to undertake different measures.
Under Martyn’s Law, proprietors of standard-tier premises in Worcester, covering sites with capacities ranging from 100
to 799 individuals, must fulfil key requirements. This is the most common business type in Worcester that will be affected by the new bill. Standard-tier businesses will need to notify the Regulator of their responsibility for the premises and namely, implement procedural measures to mitigate the risk of harm to individuals in the event of an attack. Notably, the revised Bill eliminates the need for specified forms, prescribed training, or physical alterations to equipment, reducing disruption to most Worcester city centre local business operations.
Business owners and stakeholders in Worcester are urged to engage in the Government’s consultation process, offering insights to inform the finalisation of this legislation. This initiative strongly resonates with Worcester BID’s dedication to cultivating a safer environment. Through expanded training initiatives, including our Catastrophic Bleed Courses, heightened safety measures, and the improved utilisation of the CCTV-integrated business radio network, CityNet, we aim to enhance security measures. Additionally, our collaborative endeavours, such as Safe Space, underscore our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members at work, as residents and whilst enjoying all that our city has to offer.
Your input will contribute to the Government’s endeavour to enhance public safety and national security. As this Bill impacts Worcester businesses, it’s essential to be prepared for the changes it brings. Martyn’s Law is a legislative step in the right direction, but it needs your stakeholder input. You can participate in the consultation via the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/martyns-law-standard-tier-consultation.
Worcester's 2023 Foot Traffic Soars Despite Regional Downturn
A recent release of an annual report by Place Informatics has cast a spotlight on the foot traffic trends across 12 UK regions in 2023. This comprehensive report analyses the yearly, quarterly, and monthly fluctuations in footfall, providing a comparative assessment against the previous year’s data.
Examining the year-on-year percentage change by region, the South-West and Wales emerge as the front-runners, experiencing the highest percentage increase at 4.57% and 4.45%, respectively. In contrast, London faces a notable decline with a -1.43% decrease, closely followed by the West Midlands at -1.38%. Despite Worcester’s geographic tie to the West Midlands, recent data challenges the notion of a decline in our city’s footfall.
Contrary to regional statistics, Worcester has exhibited remarkable growth. The 2023 footfall has surged by an average of 21,180 per month, translating to a substantial addition of 254,164 extra pedestrians on our streets in 2023.
What’s driving Worcester’s impressive foot traffic surge for 2023? The city has reaped the benefits of collaborative efforts, evident in the success of the Victorian Christmas market orchestrated by Worcester City Council and innovative events like the Starlight Lantern Parade, a collaborative project involving The Hive, Council, Worcester BID, and government funding support. Worcester BID’s strategic promotion of the city’s rich heritage through a Sky TV advert targeted at specific demographics has also played a pivotal role. Local businesses have actively contributed to this upswing with so many fantastic venues achieving awards, such as Maneki Ramen’s win of Japanese Restaurant of the Year 2023.
Venues have also worked hard to create a safer and more welcoming city offering for all via increased training. Worcester BID’s commitment to community development is evident in the 1205 delegates from businesses within its district attending free and heavily subsidised training courses, fostering confidence and skill development. The introduction of the BID Safer Streets Officer and Safe Space has further bolstered nighttime operations, providing crucial support in areas such as first aid and mental health.
Enhancements in lighting infrastructure and seasonal displays in aerial spaces have gained national attention, attracting more tourism and increased foot traffic on Worcester’s streets. Additionally, our arts and culture scene is booming, with the addition of the art spaces in the Arches and extended opening and popular late-night openings at our Museums!
As we look ahead, Worcester is poised for continued positive momentum, especially as the Official Education and Community Partner of the St Richards Hospice City Art Trail, The Waddle of Worcester, ensuring mass footfall into the city during summer.
Stay tuned by reading the Worcester BID column every Friday for the latest updates.
Martyn's Law: An Important Update for Business Owners
The public consultation on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law is now open. The government consultation will run for 6 weeks
Martyn’s Law is a new legislation in the UK that will mandate those responsible for certain premises and events to consider the terrorist risk and how they would respond to an attack. It is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester bombing. The law will follow a tiered model linked to the type of activity taking place and the expected audience size and will seek to improve how prepared a venue is without putting an undue burden on business.
In summary, those responsible for Standard Tier premises must:
- Notify the Regulator that they are, or have become, responsible for premises within the scope of the Bill (and so subject to the relevant requirements). This remains broadly in line with previous requirements.
- Have in place procedural measures that could be expected to reduce, so far as reasonably practicable, the risk of physical harm to individuals at the premises in the event of an attack. These relate only to the procedures to be followed by people working at the premises in the event of an attack occurring or being suspected as about to occur. As the procedural measures are about procedures for responding to an attack or suspected attack, it is not expected or required that physical alterations be undertaken or additional equipment purchased for Standard Tier premises.
- In contrast to the published draft Bill, there is no requirement to complete a specified form (the ‘Standard Terrorism Evaluation’) for Standard Tier premises or ensure that people working at the premises are given any specific training. However, as part of putting in place the procedural measures, workers will need to be sufficiently instructed or trained to carry them out effectively.
The consultation is targeted at organisations, businesses, local and public authorities, and individuals who own or operate publicly accessible premises or events that the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill will potentially affect.
It seeks views from those responsible for smaller premises which would fall within the standard tier. Standard tier venues are businesses with a capacity of 100-799 individuals.
The bill will impose requirements about certain premises and events to increase their preparedness for, and protection from, a terrorist attack by requiring them to take proportionate steps, depending on the size and nature of the activities that take place at the premises.
The proposed requirements would apply to those responsible for qualifying public premises and qualifying public events.
Take the consultation here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/martyns-law-standard-tier-consultation
Worcester Leads the Charge Against Retail Theft
The recent release of the 2023 Retail Crime Survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has illuminated a national picture of a concerning surge in violence against staff and retail theft. The BRC are urging government intervention to safeguard retail workers, underscoring the pressing need for nationwide investment in deterrents, coupled with comprehensive training and support networks. Aligning with these findings, Policing Minister Chris Philp has initiated a national action plan to combat shoplifting, urging retailers to swiftly provide CCTV footage and shoplifters’ images for identification through facial recognition technology. The introduction of the Pegasus police program further seeks to gather intelligence on organised crime gangs involved in shoplifting, aiming to enhance collaboration between retailers and law enforcement.
Remarkably, Worcester has been ahead of the curve, already implementing very similar strategies for some time. The city’s resilience against the rising trend of retail theft is evident. Worcester BID is taking action to help local businesses reduce theft by providing comprehensive training courses, increasing the use of the 24/7 CCTV-connected CityNet radio system, and using GDPR-compliant DISC information sharing systems, working to strengthen the understanding and adoption of effective theft reduction schemes. Tailored Safer City meetings have evolved into essential platforms for businesses to unite against the shared challenge of retail theft, receiving insights directly from crucial partners like West Mercia Police, providing a helpful support network.
Worcester’s success in combatting retail theft is backed by tangible statistics. From June 20th, 2023, to January 19th, 2024, Worcester BID’s Safer Streets Officer reported 57 instances of asset and monetary recovery and 87 cases of deterrence within the business district. This dedicated officer actively addresses anti-social behaviour, particularly in hot-spot areas, and supports staff in reporting crimes, contributing to a substantial recovery of £12,755.15 in just seven months.
Through collaborative efforts and heightened awareness, Worcester’s partners have effectively intensified the targeting of retail theft, working towards safer streets for everyone. It is great to see that there is a national push to reduce retail theft, and even better to see that Worcester’s endeavours have already yielded success in combatting retail theft. The city is committed to further cultivating partnerships and providing ongoing efforts that support businesses to flourish.
Contemplating the Evolution of Worcester's High Street & Future
Public spaces, important in any city, serve as channels for social interaction and community cohesion. Yet, urban expert Matthew Davis of the Institute of Place Management, issues a warning—public spaces, from sports centres to parks and libraries, face an impending crisis of closure and underfunding. In a recent article titled ‘Pay to stay: an inflection point for accessible towns and cities’, Davis underscores the dwindling support for UK public spaces, advocating for a renewed emphasis on investing in free-to-stay areas that can address community need.
So, is Worcester too at a pivotal juncture where economic prosperity converges with social responsibility? The delicate task of maintaining accessibility for the city centre — the very heart of our community — as a member of the Worcester Business Improvement District, provides some conflict between our aim to foster business growth and Davis’s imperative to preserve public spaces. Davis contends that community input should underpin our urban environment, urging a balanced approach that marries commercial development with investments in public spaces, forging an inclusive city, and we don’t disagree.
The evolving high street introduces challenges to maintaining community spaces as businesses adopt pay-to-stay models for increased turnover, which is great for our economy. Davis suggests striking a balance between community accessibility and high street economic growth is crucial — but how well does Worcester achieve this?
While Worcester considers this challenge, municipal services, such as our city-centre public library, The Hive, stand out as successful community hubs, a stark contrast to the national trend of defunding and closures addressed in the article. However, the question lingers: does Worcester provide enough free alternatives to counterbalance pay-to-stay policies?
In response to the community ownership debate, Worcester takes its own path, with businesses like Script Haven and Sugar Daddy’s Cafe fostering meaningful community narratives. Script Haven, recognised by The Times as the third-best independent bookshop in the UK, actively engages with local talent and charities. Sugar Daddy’s Cafe has become an LGBTQ+ community hub, promoting inclusivity. Additionally, Worcester City Council allocates funding for initiatives like the Arches and Scala Theatre redevelopment, enhancing community accessibility.
The ongoing debate asks whether the high street should grow organically or if active intervention and investment in community-led infrastructure is necessary. However, does this apply to our city?
Worcester appears to strike a delicate equilibrium between economic growth and community well-being, successfully paving its path towards a balanced future.
Safe Space: Worcester's Nighttime Guardian Reveals Impressive Debut Stats
In the bustling nighttime economy of Worcester, the new Safe Space has well and truly arrived, offering solace to those who may find themselves vulnerable in our city. Safe Space, a beacon of compassion and care, takes to our streets every Friday and Saturday night, as well as during events, providing a safe environment for residents, students, and visitors alike.
Operated by a team of dedicated professionals, Safe Space is more than just a physical location; it’s a helping hand for those in need. Safe Space embraces everyone with open arms, free of charge and has already helped many city-goers. The ethos of Safe Space is simple: to extend medical support, welfare support or otherwise and to offer this without any preconceived notions.
In its inaugural seven nights of operation, Safe Space has proven to be more than just a safety net – it’s a financial boon for the NHS, saving an impressive figure of at least £4300 – without any financing from you the taxpayer. Beyond the monetary value, it has addressed and managed 39 medical and welfare incidents during this short span, showcasing its now indispensable role in improving community safety standards.
During the chilly nights of December, when festivities filled the air, Safe Space served as a crucial support system for Worcester’s residents, students, and visitors. Over just seven nights, including New Years Eve, their impact was felt deeply: 13 visitors, perhaps unfamiliar with the city’s terrain, discovered a haven in their time of need, 24 residents found solace and assistance and 2 students also received aid. 5 other individuals, who were not categorised at the time of visiting, were also assisted by the Safe Space.
Safe Space is more than a service; it’s a testament to the strength of a community that values compassion and inclusivity. Let Safe Space stand as a reminder that the city is fostering a culture of care that makes Worcester truly exceptional.
Find out more on our website
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NEW!! Safe Space Worcester Successfully Launches Over the Weekend
Worcester Safe Space was officially launched on December 15 adding yet an extra string to the night-time strategy’s bow.
Worcester is a city that takes safety seriously. Equipped with CCTV, a CityNet radio system, a newly developed Pub Watch scheme and having already been awarded the Purple Flag accreditation for two years running, the city has taken things to the next level with the introduction of a Safe Space. This unique initiative provides a non-judgmental, supportive haven for anyone in need of assistance during operation in the night-time hours.
Worcester BID leads the way with the city night-time strategy and Safe Space initiative, working in conjunction with the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, Worcester City Council, West Mercia Police, Worcester Street Pastors, Worcestershire County Council, Crowngate Shopping Centre, University of Worcester, RTN Medical and Universal Display.
The Safe Space vehicle was also out in force this weekend on both Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th of December. The primary goal of this pioneering initiative is to make the city a safer place for everyone, and it did just that over the weekend.
The Safe Space vehicle offers a range of services designed to ensure a safe night out, including:
- Skilled paramedics
- Mental health support
- Welfare support
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Help finding a taxi
- A secure space to wait
- Security alarms and drink StopTopps
- Emergency mobile phone charging
- A change of clothes
- Bottles of water
Worcester Safe Space is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the community. Over the course of the weekend the Safe Space vehicle was stationed at Worcester’s Cornmarket from 10pm to 1.30am before moving location to Angel Place where it will remain in place until 4am.
During its operation the Safe Space supported the patrons of city centre businesses in enjoying a safe night out in the city by giving general assistance, first aid, and welfare support. On Friday night, the work of the team at Safe Space saved at least two ambulances from being called out, provided five counts of first aid and a further four counts of welfare support. On the Saturday, a further ambulance call out was saved and four counts of first aid were successfully given. Safe Space also assisted in phone charging, directions, train times and handed out numerous bottles of water to those in need across both nights.
Richard Nash, Lead Medic at Safe Space said: “We are thrilled to have aided many visitors of the city centre through the Safe Space initiative. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with members of the public and Police alike expressing their gratitude.
Our team provided support to vulnerable individuals by providing warmth, water, and safe transport home. We also administered first aid treatment, charged mobile phones, and aided with directions to ensure safe journeys.
The initiative proved to be a great success on its debut, and we’re excited to continue providing support and welfare to those in need.”
Samantha McCarthy, Worcester BID CEO, said: “We take pride in the fact that we were able to help numerous individuals arrive home safely over the course of the weekend. In doing so, we were also able to contribute to the operations of the night-time economy and reduce the burden on our city’s emergency services.”
The Safe Space will be active again every Friday and Saturday night throughout December, as well as on New Year’s Eve, providing support and assistance from 10pm to 4am. We are looking forward to continuing our services to individuals in need and supporting our business community throughout 2024.
For more information on the Worcester Safe Space project, you can follow @safespaceworc on social media, and for more Worcester BID’s night-time economy initiatives, you can visit the website at www.worcesterbid.com.
We are going ‘nutcrackers’ over the Starlight Parade and Trail this Christmas
The Hive Library is thrilled to announce the return of the lantern parade, an event that has been much missed since the pandemic restrictions in 2020. This year, The Hive has partnered with Worcester City Council, Worcester BID, local Artist Catt Standen, and Crowngate Shopping Centre, to make the return of the event bigger and better than ever before. The Starlight Parade and Trail is set to be enlightening! The enchantment of a certain magical ballet is in the air, and we’ve sprinkled a dash of its brilliance throughout our lantern-lit evening.
The Starlight Parade will take place on Saturday 25th November at 4pm starting from The Hive and ending at Cathedral Square. Invited students from local schools as well as a team of volunteers and creatives will adorn the streets of Worcester with handmade lanterns.
Artists Anna Best and Catt Standen have been visiting the city’s schools this month, working with students to build willow lanterns and to tell them more about the parade. Lantern decorating workshops will also take place at The Hive throughout November and December, where families and children are encouraged to decorate their own lantern before lining the streets to welcome and watch the parade. The public is invited to watch the spectacle by lining the route of the Starlight Parade: a great place to watch is the High Street!
Local artist Catt Standen has also produced four amazing showstopper lanterns for the Starlight Parade around the theme of the famous ballet, The Nutcracker. The special showstoppers are funded by Worcester BID and will stand 6 feet tall upon puppeteers! If you attend, you will see a Storybook, the magical Mouse King, the Nutcracker and the sparkling Sugarplum Fairy Princess.
The parade will start at 4pm from The Hive, making its way down past the bus station and Mode Nightclub, across the market stalls at Angel Place, turning left onto Broad Street before making the final stretch down Worcester High Street finishing at Cathedral Square.
The Starlight Parade coincides with the exciting Christmas Lights switch-on, situated at Cathedral Square, where there will be lots of family entertainment from 4pm until 7pm and the parade will take you straight to the action! The event will mark the beginning of the Christmas celebrations in Worcester with live music performances from local schools, choirs and appearances from the cast of the Swan Theatre’s Pantomime, Jack and The Beanstalk.
A fantastic window art trail will accompany the starlit event during November and December, with local business windows decorated by local artists. A hidden word game dotted around the city will also spread some festive joy over the extended Christmas period.
Stephanie Jones, Library Manager at The Hive, said “We’re delighted to partner with Worcester BID, Worcester City Council, and Catt Standen to help convene the Starlight Parade and Trail this year. We’re extremely excited to see the fantastic lanterns and to celebrate the Christmas Lights switch-on as part of Worcester’s local community.”
The Hive Library and city partners Worcester BID and Worcester City Council are thrilled to bring back lanterns to Worcester in the form of the sparkling-new Starlight Parade and Trail.
After the parade, the showstopper lanterns will be exhibited at The Hive from Monday 27th December 2023 until Tuesday 2nd January 2024 with free admission to all and open daily (8:30am-10pm). There will also be multiple ‘Meet the Artist’ events during December giving the public the opportunity to meet artist Catt Standen as she talks about the creation of the lanterns.
To stay up to date with everything about The Starlight Parade and Trail, please follow @thestarlightparade on Instagram.
Please visit The Hive’s website for more information and to book your lantern-making workshop: Lantern Decorating Workshops – The Hive (thehiveworcester.org)
CUPP Unveils Exciting New Menu with UK's First Mochi Topping and Baby Boba
CUPP have been trading for over 10 years, proudly pushing to be pioneers of boba tea innovation in the UK. CUPP is thrilled to introduce their brand new menu which is set to captivate the taste buds of boba tea lovers across the nation.
The centrepiece of this menu expansion is the Mochi Series (pronounced moe-chee). Marking a historic milestone in the UK boba tea industry, CUPP is the first major chain to introduce the delightful chewiness of mochi topping to their menu. This exciting move solidifies CUPP's position as an industry leader in innovation.
In addition to the pioneering Mochi Series, CUPP Bubble Tea is proud to unveil two other captivating series:
Cloud Series
Elevate your daily boba tea with the introduction of our Cloud Series: featuring a luxurious, light cheese topping that adds a sweet & savoury element to your drink. Take it up a notch and make it a Cloudcake by adding a sprinkle of caramelised biscuit crumbs - think vanilla cheesecake!
Hot Brown Sugar Series
Our nation's favourite - Brown Sugar Series is now available hot! These indulgent drinks can now comfort all of our customers through the colder months. It’s a perfect pick me up to beat the winter blues.
CUPP's commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavour doesn't stop there. The new menu also boasts an exciting array of new boba teas that are sure to become instant favourites:
1. Mango Matcha
2. Brown Sugar Taro
3. Choco- Caramel
4. Passion Fruit Tea
5. Vanilla Latte Boba - for the coffee lovers!
In addition to these exciting offerings, CUPP is proud to announce the release of "Baby Boba" for the youngest members of the bubble tea-loving community. They’ll be offering a free toy for all mini bobas throughout November and December. "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our latest menu - it’s exciting to see the hard work of our teams come to life. We have put a lot of work and research into bringing the best new boba trends to the UK from Taiwan; the home of boba tea! " Said Lee Peacock, Founder and CEO of CUPP.
The new menu will be available in all CUPP Bubble Tea UK stores starting in October. Whether you're a dedicated boba tea enthusiast or a curious newcomer, CUPP invites you to embark on a flavour-filled journey with these exciting new offerings.
The next steps for Worcester’s Scala arts venue are due to be discussed
Following the decision by the Members of Worcester City Council to halt the existing plans for the proposed renovation of the Grade II listed Corn Exchange and Scala in the city centre, independent consultant Candice Pearson has been appointed to engage local stakeholders to discuss next steps and encourage expressions of interest in the site.
Worcester City Council was awarded funding as part of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund to renovate these two historic buildings in Angel Street into a new 500-seat flexible theatre with complementary gallery space, as well as a café dining area.
Unfortunately, escalating costs meant that the original project could no longer be completed within budget and so the Council is seeking views from stakeholders whilst work continues.
The Joint Leaders of Worcester City Council, Councillors Lynn Denham and Marjory Bisset, said: “We would like to hear from local leaders and influencers across all sectors, and especially the arts, with ideas for how to best fulfil the ambition to restore and bring back into economic use these two remarkable buildings. If that sounds like you, please head to www.scalaworcester.co.uk to get involved.
“Our aim is to create a vibrant destination venue that will enrich Worcester’s cultural scene, helping to increase footfall and bring new private sector investment into the area, in turn creating employment opportunities for local people.”
Ms Pearson said: "Significant funding is available to restore these two locally iconic buildings, offering an unrivalled opportunity to enhance the city's cultural life, not to mention boost the local economy. I implore all dynamic teams and ambitious individuals with exciting ideas and viable business plans for how to make these buildings operational once again to join the conversation and perhaps make their dreams a reality."
As well as one-to-one meetings, interested parties and business prospects can share their views via an in-depth survey available at www.scalaworcester.co.uk, as well as attend one of three public consultation events.
Tours of the site can also be arranged, and stakeholders can express their interest by contacting Scala@cp-pr.org.
Under the original plans, Worcester Theatres were to operate the new Scala, while the Swan Theatre would have become a venue for community arts activities. The Swan Theatre will now continue to operate in its current guise under the management of Worcester Theatres and has already confirmed its regular schedule for the foreseeable future, including several performances from the city's many community theatre groups.
Take our comprehensive Public Perception Survey and have your say on the City
Worcester BID is undertaking a Public Perception Survey that will guide support procedures implemented across Worcester in the coming months and years.
City Council Growth Grants Released - Applications now Closed Until April
Please note that applications to Worcester City Council are currently closed until April 2024. Applications for the Start Up and Growth Grants will open again in 2024.
Business Growth Grant – Worcester City Council
Worcester Business Growth Grant: Helping Your Growing Business Succeed
If your business has been trading for more than a year, you can apply for a grant of up to £2,500 (if home-based) or £5,000 (if in commercial premises). The grant, which requires a minimum of £1,000 matching funds from your own resources, can be used towards one-off expenses to help your business grow. These expenses can include equipment, machinery, website construction, building works, premises refurbishment, fixtures and fittings, software, and other similar costs. The minimum grant is £1,000 and must be matched from own resources. This means your project must cost a minimum of £2,000.
To be eligible for the grant, your business must be based in Worcester, and you must demonstrate that you need the grant to move forward with your project. Only one grant is available per business or applicant.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Worcester Business Growth Grant is part of Worcester City Council’s allocation of £2.96m. To receive an application pack or for more information, contact the Worcester City Council Economic Development team at economy@worcester.gov.uk or call 01905 722106.
If your business operates from retail premises, you may also be eligible for the Retail Enhancement Grant. The grant provides up to £12,000 for businesses moving into an empty unit and up to £6,000 for improvements to the internal appearance, frontage, or accessibility for those already in a retail unit.
Find out more – Click Here!
Worcester businesses are on their marks for new Worcester running challenge
The 2023 Worcester City Runs has teamed up with Worcester Business Improvement District (Worcester BID) to launch the Worcester BID Business Challenge and recruit runners to take part in the Worcester City 10K on Sunday 17 September.
The Worcester City Runs have always attracted participants from the city’s business community and the Worcester BID Business Challenge aims to boost that further by offering incentives to firms that get involved. To take part, at least three employees from a company need to sign up for the Worcester City 10K, but the more who take part, the better, with a special prize on offer for the business with the highest number of runners. On the day of the 10K, the times of the first three athletes across the finishing line who represent the same firm will be added together and the team that registers the lowest combined total will be crowned winners of the Worcester BID Business Challenge.
Worcester City Runs founder Steve Cram comments:
“We’re delighted to be working with Worcester BID on this initiative, which can help build team relationships and inspire people in the workplace to be more active.”
Samuel Meese, assistant manager at PureGym, Worcester, adds:
“The team at PureGym, which includes personal trainers and managers from around the region, is delighted to be getting involved with the Worcester City Runs. We have a team running in the 10k and taking part in the Worcester BID Business Challenge, but also, PureGym will be supporting all the runners with a warm up before the race, and then cool downs and stretching afterwards in the Runners Village.”
Zoe Atkinson, Head of IT Training and Resources IT at HCR Solicitors in Worcester who are entering a team into the Worcester BID Business Challenge says:
“We are so pleased to have an HCR team entering the Worcester BID Business Challenge. As part of this we are supporting HCR’s Worcester office’s chosen charity which is the Myriad Centre. In preparation for the Worcester Run, we have started weekly running club sessions which are well underway in preparation for the big day.”
Places are now available on the Worcester City Half Marathon, 10K and Young Athletes Run, at www.worcestercityrun.com. Places on the Worcester City 10K cost £26.50 for runners in affiliated clubs and £28.50 for unaffiliated runners. When entering the 10K, entrants will find the option of joining a Worcester BID Business Challenge team, or creating one from scratch, which they can invite other colleagues to join.
Supporting Safer Nights!
Worcester Safe Space is coming soon!
Worcester Safe Space is brought to you by Worcester BID and supporting partners West Mercia Police, West Mercia Police Crime Commissioner, Worcester City Council, University of Worcester, Worcester Street Pastors to support a variety of people in Worcester’s night time economy who may not require emergency care, but may benefit from a safe space to talk, be provided with support, advice, first aid and have an opportunity to be listened to in a safe environment.
The Safe Space will provide the following services:
- Paramedic
- Mental health support
- Street Pastor welfare support
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Taxi finder support
- Security alarms and drink StopTopps
- Mobile phone charging
- Change of clothes
- Bottles of water
The Safe Space will run every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from 22:30 to 04:30 and may also run on other busy nights such as Bank Holidays, Welcome Week and other big events in the city.
Friday and Saturday nights are often the busiest time in the Emergency Department and we want to reduce the number of people attending A&E by diverting them to more appropriate services.
We are hopeful that this service will reduce the pressure on emergency services, enabling them to give faster service to the community.
Why is the project so important?
- It provides measurable improvements to the city centre offer
- It reduces costs to the ambulance service, police and hospital by looking after individuals who could become vulnerable, signposting people to alternative sources of help such as community care, charities and GP services
- It supports a human dimension to care, that current emergency staff are struggling to give due to time pressures
- It provides understanding, compassion and a personal service that leaves a lasting positive impression of Worcester, meaning every person leaves having had the best support and the best time possible
- Creates another layer of support to care for individuals in the most appropriate way
- It will reduce city centre crimes (burglary, robbery, theft from person, vehicle crime) by providing a visible deterrent and a safe space for vulnerable people to go.
- It will increase local area trust in the concept of a ‘Safe Night Out’ due to the partnership between BID, police, City Council, University, businesses in the NTE and other organisations.
Follow Worcester Safe Space on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more updates!
The Worcester Carnival is back!
Worcester Carnival will return on Saturday 1st July 2023. Save the date!
Last year Worcester Carnival had over 30 groups participating in the parade and over 40 stallholders. They are looking forward to at least as big a show again this year!
Carnival Village will be open 11am – 7pm with stage performances, stalls and fairground and the parade will start at 3pm.
This year, theme is “Our Colourful World”.
For more information on what to see on Carnival Day click on Visit Us.
If you are a central business or resident, please see the councils letter for more information regarding road closures and times here:
Local Resident_Business affected by Road Closures - Letter 2023
Celebrating Worcester's Heritage
Worcester is abundant with historic buildings, museums, traditional cosy pubs and an eclectic mix of independent shops and eateries.
Exploring Worcester's heritage is as easy as A... B... C...
Our Heritage month spans the month of June.
Find out more about places to Visit by following us on our Instagram page ->
Follow Make it Worc Here
Fancy reading our A-Z that's appeared in The Metro, Worcester News, Worcester Berrow, Midlands Living and Live 24 Seven?! Find the designs below or pick up a hard copy.
Live 24 Seven is out now and Midlands Living can be picked up on June 30th!
To top off Heritage Month, Worcester BID's TV advertisement will be going live on the 16th of June at 5PM. Want to watch, join us to see the premiere on YouTube by pressing the link below and setting a reminder! The countdown will start at 4.59!
Thank you to Anja Potze Fine Jewellers', Felicity, for being the voice of the advertisement!
https://youtu.be/CinK3hdt9I4
It is your time to Visit Worcester!
Bringing you the all new Taste Worcester and City Staff Card!
Be part of Taste Worcester!
NEW TO WORCESTER, OCTOBER 2023
Sign Me Up!
What is Taste Worcester?
Taste Worcester is a month-long celebration of food bought to you by Worcester BID and Visit Worcestershire. Registered venues across the city centre will be putting on £5, £10 and £15 menu items, as well as special menus during this period. To put that in perspective, your £5 item could be a starter or a pudding and your £15 item, a main. You can offer just one of these, or all 3! You could also offer a special menu made up of items available for Taste of Worcester! It is up to you.
Customers will be able to stamp a card each time they participate by eating at a venue during this time. A full stamp card will enter them into a prize draw for a city centre hamper!
When will it be?
October 1ST-31ST 2023
What are the perks?
Participating in the Taste of Worcester will link you to the event page as a partnering business of the event. You will also be promoted in PR and marketing in the lead up to the event and during the
event by Worcester BID and Visit Worcestershire. New people will likely try your venue and return after the event! It is a great way to grow your awareness.
T&Cs:
Participating venues must provide their chosen menu items for the entirety of October. Venues will be required to stamp visitors cards that purchase from your Taste of Worcester menu to allow prize draw entries.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the attached form via a desktop/laptop, save your filled out form and press the email button to email it back to us or send it via info@worcesterbid.com! Please ensure you attach the form to the email.
Sign Me Up!
What else can I get involved in as a foodie venue?
Be part of the City Staff Card and increase your footfall during the week!
Sign Me Up to be a City Staff Card Venue
What is City Staff Card?
The Taste of Worcester City Staff Card will be launched this summer and will run all year round. The aim of the card is to increase the number of people dining out in our city at lunchtime.
This card will entitle staff of city centre businesses to a 10% discount on the total food bill in participating venues, MONDAY-THURSDAY.
If you would like to be part, let us know and we will add you to the database ready for launch!
Why become a participating venue?
Improve your lunchtime uptake by offering a discount to people who are already in the city every day of the week for work! Increase your business’s awareness and contacts with the local business community. Your venue will be displayed on a list of participating venues that will link to your business website.
T&Cs:
All registered businesses must offer the blanket discount of 10% off all food, when shown the city staff card, on the total bill whilst registered as a Taste of Worcester, City Staff Card participating venue.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the attached form via a desktop/laptop, save your filled out form and press the email button to email it back to us or send it via info@worcesterbid.com.
Please ensure you attach the form to the email.
Sign Me Up to be a City Staff Card Venue
MEET THE ARTISTS
Worcester BID has been busy making over the city with artwork on electric boxes and signposts!
Want to know more about the artists? Visit their socials by pressing the link below.
PRESS HERE TO MEET THE ARTISTS
Innovative Solar Butterfly to Stop in Worcester as Part of World Tour
A butterfly-shaped trailer, powered entirely by the sun, will be making a stopover in Worcester this summer as part of a world tour promoting solutions to stop global warming.
The Solar Butterfly was developed by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland and is the world’s largest fully functioning ‘tiny’ house powered by solar energy and pulled by an electrical vehicle. Its creators are driving around the world, across 90 countries over four years, powered only by solar energy in the hope of raising awareness of the climate crisis.
It will be travelling through the UK this summer, stopping off in Worcester on June 1st, before continuing on to Canada, USA, Mexico and Central America.
The Solar Butterfly will be on display in Cathedral Square in the City before spending the night at the University of Worcester to re-charge before continuing its tour.
During the day there will be a chance to see the 80-square-metre solar panel covered trailer, which powers the Tesla vehicle towing it, and take part in a climate quiz while also learning about solutions to stop global warming.
Members of the University’s and Worcester City Council’s Sustainability teams will also be on hand to talk about their work.
Katy Boom, Director of Sustainability at the University of Worcester, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Solar Butterfly World Sustainability Tour here in Worcester. This fascinating concept will help to keep the climate crisis at the front of people’s minds and help them to learn about the things we can all do to stop global warming.”
The Solar Butterfly began its adventure amid dramatic alpine vistas at the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. The first phase of the project – which has been largely crowdfunded, along with support from corporate sponsors – will take it on a six-month, 22,000-kilometer (13,670-mile) trip across 32 countries in Europe.
Louis Palmer, the brains behind the Solar Butterfly, who, in 2007 became the first person to drive around the world in a solar-powered car, says the purpose of the trip is to highlight climate crisis solutions that already exist – and inspire others to take action.
“The message is that it’s possible to save the planet,” he said.
Find out more about the Solar Butterfly project at www.solarbutterfly.org
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 Funding Updates
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 – 𝐔𝐊 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬
𝗨𝗞 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁
For further information email the Economic Development team at Worcester City Council via economy@worcester.gov.uk.
Worcester BID is the official Community and Education Partner for Waddle of Worcester 2023!
We are proud to announce that Worcester BID is the official Community and Education Partner for Waddle of Worcester 2023!
Sam McCarthy, Chief Executive of Worcester BID, said: “Here at Worcester BID, we couldn’t be prouder to be the official Community and Education Partner for the summer 2024 art trail. Following in the footsteps of giraffes and elephants, we welcome penguins to our wonderful city and with them trail goers of all ages from near and far.
“We’ve seen already how being involved in the trail boosts morale across the city and county, including all the schools who get to showcase their artistic talent by designing and decorating a baby sculpture.”
The art trail begins on Monday, 22 July and runs for eight weeks until Sunday, 15 September. Forty large fibreglass penguin sculptures will bring Worcester’s streets and public spaces to life to form an interactive art trail. There will also be a collection of 40 penguin chick sculptures, decorated by schools and community groups, displayed through city shop windows and Crowngate Shopping Centre.
The great Waddle of Worcester is a Wild in Art event brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice in its fortieth year caring for patients and loved ones.
Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Worcester BID on board, supporting our hospice huddle once again.
“Our previous two trails brought measurable benefits to the economy, tourist industry, arts scene and more locally and we look forward to bringing that same wow factor to Worcester once again.”
Once the trail has ended, the large penguin sculptures will be auctioned to raise money towards the free care that St Richard’s provide to patients with a serious progressive illness and their loved ones.
More on the trail’s Community and Education Programme will be released in the coming months. In the meantime, schools and community groups can register their interest in adopting a baby penguin: https://waddleofworcester.co.uk/schools/
You can also follow the great Waddle of Worcester at: https://www.facebook.com/WaddleOfWorcester/, https://twitter.com/WaddleOfWorc and https://www.Instagram.com/WaddleOfWorcester
Read more about BID's involvement in the Great Waddle of Worcester here!
Summer is served
Worcester’s food menu is looking tasty for this Summer. If eating out is a bit of you then read on for our recommendations.
Before you hit the ground running, check out the various food directories that are available. Pershore Patty and Worcestershire Foodies Guide are two good places for listings and Pershore Patty is a local blogger who posts regular, independent reviews.
https://pershorepatty.com/worcestershire/
http://www.worcestershirefoodiesguide.co.uk
https://www.visitworcestershire.org/business-directory/category/food-drink
Foodie events are popular in the city centre for some weekend entertainment
Worcester Dining Club
It’s taking place on Cathedral Square on 12 May, 16 and 23 June from 4-9pm, free entry and no tickets required.
https://www.visitworcester.co.uk/events-in-worcester/worcester-dining-club/?occurrence=2023-05-12
Bottles Spanish and Portuguese Wine Tasting
£30 per head, click the image to book.
https://www.bottleswineshop.co.uk/product/span-portuguese-wine-tasting/
Vegan Market
This is taking place on Saturday 17 June in Cathedral Square
Botanist Bingo – Wednesday 7 June
Always popular – heads down! Click the picture to reserve your place.
Worcester city restaurants offer a really wide choice all year round.
Locals love – try these for brunch
Hash, Chapel Walk, Crowngate Shopping Centre
Waylands, 6 Foregate, Worcester
https://www.waylandsyard.com/worcester
Locals Love – try these for coffee and cake
Papas Caffe, New Street, Worcester
G and Tea, Friar Street, Worcester
https://www.gandteabakery.co.uk
Locals love – try these for lunch
Food and Liquor, Sidbury, Worcester
Friar Street Kitchen, Friar Street, Worcester
https://friarstreetkitchen.co.uk
Locals love – try these for veggie/vegan
Botanist, Cathedral Square, Worcester
https://thebotanist.uk.com/locations/worcester
Boston Tea Party, Angel Place, Worcester
Locals love – try these for date night dining
Benedictos, Sidbury, Worcester
Hanbao, 4 Foregate Street, Worcester
Fuego, 35 Foregate Street, Worcester
Locals love – try these with kids and babies
Auntie Ems Tearoom, City Arcade, Worcester
https://www.facebook.com/auntieemstearoom/about
The Wildling Collective, Reindeer Court
https://www.thewildlingcollective.co.uk
Locals love – try these dog friendly eateries
GoodRoots, Severn Street, Worcester
Paw & Co, Reindeer Court
https://www.facebook.com/pawandco
NEW! Taste of Worcester
Coming to Worcester this October, Taste of Worcester, a Worcester BID partnership with Visit Worcester that will bring food venues around the city together to offer you something special...!
Let's get together this October and celebrate the best of Worcester's tasty food scene.
More information to come. Watch out for information on @makeitworc on Instagram and @worcesterbid on Facebook and Twitter.
WORCESTER TRAVEL AGENT NAMED BEST...
WORCESTER TRAVEL AGENT NAMED BEST IN CENTRAL ENGLAND
A Worcester travel agency has been named as the best in Central England.
arrangeMY Escape was named Central England’s Top Agency as part of the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023: an annual power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette.
It is the second year in a row that the agency has taken the crown for the region, and was last year also named UK & Ireland’s No.1 Travel Agency.
TTG editorial director Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its eighth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us tour the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to find those travel agents who have worked smartest, provided the best customer service, and done most to contribute to a fairer travel industry, in the last year.”
“We were delighted to see the high street travel agency sector performing so strongly, with almost every finalist reporting a record year of sales in the last 12 months – reaping the rewards of the extraordinary service they offered to clients during the challenges of recent years. There is no doubting that the high street travel agent is here to stay – and that holidaymakers are valuing their expertise more than ever.”
About arrangeMY Escape’s win, judges said: “Last year's UK & Ireland No.1 has not rested on their laurels over the last 12 months, from working with a local producer to create a branded gin, to creating bespoke video content for display on the in-store TV. We loved the agency's commitment to taking apprentices and work experience placements, and a new scheme whereby arrangeMY Escape plants a tree for every wedding or honeymoon booking. This is an agency excelling in all areas, and going from strength to strength.”
Jennifer Lynch general manager said “What a wonderful 12 months the agency here in Worcester has had. Winning the UK & Ireland No.1 in 2022 propelled the agencies status and determination. With this we concentrated on our customers and focused on all the finer details as well as strongly introducing sustainability as a core part of our company and customers’ journey. The team are thrilled with this award for the second year running and cannot wait to see what the next 12 months ahead will bring.
The TTG Top 50 ceremony took place at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 27 April, with more than 500 of the UK and Ireland’s top travel agents and supplier-partners in attendance, with entertainment from Fine Young Cannibals’ Roland Gift and chart-topper Chesney Hawkes.
Find more about TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative, see ttgtop50.com and #ttgtop
WORCESTER AGENT NAMED BEST IN THE COUNTRY FOR WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
A Worcestershire travel agency has been named as the best weddings and honeymoons retailer in the British Isles.
arrangeMY Escape was named UK & Ireland’s Top Weddings & Honeymoons Agency as part of the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023: an annual power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette.
TTG editorial director Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its eighth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us tour the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to find those travel agents who have worked smartest, provided the best customer service, and done most to contribute to a fairer travel industry, in the last year.”
“We were delighted to see travel retailers performing so strongly, with almost every finalist reporting a record year of sales in the last 12 months – reaping the rewards of the extraordinary service they offered to clients during the challenges of recent years. There is no doubting that travel agents are here to stay – and that holidaymakers are valuing their expertise more than ever.”
About arrangeMY Escape’s win, judges said: “We had a lot of love for the wedding and honeymoon services of this Worcester-based agency, with their strong focus on LGBTQ+ customers and busy schedule of wedding fairs. Hand holding couples with a bespoke after-sales concierge service and showering them with sweet treats, keepsake luggage tags and the gift of a tree planted in a developing country are just some of the ways this agency woos its happy customers.”
Jennifer Lynch the agencies general Manager said “We take immense pride in this award; our wedding and honeymoon packages have really been refined with care and attention to detail. We really think about the journey our special couples experience with us right from the get-go. As a team we are really proud to achieve such a prestigious award and title and look forward to continuing our innovative wedding and honeymoon offering.
The TTG Top 50 ceremony took place at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 27 April, with more than 500 of the UK and Ireland’s top travel agents and supplier-partners in attendance, with entertainment from Fine Young Cannibals’ Roland Gift and chart-topper Chesney Hawkes.
Find more about TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative, see ttgtop50.com
Congratulations to arrangeMy escape!
CUPP CELEBRATES NATIONAL BOBA TEA DAY WITH FREE BOBA TEA GIVEAWAYS
Boba tea has become increasingly popular in the UK over the past few years, and CUPP is proud to be a leading boba tea brand in the country. National Boba Tea Day is the perfect opportunity for CUPP to celebrate their passion for boba tea and thank their loyal customers.
"We're thrilled to celebrate National Boba Tea Day with our customers and give them a taste of our delicious boba tea," said Lee Peacock, CUPP's Founder. "We're grateful to Minor Figures for sponsoring our Oat Milk and helping us provide our customers with the best quality boba tea."
In addition to the free boba tea giveaways, there will be other fun activities and giveaways in all of the CUPP stores. Customers can participate in competitions and win exciting prizes.
"We invite everyone to come celebrate National Boba Tea Day with us at their nearest CUPP store," said Lee Peacock. "It's a great opportunity to try our boba tea and have some fun with our community."
For more information, please visit the CUPP website at www.cuppbubbletea.co.uk.
Summer bunting is on its way in Worcester!
Towards the end of April, colourful bunting will be installed across the city on the High Street, Pump St, Mealcheapen St, St Swithins St and Broad St!
Join in the fun and decorate your shop windows in the most colourful way you can! Sign ups for the Worcester BID summer window art are still open for all BID businesses until tomorrow at 4PM.
This is a joint installation bought to the city by Worcester BID and Worcester City Council.
Worcester Whitehouse Hotel enjoys visit from Robin Walker MP
Aspire - Contemporary art exhibition by artist Wayne Warren The Commandery, Worcester
Aspire arrives at The Commandery, Worcester on 1 April until 3 September 2023
8 works on the themes of aspiration, dreams and ambition placed at significant points
Free family workshops with artist Wayne Warren on Easter Monday 10 April
Butterflies and angels are taking over The Commandery in an exhibition filled with hope and aspiration. Aspire opens at The Commandery on Saturday 1 April and runs until Sunday 3 September 2023.
The artworks have been created by contemporary artist Wayne Warren in response to the beautiful Commandery building and it’s amazing one-thousand-year history. The artworks represent aspirations, dreams and ambitions.
Visitors can follow the trail of artworks around The Commandery, take a selfie in front of huge angel wings in the historic Great Hall and enjoy a programme of wing-inspired family activities over the Easter holidays, including a workshop with the artist himself on Monday 10 April.
Situated in the heart of Worcester, The Commandery has been a medieval monastic hospital, a Tudor home and a 1950s print works, but is most well-known for being the headquarters of the Royalist army during the Battle of Worcester in 1651 – the deciding battle of the English Civil War.
The artworks include Golden Wings, situated in the building’s beautiful Great Hall; and Growth, a new artwork commissioned especially for the exhibition at The Commandery, featuring gold leaf on oak leaves and acorns, situated upon a stool made of wood from the Boscobel Oak, purported to be the tree King Charles II hid in when fleeing from the Battle of Worcester.
Wayne Warren’s work has been exhibited at Worcester Cathedral and internationally in Hong Kong, Beijing, New York and Venice. Wayne says of his show at The Commandery: “My work reflects my thoughts and feelings about the 1,000 years of history contained within the fabulous building.”
Commandery Manager Rachel Robinson says: “It is fascinating to have The Commandery’s history interpreted in new ways and to shed light on its many layers of history. We hope visitors will enjoy finding the artworks around the building, taking their angel wing selfies, and having fun with the family activities.”
The Commandery is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 3pm. It is also open Bank Holiday Monday 10 April 10am – 5pm and there are workshops at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Normal admission applies, no extra fee for the exhibition. Small fee for the family activities. For more information, please visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱!
KEEP UP TO DATE ON OUR SOCIALS AND FIND THE ORIGIONAL NEWS HERE
The new exhibition From the Cornish Coast to the Malvern Hills arrives at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
Saturday 4 March – Saturday 1 July 2023 | Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
Monday to Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm
FREE entry
The new exhibition, From the Cornish Coast to the Malvern Hills, arrives Saturday 4th March until 1st July 2023, celebrating Worcestershire’s influence on British Impressionism Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum and the links between Worcestershire and the Newlyn School of artists who were pivotal in this magical moment of British art in the nineteenth and twentieth century. Including paintings by Stanhope Forbes, Dame Laura Knight and Elizabeth Forbes. Camille and Lucian Pissarro represent the influence of French Impressionists. As well as, two works by Dame Laura Knight recently acquired for the Worcester City Collection. The artworks were purchased with support from Art Fund, the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Worcestershire Heritage, Art & Museums Charity and kind donations from Art Gallery & Museum Members. Dame Laura Knight lived and painted in Malvern and the town and hills become very dear to her, influencing her work.
For more information visit
www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
Worcester City Runs Breakfast Club with the legendary Paula Radcliffe MBE
Join us at the @worcesterrun Breakfast Club: a networking event with a twist that give's you all the information you need to get involved with the Worcester City Run.
BREAKFAST
CLUB
FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2023
8AM - 10AM
Jog, walk or just enjoy a coffee whilst networking at Wildwood.
Take it at your own pace.
Fancy a jog or walk? You will be joined by athletics legend’s Steve Cram CBE and Paula Radcliffe MBE as you make your way along the river path to the marina before circling back for breakfast and a hot drink.
Chat to Steve, Paula and the team about how you can get involved in our exciting plans for 2023.
Register your BID Business by contacting us at info@worcesterbid.com
Register your BID Business by contacting us at info@worcesterbid.com
Could you be our new Safer Streets Officer?
We are hiring!
Worcester Business Improvement District are hiring a Safer Streets Officer to work within the Worcester city centre.
Could you be a good fit? The role would see you working closely with our city partners including West Mercia Police, Worcester City Council, Worcester Cares, and businesses to deter crime and anti-social behaviour with a primary focus on safer streets. You would be a visual and consistent presence in the city, sending a clear message that we have zero tolerance for crime of any sort in the city centre.
If this sounds like you, please read the full job description here:
PRESS HERE FOR THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
To apply, please email a CV and cover letter to BID CEO, Sam McCarthy: sam.mccarthy@worcesterbid.com
PRESS HERE FOR THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
Worcester’s Close the Door campaign helps businesses stay Open4Business
Worcester is staying Open4Business by closing its doors: a new Close the Door campaign is in full force. The joint initiative from Worcester BID, supported by Worcester City Council, is set to save businesses money and reduce the city’s contribution to CO2 emissions, simply by shops closing their doors whilst trading during winter periods.
At a time when energy bills are at an all-time high, Worcester BID is helping businesses with simple energy-saving techniques that are being promoted to customers and shoppers through simple initiatives such as informative window and door stickers. These stickers are being distributed to businesses across the city centre and are designed to prompt customers to close doors behind them.
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) said, “Businesses within the city are open for business and to support with the increasing energy bills, they will be keeping their doors closed this winter period. We encourage shoppers not to be put off by the closed doors and to understand that this supports the businesses to remain trading by reducing additional costs.”
Whilst this is a simple technique to keeping the heat in and reducing energy usage, research from Cambridge University found that shops that keep doors open consume twice as much electricity as businesses which do not. Businesses that close their doors save up to 10 tonnes of CO2 and can cut their annual energy bills by up to half. This is the equivalent of driving 25,000 miles – the distance from Worcester to our twin city of Le Vesinet, France, and back, nearly 30 times!
This simple Close the Door initiative will help businesses save money on their energy bills and reduce the city’s consumption of energy, leading to lower CO2 emissions.
Worcester City Council’s Councillor Louis Stephen suggested the scheme and said, “The cost-of-living crisis, caused by high energy bills, is affecting local businesses just as much as Worcester residents. The open for business initiative is a great way for customers to support local shops by understanding why business doors are closed during the cold winter months.”
Help support your high street this winter by closing the doors of businesses displaying the sticker.
If you would like a window sticker for your business. Please contact Worcester BID via info@worcesterbid.com
NEW - City Council Grants for Business Improvements
Worcester City Council has just introduced a new grant for retail properties. The grants are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and are part of Worcester City Council’s allocation of £2.96m.
If you have a retail unit, you could be given financial support towards making improvements to internal appearance, frontages, and accessibility of empty and occupied retail units across Worcester.
Businesses/organisations can apply for a maximum of £12,000 towards costs of occupying a previously empty retail unit or £6,000 for improvements to internal appearance, frontages, and/or the accessibility of occupied units. Eligible expenditure can include building works, premises refurbishment, fixtures and fittings, signage, installation of ramps and other associated costs to either bring the empty unit back into use or improve the internal appearance, frontage, or accessibility of occupied units.
Businesses/organisations must be able to make a ‘cash’ match funding contribution of at least 50% towards the cost of the proposed project/investment.
Applications are encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible.
Please note that you may be contacted regarding your application and changes.
Please contact the Economic Development team on either 01905 722106 or email economy@worcester.gov.uk for more information.
Student Discounts Galore!
Are you a student? Make the most of your student card in the city centre at the following places
FOOD
M&S – 25% off food on the go (UNIDAYS)
Zizzi (High Street) – 20% off Monday-Thursday (UNIDAYS)
Yo Sushi – 20% off when you dine in (UNIDAYS) – Limited Time Only Check UNIDAYS Website for up to date details
Pizza Express – 30% Off Food Sunday – Thursday (UNIDAYS)
Bills – 20% Off total bill Sunday to Thursday (UNIDAYS)
Greggs – Free Sausage Roll, Vegan Sausage Roll or Sweet Treat – When you buy any cold Sandwich Deal! (Show student card in store)
Hotel Chocolate – Redeem a 10% student discount with Student Beans. Hotel Chocolat Discount Codes | Voucher Codes
BEAUTY
Boots – Boots offer students a 10% discount. The discount is valid online and in-store, with a Boots Advantage Card. Present your valid student ID in-store to have your student discount linked to your Advantage Card.
House Of Fraser – 10% off year round with Student Discount Apps. See more here: Student Discounts | Exclusive Student Offers | House of Fraser
Superdrug – Superdrug offer students a 10% discount. The discount is available in-store only, and you’ll need to present your student ID alongside a Superdrug Health & Beautycard.
*Superdrug’s Online Doctor is also providing a 10% discount for students on all products and services with the code: STUDENT10
Perfume Shop – 15% Off (UNIDAYS) Student Discount | The Perfume Shop
The Body Shop – The Body Shop offers a 15% student discount on all products, so you can treat yourself to your self-care favourites without breaking the bank. (UNIDAYS)
FASHION
Accessorize – (High Street): Get 10% off full price items. (UNIDAYS)
House Of Fraser – 10% off year round with Student Discount Apps. See more here: Student Discounts | Exclusive Student Offers | House of Fraser / (Student discount on Beauty Products | The Body Shop®)
Moss -10% Student Discount at Moss – Student Discount (moss.co.uk)
Jingo (Pump Street): 10% off full price all year round.
Pandora – 50% off any order over £99 with Student Beans (account required).
HAIR
Avant Garde Hair & Beauty – 50% off your first visit, 25% off your second visit and 15% off every visit after (Get the discount here Student Discount Hereford & Worcester Hair & Beauty Salons (agsalons.com))
Inspiration Hair – £10 off your first visit (Hair Salon New Client Discount Voucher – Worcester (inspirationhair.co.uk))
OTHER
Paperchase – Paperchase offer students a 10% discount.
Smiggle – Get the 10% off Smiggle student discount code with your first purchase & Newsletter Sign Up.
Cornish Bakehouse – 10% off (Check offer before purchase as varies).
Waterstones – 10% (Show your card at the till).
The Kiln (Copenhagen Street) – Enjoy a student/graduate discount (50% discount for 6 months).
Worcester Tourist Information Centre (High Street): Make the most of a 10% offer on all gifts.
Museum Of Royal Worcester – Student entry reduced rate = £6.50
Take a look at NUS / TOTUM and UNiDAYS, alongside other ways to look out for student discounts like Student Beans and StudentDiscount.co.uk.
Peter Cooks Bread joins the Hopmarket
There is a new venue just about to officially launch in the Hopmarket and they want to celebrate their opening with you!
So what is Peter Cooks Bread?
"Our key principle is ‘Sharing the Joys of Real Bread’ and this means bread with no improvers, using organic flours, wholegrains, and mostly wild yeast in our breads. Nearly all our breads have themselves won great taste awards or worlds baking awards with the depth of flavour resulting from our 3 day fermentation process. Our pastry products are also made with the same focus on flavour and texture making our pastries stand out from the crowd. Once you have tried one of our pastries it is hard to accept anything less.
At this time of year we also have our Christmas specials including our own Stollen with fruit soaked in Chase Marmalade vodka, which comes in either bite size or loaf. Our own mince pies using our shortcrust pastry, with our Peter Cooks Bread mincemeat, with either the classic pastry top or our own delicious frangipane."
The Hopmarket Peter Cooks Bread launch party and free tasting event will take place this Saturday (10th December) between 10am and 12 noon. Pop down to see celebrity chef and presenter Marcus Bean Chef, opening the sparkling new shop at 3 The Hop Market, Worcester, WR1 1DG.
Definitely not one to be missed.
Find event details on their Facebook page by pressing here!
Worcester secures £2.96m Government investment
Worcester City Council has secured £2.96 million to invest in the city from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The money will be used for a wide range of initiatives in the city, including boosting Worcester’s profile as a visitor destination; support for community schemes, the arts and business; and energy efficiency.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is the successor to the European Structural Fund, and this funding allocation builds on the City Council’s previous success in securing more than £40 million from national schemes including the Future High Streets Fund and the Towns Fund.
Councillor Chris Mitchell, Joint Leader of Worcester City Council, said: “This is good news for the city, and demonstrates continued support from the Government for the improvements and developments that we are making in Worcester.
“Community groups, businesses and creative organisations will benefit from the initiatives that this £2.96 million will support, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to supporting communities in terms of levelling-up.”
Part of the UKSPF investment will be used to support Worcester’s growing reputation as a visitor destination. There will be promotions and campaigns to attract more visitors, additional signing to help them explore the city, and improved access to the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum.
Support for communities will include an expansion of the City Council’s community grants programme, and the establishment of a heritage forum and a separate arts and culture forum, both of which would also be able to award grants.
Additionally, the City Council will commission a feasibility study into creating a new facility for applied and creative arts in Worcester.
To support the city’s businesses, £150,000 will be used to back research and innovation, and part of the UKSPF money will be used to pay for energy-efficiency assessments of business premises and grants for energy improvements.
This latest award of Government funding is the latest in a long line of public investments in the city.
Improvements to the northern part of the city centre, including the development of a new arts centre in Angel Place, are being made thanks to £17.9 million from the Future High Streets Fund.
An allocation of £19.6 million from the Towns Fund is supporting a range of projects, including the new Kepax Bridge and other boosts to walking and cycling; the redevelopment of Isaac Maddox House in the city’s Shrub Hill quarter; and a new construction skills training centre in Dines Green.
The redevelopment of the city’s Victorian railway arches as The Arches – Worcester project, which has created new creative business spaces and will soon bring a new walking and cycling route from Foregate Street station to The Hive and the riverside, has been possible thanks to a successful £3.7 million bid to the Cultural Development Fund.
Worcester is ready to light up for Christmas
Christmas is coming to Worcester – with the festive lights being switch on in a fun-packed family event on Saturday 26 November.
This year there will be more streets lit up in the city than ever before, including – for the first time – seasonal illuminations on New Road to create a closer link between the festive offers in both the city centre and St John’s.
This year’s Christmas lights are a joint effort between Worcester City Council and Worcester BID – and with low energy LED bulbs being used, this festive season will also be better for the planet.
Free and fun for all the family, the big switch-on event begins at 4pm on Saturday 26 November in Cathedral Square, with Radio Wyvern hosting live music performances from local band Split Second, school choirs, and characters from the Swan Theatre’s pantomime cast of Cinderella. The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, will help to switch on the lights.
If Worcester residents have all been good boys and girls this year, Father Christmas might also make a special appearance.
This year’s colourful festive lights will, for the first time, extend into New Road, and Worcester BID will be supporting lights in Reindeer Court, Lower Broad Street, New Street, Friar Street, The Hopmarket and The Shambles. The latter location will have overhead festive lights for the first time, while the New Street and Friar Street lights will feature purple colours to reflect Worcester recently securing the purple flag in recognition of it being a safe night-time destination.
There will also be a trail of 12 ‘light boxes’ to be explored around the city centre, each hiding an image of one of the 12 days of Christmas. Visitors will be able to use the torch on their mobile phone to reveal the image inside each box.
Councillor Robyn Norfolk, Vice Chair of Worcester City Council’s Place and Economic Development Committee, said: “At a time when many cities are scaling back their Christmas plans, I’m very pleased to announce that Worcester’s festive lights will be better than ever. And, for the first time, the illuminations will take in New Road, creating a colourful seasonal link between our two busiest shopping areas in the city centre and St John’s.
“Despite the pressures that people are under at the moment, we hope the Christmas lights will encourage shoppers and visitors into our city and help our local businesses to enjoy a successful festive season.
“The family-friendly switch-on event on 26 November in Cathedral Square will be packed full of great free entertainment and will kick-off a fantastic programme of seasonal fun – with more to be announced very soon!”
All of Worcester’s Christmas illuminations this year will be low-energy LED lights – with over 80,000 individual LEDs in use around the city. These are kinder to the environment and are also around 85% cheaper to run.
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Worcester BID’s focus this year for the Christmas lights has been around the sustainability and running costs of the scheme. We have focused on ensuring that whist the lights capture the spirit of the season and help visitors and shoppers to enjoy the city centre, everything – including the LED bulbs, use of phone torches that are already charged, and quantities of lighting – has been chosen to be more sustainable this year than ever before, across many busy and popular city zones.”
This year’s extensive programme will bring Christmas lights to the main shopping streets in the city centre and St John’s, and include the traditional brightly-lit tree on the New Road roundabout.
A brand new Escape Room experience opens at The Commandery, Worcester
- New Escape Room opens at The Commandery, Worcester, Saturday 5 November
- Booking live now on commandery-quest.co.uk
- Commandery Quest has been created by 12Volt: Games Studio who have created escape rooms for the award winning Shepton Mallet and Shrewsbury Prisons, as well as props and interactives for Escape Live's Horrible Histories experience.
There will be an exciting new way to experience history at Worcester’s Commandery from November when The Commmandery’s brand new Escape Rooms are launched.
Commandery Quest, created by 12Volt: Games Studio, is based on the traditional escape room experience which invites participants to complete a challenge by tackling a series of puzzles against the clock.
The Commandery is in the heart of historic Worcester, just minutes from the High Street, riverside and many pubs and restaurants, with convenient parking opposite in King Street.
Commandery Quest invites teams to explore The Commandery like never before. The Escape Room is based in the Commandery attics which are off the normal visitor route.
The Escape Room story is based around the Commandery’s role as the Royalist Headquarters in the English Civil War. Teams of 2 – 6 players will become museum curators, battling against the clock they will solve a series of puzzles to find Charles II’s lost treasure before infamous thief Arty Snitch catches up with them.
Commandery Events Officer Helen Manning says: “We are so excited to present this Escape Room with a difference – actually set in one of Worcester’s most historic buildings. We look forward to seeing if teams can rise to the challenge and beat Arty Snitch to the treasure.”
The Commandery has recruited special Games Masters to greet teams and help them with their search.
Booking is open now at www.commandery-quest.co.uk, or for more information please call The Commandery on 01905 361821.
Get to know your city employers
The Worcester News Jobs Fair is an ideal event for those looking for work, to find out more about vacancies that are currently available and to speak to local employer's face to face.
If you missed our October Fair, don't despair! A new date will be released for 2023 which will see big names returning to the Guildhall.
If you are looking for work, here is a selection of Worcester's powerhouse employers which cover a broad number of sectors.
Simply click the photos to go through to the employer's website.
Armed Forces Careers
THE ARMY IS ITS PEOPLE
What makes the British Army? It’s not the weaponry or the vehicles – it’s the people.
Our vision is a competitive, adaptable and inclusive Army imbued with an unwavering will to win; where people feel they belong; where their talent is nurtured, where health is positively promoted, and opportunity maximised.
Does this sound like you? Find out more on their website.
Step by Step
At Step by Step, we offer a completely free service to our applicants, and all information you provide will be treated with respect and kept confidential. What sets us apart from other agencies is our willingness to not simply work for you, but to work with you to get you the right job.
Our honest, friendly and professional consultants are here to help with your search for employment, and we pride ourselves as treating each and every one of our applicants as an individual, taking the time to get to know you and your exact requirements.
A-Plan
A-Plan is different – it’s what our clients love about us. As an advice-providing broker, we’re here to lend our expertise to help our clients find an insurance policy that’s right for them. We’ve built our business on this personalised service, and we’re proud to offer it to over 500,000 clients.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to work in an environment where you’ll be central to what we do, A-Plan is for you. And if you’re willing to develop your insurance expertise to help your career progression, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re waiting for you to get in touch so that we can explore what’s right for you.
West Mercia Police
We’ll provide the training and variety you need to let you make a real difference, plus a host of benefits from flexible hours, generous annual leave and pension contributions across job roles, from officers, to contact handlers.
Worcester City Council
We play a vital part in keeping the beautiful City of Worcester a great place to be. We work hard to build a successful future on 2000 years of history. Why not be someone who gets involved and makes a difference. Be part of our amazing and diverse team of dedicated people to help sustain the amazing history and heritage of an increasingly modern and contemporary City.
Help us to build a better society.
Sanctuary
Looking for a new job? We want to be a diverse and inclusive organisation where our people thrive. If you share our values and are talented and ambitious, we want to hear from you. We employ more than 12,500 staff throughout the UK and maintain Investors in People status.
Worcester County Council
Find a new career with Worcestershire County Council.
The Council is committed to promoting equality and diversity, and ensuring that all appointments are made based on the suitability of a candidate to the role only.
We are a 'Disability Confident Employer', which means we will guarantee an interview to any candidate with a disability who shows that they meet the essential criteria for the advertised role.
Jobseekers and employers alike were delighted to see the Worcester News Jobs Fair making a welcome return in partnership with Worcester BID.
The fair took place at Worcester's Guildhall in the heart of the city centre's High Street. A second fair date is in the diary for 2023 with more information coming in the new year. Keep an eye out on our socials to find out the next date to meet the employers face to face.
Join us for our October Jobs Fair
Jobseekers and employers alike will be delighted to hear that the Worcester News Jobs Fair is making a welcome return in partnership with Worcester BID.
The fair will take place at Worcester's Guildhall in the heart of the city centre's High Street. Two events are being planned with the first taking place on Thursday, October 13.
Both events are being sponsored by Worcester BID.
The aim of Worcester BIDs involvement is to support businesses to exhibit, and as part of both job fairs, the BID is introducing a new public facing section for advice and support: The Support Hub.
Worcester BID have supported the following businesses who will appear at the October Jobs Fair (click on the photo to find out more):
Armed Forces Careers
Step by Step
A-Plan
West Mercia Police
Worcester City Council
Sanctuary
Worcester County Council
Regional editor for Worcester News, Stephanie Preece said: "We know that finding the right candidates for your business can be difficult and trawling through CVs online isn’t always the best way to find potential employees. For this reason, the fair will be a great opportunity for employers to meet job seekers in the local area. Whether you are looking to recruit seasonal staff for the festive period, full-time or part-time workers, apprentices or volunteers – the fair will be an ideal place for you to connect with the right people."
Worcester BID Chief Executive Sam McCarthy said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Worcester News Jobs Fair. Supporting the businesses that make our city great. With over 67% independent businesses Worcester City is a fantastic place to work. Over the last 24 months businesses have faced more challenges then ever with Covid and now the cost of living rise. As the Businesses Improvement District, our aims are to support the city ensuring Worcester businesses still thrive. We will be organising a support hub as part of the event offering CV writing advice, interview support, apprenticeships packages, training courses and perks to working within the city centre. We look forward to welcoming you in October and supporting your business.”
The Support Hub consists of a central section to the fair that provides support and advice. This support will be provided by the following businesses: Worcestershire LEP, Careers Worc Youth Hub (based in The Hive), Heart of Worcestershire College who will have information on adult learning and apprenticeships and Worcester University providing information on training courses at the university.
The October fair is an ideal place for local employers to talk to job seekers - whether they are looking for skilled full-time workers, seasonal staff or casual employees.
A wide variety of sectors will be represented from healthcare providers to retailers, manufacturing to administration and lots more in between!
Make sure to come on down to The Guildhall, Worcester to meet the recruiters on Thursday 13TH of October if you are looking for work or a career change.
Worcester Waves the Purple Flag
Worcester city centre has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy (ENTE), following a successful application process by the city.
The Purple Flag is a nationwide award; it recognises Worcester as a vibrant destination for dining, entertainment and culture between the hours of 17.00 and 05.00, successfully promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.
The accreditation process in Worcester has been led over the past seven months by Worcester BID, in partnership with other city organisations Worcester City Council, and West Mercia Police.
Sam McCarthy, Chief Executive for Worcester BID, said: “Purple Flag accreditation demonstrates excellence in the evening and night-time economy. Worcester BID has been the lead delivery partner for the application, with Worcester City Council and West Mercia Police as supporting partners to achieve the status for the city. Purple Flag assesses all areas of the night-time economy, looking at safety measures and how partners work together utilising city resources such as CCTV and the CityNet radio scheme. They also look into city enhancements, ensuring a feeling of greater safety. For example, New Street and Friar Street’s festoon lighting recently added by Worcester BID creates a vibrant atmosphere but also adds additional lighting to the area, making it feel safer.”
To support the Purple Flag application, Worcester BID is delivering Best Bar None accreditation which is a scheme supported by the Home Office and assesses licensed venues, ensuring they are meeting licence conditions and celebrating their successes where they go above and beyond. Worcester BID has also been working to improve community safety by training businesses in first aid, the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and the treatment catastrophic bleeding, as well as installing five new AED kits within late licensed venues around the city. The next steps for this project are installing community AED kits externally to ensure there is 24/7 accessibility to life saving equipment.
Sam McCarthy continues: “Worcester achieving Purple Flag status reassures and builds consumer confidence that our city is a safe and vibrant place. It will also help to put Worcester on the map and encourage prospective investors to set up businesses, families to make Worcester their home, and students to select Worcester University as their first choice to study.”
Nicki Williams, Vice Chair for Worcester BID says: “Everyone has worked incredibly hard to get this accolade. Our city businesses will notice such a positive impact through having this award. It represents another positive development by these city partnerships, led by the BID in this case, to improve our city.”
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Joint Leader of Worcester City Council: “Worcester has a growing reputation as a great destination for shopping, sight-seeing, leisure and much more. Purple Flag status confirms that our city is a great place for a relaxing, enjoyable and safe night out and provides a great basis for boosting Worcester’s popularity even further.”
Superintendent Rebecca Love said: “The award of the Purple Flag, which is a nationally recognised award, is a reflection of the fantastic partnership working taking place within the city. For a number of years, West Mercia Police have actively supported and worked with the Worcester BID, working closely and collaboratively to make a very real difference to the lives of people living, working and visiting Worcester.
“The improvements to local infrastructure such as increased and targeted CCTV, improved lighting and a partners connected radio system has enabled popular venues in and around the city to be attractive to the public, encouraging families and friends to gather and enjoy their time in the City. My local Safer Neighbourhood and Problem Solving Teams compliment the hard work and dedication of our partners and of my wider team of officers and staff in supporting our community.”
Rachael Mitchell, General Manager at Worcester Whitehouse hotel adds: “This award is a reflection of the hard work between Worcester BID and the night-time economy businesses that go out of their way to ensure the city is a safe, interesting and engaging environment offering a wide range of services and facilities to not only its own residents, but also customers and visitors from further afield. This is most important when the hotel is liaising with domestic and international travellers and could make the difference of whether they come to stay in Worcester or not.”
Dean Hill, director of Tramps, Velvet and Mode, comments: “Achieving Purple Flag, along with the Best Bar none accreditations, supports the positive steps that we as licensees and Worcester BID are making to raise the profile of Worcester and make visitors feel safe and have an enjoyable time. As a long-standing night club business owner and resident of Worcester I'd like to thank everyone involved in achieving this award for Worcester.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I am delighted to hear Worcester city centre has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag award.
“I am committed to tackling the traumatic impact anti-social behaviour has on people’s lives. Thanks to my investment of £510,000 through the Safer Streets fund and strong partnership working, we have been able to reduce the number of anti-social behaviour incidents dramatically.
"This year there has been a 47% reduction in the number of anti-social behaviour incidents from April to August compared to the same period in 2021. I want to see the number of incidents continue to go down and with the implementation of modern safety measures like LED streetlights and additional CCTV cameras, I will continue to work with partners to make South Worcestershire even safer.”
For further information on Purple Flag, please visit www.worcesterbid.com.
Events in city centre - A notice from Worcester City Council
Saturday 17 September
Worcester Music Festival stage in Cathedral Square, live performances from 11am to 5pm. For more details visit www.worcestermusicfestival.co.uk
Sunday 18 September
Worcester Music Festival stage in Cathedral Square, live performances from 11am to 3pm.
A Remembrance Service for Queen Elizabeth II will be held at Worcester Cathedral from 4pm to 5pm.
Monday 19 September
The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will be livestreamed to a screen in Cathedral Square. The funeral takes place from 11am, however television coverage is likely to be broadcast throughout the day.
We would like all businesses in the immediate vicinity to be aware of these activities taking place. If you have any questions please contact citycentre@worcester.gov.uk
Thank you.
Michelle Newell
Tourism and Events
Worcester City Council
WORSE THAN THE PANDEMIC
BUSINESSES COUNT DOWN THE DAYS AS IMMINENT COLLAPSE OF
THE HIGH STREET MAY BECOME A REALITY
Following rumours of an energy prize freeze, over 150,000 businesses from across the UK are urging Government to act on spiralling energy costs which are proving more detrimental than the pandemic.
The #BusinessSOS campaign warns of mass closure and redundancies if immediate and effective action isn’t taken – the true situation that Britain faces today.
The newly formed #BusinessSOS campaign, founded by organisations representing over 150,000 retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses warns harm caused by the spiralling energy crisis is superseding the pandemic with the potential to cause irreversible damage to UK high streets and the economy.
The #BusinessSOS campaign believes mass closures and redundancies are inevitable if Government does not swiftly implement measures that alleviate the critical pressures that businesses, like households, have been facing since April 2022.
#BusinessSOS three-point-plan to support ailing businesses:
Reduce VAT
• Headline rate reduced from 20% to 12.5%
• Business energy bills reduced from 20% to 5% to match domestic billing
Business Rates Relief
• 100% rate relief until 31st March 2023
Energy Rate Relief
• A discounted kwh price on all business energy bills
Matthew Sims, Founder of #BusinessSOS campaign and CEO of Croydon BID said:
“The new Prime Minister has days to save the high street as we know it. The impending announcement on how the Government will tackle the energy crisis facing businesses will either ensure businesses can remain trading or set in motion mass closures and redundancies. To say the energy crisis is worse that the pandemic is not an understatement, it is the reality facing businesses today and why the clock is ticking for the new Government to provide clarity and introduce measures providing tangible and immediate relief.”
Sam McCarthy, Chief Executive Worcester BID said:
“Government needs to act swiftly and decisively on rising energy costs to reassure businesses and communities across Worcestershire and the UK who are now at breaking point. Further delay could lead to many business owners and households going into debt, closure, and unemployment.
As a business community we need to work together. Worcester is proud to have 67% of its city made up of independent businesses now is the time to support local and keep our local
economy going.”
Andrew Taylor, Founder of #BusinessSOS campaign and Managing Director of Bart & Taylor said:
“Without immediate intervention local communities will change forever as they lose their social spaces. For the first time in living memory, energy costs are now greater than rent and increasing on a daily basis in the absence of any intervention or price cap since April. After surviving the pandemic it seems ludicrous that the needs of businesses are currently not being heard and could see the billions of funding provided during the pandemic go to waste.”
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said:
“The hospitality sector is crucial to delivering the business-led growth the new Government is striving for, but we are facing an existential crisis due to soaring energy bills. We’re encouraged by the new Prime Minister’s commitment to tackling energy prices, but we need to see urgent, comprehensive action. As well as a price freeze, we need to see a cut to VAT and a business rates holiday if businesses in the sector are to have any hope of making it through the winter.”
Bill Addy CEO of Liverpool BID and Chair of The BID Foundation said:
“Businesses recognise that they benefited from the immediate support given them during the pandemic but we are in danger of all that support being thrown away as those same businesses that have worked valiantly to recover will be decimated by the cost of living crisis. Business is now at a watershed moment that needs an urgent response from our new Prime Minister, they need hope and certainty if they are to survive. It is business that will ensure that UK can grew the economy out of the coming recession but do that business needs to survive and that requires urgent action.”
Ojay McDonald, CEO of Association of Town and City Management said:
“Right now, businesses are already deciding to scale back or shut up shop for good. The knock-on impact on employment is unimaginably bad. We need decisive action from the
government now to save the high street. Let's not shy away from how comprehensive this support needs to be. Energy prices have been unsustainable for months. We are at the stage where a price freeze is inadequate.
Discounts on the cost of energy are vital. We also need to halt the decline of consumer confidence to keep businesses trading. That's why this three-point plan on energy, VAT and businesses rates as a combination is the right route to take.”
Michael Kill, CEO of Night Time Industries Association said:
“Over the last week we have seen a huge escalation in closure notices from pubs, bars, restaurants, venues and clubs across the country, with over 70% of businesses stating they will be financially compromised within weeks, all of which have stated untenable operating costs as reasons too close.”
“The industry's future is finely balanced between the delivery of an imminent survival package by the new Chancellor and continued consumer spend and confidence!”
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:
“The pub and brewing sector makes a huge contribution to our economy in high streets and local communities throughout the country, yet it still remains in a precarious position after the pandemic. Immediate action on energy is critical, but investment in our sector for the longterm is also essential. As the PM works towards a fiscal statement and full budget we hope she will seriously consider a cut to business rates and VAT so Britain’s pubs and brewers can get back on their feet fully and thrive in the communities they proudly serve.”
Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said,
“For the UK’s inbound visitor economy, a £28.4 billion export industry, to continue its recovery and exceed pre-pandemic levels, a fully functioning domestic leisure, retail and hospitality industry is absolutely paramount, however the current inflation and energy crisis is set to derail this. We need swift and decisive action from Government to safeguard businesses and jobs across the country.”
Worcester BID are sponsoring Worcester Paint Fest!
Worcester BID are proud to announce that were sponsoring 2 Artists for the Worcester Paint Festival!
Pogo Stencils
Pogo Stencils is a French artist who specialises in complex, multi-layer stencils. A big name in the Cheltenham Paint Festival 2018 & 2022, he has painted at Upfest, Beeston Paint Festival, Southsea Paint Jam and various locations in Britain.
Helen Haynes Artist
A Worcester based artist who specialises in black and white to produce intricate designs. She loves the challenge of working with two colours. Inspired by the outdoors and having an eye for detail. She even painted Inky the elephant at last year's elephant trail!.
Make sure to come on down to enjoy the festival over the 17th and 18th of September.
Worcester Jobs Fair
Worcester BID are proudly partnering with Worcester News to deliver the jobs fair in October at the Guildhall.
To support businesses with recruitment and attending the fair, Worcester BID are covering half the costs of BID exhibitors. For more details please read the Jobs Fair 2022 Media Pack. CLICK HERE.
The fair acts to support local businesses with recruitment and to further help residents to find work to support with the rising cost of living.
BID Exhibitors receive the following a stand in prime location, extensive advertising on Worcester News and Worcester BID channels, including live on the day posting, news posts and extensive social media impressions.
To enquire about a stall please email info@worcesterbid.com closing date for stall sign up for BID business offer is 16th September 2022.
Worcester Paint Festival is back for 2022!
Worcester Paint Festival (WPF) is an annual city festival bringing renowned names in the street art scene to the city to create a high quality, outdoor free public art trail. You may have seen the murals last September so be prepared for more!
Date: September 17th & 18th with artists starting to paint from Mon12th.
Please contact Kate on worcesterpaintfestival.co.uk if you have a wall that needs a brighten up or would like to sponsor the event in 2023!
FEEL GOOD FOOD IS COMING TO WORCESTER
Korean-inspired eatery Grounded Kitchen is set to open on 29th July on Foregate Street, in the heart of Worcester. This all-new taste sensation will revolutionise how people in the area eat, with its wide range of delicious and nutritious dishes that combine balanced, fresh ingredients with the rich, exciting flavours of Korea.
Grounded Kitchen’s passion for Korean-inspired food is bigger than punchy flavours, though. It’s about giving you a helping hand towards living a healthier, happier more balanced lifestyle. This all stems from Grounded Kitchen’s mantra of ‘Feel Good Food’.
The made-to-order Nourish Bowls make it easy for you to create a dish that suits your tastebuds – and dietary needs. They consist of fresh vegetables such as spinach, carrots, beetroot, peppers, avocado, edamame, sweet potato, spring onions, Korean Kimchi and fresh chillies, on a bed of brown or white rice infused with a range of intense and authentic marinades.
Choose from the aromatic Bulgogi or turn up the heat with the spicy Buldak Fire. You can tailor your bowl however you want with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, from spiced mushrooms, potato, tofu or tempeh, while meat and fish eaters are kept satisfied with sizzling king prawns, angus beef, wild salmon or chicken. Whatever bowl you go for, you can be certain you’ll experience mouthful after mouthful of pure joy.
Alongside the Nourish Bowls, you can choose from filling SsamBaps and Korean Bao, as well as a range of Quenchers that you can select from to suit your mood. Try the refreshing Acai, with strawberries, blueberries, mango and acai, or the Detox Quencher which includes spinach, avocado, lime, basil, apple and spirulina. All are topped with a delicious mix of desiccated coconut, granola, almonds, strawberries and blueberries.
The 960 square foot store will seat 20 diners and create up to 20 new jobs in the city. Like all the stores within the Grounded Kitchen family, everybody that uses the Worcester store will be made to feel comfortable and welcome. You can choose to eat in or take away, plus there’s a delivery service through partners Deliveroo. Store opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 10:00-22:00.
This is the company’s eighth store opening and is an important milestone for the brand as it continues its expansion. To celebrate, the Grounded Kitchen Worcester team are offering 20% off all collection and dine in orders for their first month after opening.
Ralph Llanwarne, Grounded Kitchen’s franchise director, comments: “We’re very excited about opening our first store in Worcester. We pride ourselves on delivering meals so tasty that people forget that our basic focus is on a healthy balance, and we are delighted that the local community will now be able to experience our Korean Nourish Bowls at Grounded Kitchen for themselves.”
So, if you're a fan of clean eating and want to enjoy delicious and nutritious dishes – or simply love sampling new flavours – make sure you try Grounded Kitchen’s feel good food!
For more information follow @getgroundeduk or head to www.groundedkitchen.com for our full menu.
Grounded Kitchen, 7 Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DB
There’s still time to get your entries in for this year’s Worcester Show
Whether you’re a great gardener, a brilliant baker or a creative crafter – there’s still time to showcase your talents at this year’s Worcester Show.
With 140 competition classes, there’s something to suit entrants of all ages – and even the family dog can join in the fun. But don’t leave it too late - entries close on August 8! All entries need to be submitted online at worcestershow.org.uk. Those without internet access can visit the Tourist Information Office for a paper copy.
Classes range from floral displays, fruit and vegetables, jams, cakes, art, photography and handicrafts – and you don’t need to be an expert – novice classes are available, plus classes just for children. Entries for the dog show can be made on the day. All judging will take place on Saturday 13 August, excluding Cacti & Succulents which will be judged on Sunday 14 August.
This year’s Worcester Show will be held on Sunday August 14 in the spacious surroundings of Pitchcroft Racecourse, and it promises to be a great day out for all the family.
Children can enjoy a whole host of activities from bouncy castles and a traditional merry-go-round and the ever-popular bungee rides. Free activities include face-painting with Doorstep Princesses, crafting with Arts & Wonder & Wotahoot and the brilliant Music bus from Severn Arts. A sports zone will offer taster sessions of a variety of different sports and an array of market stalls and independent stalls will offer bargains and gifts galore.
To add to the festival atmosphere, there will be musical entertainment throughout the day spread across two stages, with bands taking to the Tom Jones main stage and other acts appearing on the community stage. For the first time the show will also feature an Asian Mela Marquee showcasing food, art, music, dance and craft from across South Asia. This will include cooking demonstrations and henna and creative craft activities for all the family to enjoy.
The show is delivered by Worcester City Council, supported by the Friends of Worcester Show, and for 2022, in partnership with Worcester BID and Chin Badger Media.
Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson said: “Worcester Show is always a fantastic day out for all the family and I’m very much looking forward to the event – there is so much to see and do. It’s also a great opportunity to show off your talents, whether they be cookery, gardening or art; it’s well worth entering one – or many - of the competition classes.”
Entries for the show are open until August 8. To enter a class or to find out more about the event, go to www.worcestershow.org.uk
Worcester BID are proud to sponsor the Queen’s Baton Relay
The timings and full line-up for The Queen’s Baton Relay’s route through Worcester have been revealed – with many exciting events taking place across the city.
The Relay – part of the build-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games – will arrive on Friday afternoon, with local Batonbearers carrying the Baton around the city, encountering a packed programme of fun and activities along the way.
The main programme of events has been organised by Worcester City Council, working with partners across the city, and with sponsorship form Worcester BID (Business Improvement District). Fiesta, an evening programme of street celebrations at The Arches and the University of Worcester’s City Centre campus, has been programmed by Severn Arts.
The full schedule runs as follows:
- 5:38pm – The first Batonbearer sets off from The Cross
- 5:40pm – High Street
- 5:41pm – The Mayor greets Batonbearer at the Guildhall
- 5:44pm – Cathedral Square
- 5:45pm – Worcester Cathedral: Civil War re-enactors will form a guard of honour at the main entrance; inside, an invited audience will enjoy a DanceFest performance at the tomb of King John
- 5:50pm – College Green (outside Worcester Cathedral south door): open air performance by DanceFest
- 5:54pm – King’s Boathouse: Baton is transported across the Severn by a Dragonboat, with Batonbearer Rebecca Redfern, Paralympics silver medallist; a flotilla of other boats will escort the dragon boat, which will do several loops on the river, heading south and then returning north
- 6:09pm – Dragonboat returns to shore at the Swan Sanctuary Steps, Bromwich Parade, on the opposite bank of the Severn
- 6:11pm - Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road: children form a guard of honour to welcome the Baton; invited audience watch Baton received at a schools’ cricket competition
- 6:18pm - Cripplegate Park (entrance from New Road, by Tennis Courts): the Relay will be greeted by sports demonstrations (organised by freedom Leisure) and a further DanceFest performance
- 6:24pm – Outside University of Worcester Arena, Hylton Road: the road will be closed, allowing for the creation of an open air wheelchair basketball court and the staging of an exhibition match, at which the Baton will be greeted
- 6:28pm – Sabrina Bridge (with flotilla of boats below)
- 6:32pm – Worcester Racecourse: 2014 Grand National winner Pieau De Re will escort his rider and Batonbearer Lizzie Brunt around the southern perimeter of the course, with Worcester Athletics Club running ahead of them. The Army will also be staging free family activities at the racecourse.
- 6:42pm – Castle Street
- 6:45pm – University of Worcester City Campus: Reception for the Baton, including speech from the Mayor. Following this, the final Batonbearer will take the Baton to The Arches, where Fiesta will begin.
All timings will be subject to change on the day. The main event times are shown on the attached map.
Among the best places for visitors and residents to stand to watch the Baton travel through the city are High Street, the Riverside, Hylton Road and Worcester Racecourse.
The evening’s Fiesta, organised by Severn Arts, will start at 7pm, with the Heavy Beat Brass Band parading from the City Campus, to The Arches. There will then be street performances in the area until 9pm, including music, colourful stilt-walkers, Mexican Day of the Dead figures and dragons.
The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, said: “The arrival of The Queen’s Baton Relay in Worcester is a true moment for celebration, allowing all of us to cheer on some amazing local people who will be carrying the Baton. It’s very exciting to see such a great programme of fun events being laid on for everyone in our city to enjoy.
“I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to welcome the Relay to our city and to give our residents a chance to share the excitement of the Commonwealth Games. Special thanks are due to Worcester BID for their sponsorship of the big day.”
Road closures orders will be in place along the route before and during the route, with most closed for varying periods of time between 4.30pm and 7pm. Hylton Road, from the retail park to Henwick Road, will be closed from 5.30pm to 8pm, while Cherry Tree Walk, Infirmary Walk and Netherton Court will be closed from midday to 10pm, to allow for the setting up of the baton reception and the Fiesta evening street celebrations.
Full details of the road closures are at www.worcester.gov.uk/advice-benefits/road-closures-for-approved-events.
Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey which brings together and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth during the build-up to the Games. The Relay provides the opportunity for communities to experience the excitement for Birmingham 2022.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is travelling the length and breadth of England, before arriving at the Opening Ceremony for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July.
Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their community. The Birmingham 2022 website at www.birmingham2022.com/qbr gives more detail on the events and where to line the route.
Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, have been given the honour of carrying the Baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity. Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers are carrying the Baton each day, and the Relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country.
Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games.
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when The Queen placed her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the Baton.
Since then, the Baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Americas and the Caribbean.
For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr.
A-Plan Insurance collect trophy for Insurance Broker of the Year
A-Plan Insurance (a Howden company) collected the trophy for Insurance Broker of the Year at the prestigious British Insurance Awards on Wednesday 6 July 2022. They were shortlisted alongside strong competition from five other brokers, and were selected not just because of their excellent, highly personalised advised service they provide their clients, but how they immerse themselves in the communities in which they operate, supporting local clubs, charities, schools and businesses.
The event took place at the Royal Albert Hall with over a thousand people from across the insurance industry in attendance. A-Plan CEO Kelly Ogley collected the award and commented;
“I am absolutely delighted and over the moon that we won Broker of the Year at the British Insurance Awards - one of the insurance industry’s more prestigious awards. It’s reflective of our unwavering commitment to caring for our clients, consistently providing top-quality service in everything we do, whether that be to our clients, in the local community or to each other.
We have a great team of people who are passionate about continually going the extra mile for clients, and this is for them. Whilst I had the privilege and honour of collecting the award, it is for the team, for whom it means everything to receive such an accolade. They make me very proud to be their CEO.”
Worcester Branch Manager, James Parker comments “Winning this award means so much to us all, and highlights that being local, utilising data and tech, and providing our clients with a truly personalised advised service is what we are all about. Because we don’t sell insurance online and only offer an advised service, in branch or over the phone, this award celebrates all of those things! We couldn’t be prouder, and look forward to sharing the wonderful news with our clients.”
It was also great that we got to celebrate with colleagues from Howden, Aston Lark, Dual and KGM, who were at the event.”
Congratulations A-Plan!!
Find out more about A-Plan Insurance at www.aplan.co.uk
Robin Walker explores the fantastic, varied and independent business offerings in Reindeer Court
Our fantastic, varied and independent business district, Reindeer Court, was visited today by local MP, Robin Walker, who toured the exciting and developing business offerings within the area. Reindeer Court is a must visit in any trip to Worcester. Take a walk through the arcade entrance, accessed from the Shambles, New Street or Mealcheapen Street to discover a hub of independents. Check out mid-century glass wear, earthenware and more at Ware, or discover a new favourite tipple at Bottles Wine Shop, or are plants more your thing? Make it Plantamamita and turn your house into a little Garden of Eden. Reindeer Court is also home to delicious donuts at Izzy's Ices and Donuts and you can even step into doggy heaven in the new Hugo and Ted, offering gorgeous dog items and matching human pieces for all those summer walks.
Justin Schiffmann, owner of Ware, said that "it was a pleasure to welcome Robin Walker to Ware and Reindeer Court -after an ‘eventful’ week. He was delighted to see so many new and unique businesses choosing Worcester and Reindeer Court as the home for their new businesses. He took the time to meet several owners and learn a bit about their journey to business owning."
We very much agree with Justin that “the future of Reindeer Court is brighter than it has been for a long time and now is an excellent time to add it to your shopping trip to the city.”
Queen’s Baton Relay Event - Information for Residents and Businesses
Queen’s Baton Relay will be coming through Worcester on Friday 22 July
The Queen’s Baton is currently on an epic journey across the Commonwealth, visiting all 72 nations and territories. The Relay began on 7 October 2021, with Her Majesty The Queen placing a message to the Commonwealth into the Baton, and it will culminate at the Opening Ceremony for the Commonwealth Games on Thursday 28 July in Birmingham. This collective journey will ignite hope, solidarity, and collaboration, as it connects communities, embraces unique cultures, and shares inspirational stories. It will provide the opportunity for communities to experience the excitement for Birmingham 2022, as the 11 days of show stopping sport nears ever closer.
Please find the Newsletter linked below with all the relevant information for residents and businesses.
A message from Worcester City Council:
"This newsletter is for residents and businesses to update you on plans for the event. Your needs are considered at every stage of the planning, but we understand there will necessarily be an impact on people because of the road closures and additional visitors to the city. The entire event team will work to keep any disruptions to a minimum and appreciate your support at this time.
We thank you for your patience and hope you will join us to celebrate this very exciting occasion for the city."
Please find Information for Residents and Businesses here (click here).
Bishop Fleming to host Worcester Food & Drink Club Event in September at Burger Shop
Are you a BID member in the food and drink industry? Well this might interest you!
Join Bishop Fleming and the Worcester Food and Drink Club for Burger Shop sliders and drinks while Rupert Davison, Director of A Rule of Tum, the group behind Burger Shop and Maneki Ramen, tells the A Rule of Tum story.
Monday 5th September
5.30pm: Networking and drinks
6.00pm: Rupert Davison in conversation
6.30pm: Further networking and drinks
7.30pm: Close
Location
Arch 44, Cherry Tree Walk, Worcester, WR1 3BH
RVSP here: Worcester F&D club invitation
Working for Safer Streets
Alongside an effort to support businesses in becoming accredited with Best Bar None status, a Home Office accredited award looking to improve standards in the evening and night time economy, Worcester BID and city partners including West Mercia Police and Worcestershire Regulatory Services are working to make our city feel safer.
As part of this effort, the public was asked about any local places that make them feel unsafe, as well as any suggestions they might have on how to make women and girls feel safer and reduce the risk of them becoming victims of crime.
You can access the results here:
We believe that it is imperative to feel safe in the city of Worcester and these answers will help to guide decision-making on funding a range of interventions, such as CCTV cameras, improved street lighting, educational programs, transport, neighbourhood watch schemes, and close working with night-time economy establishments - many of which are well underway.
In order to keep developing and improving safety measures in Worcester, we are also bidding for Purple Flag status.
When reading all about Worcester's BID for Purple Flag Status, you will come across acronyms and terms that may need some clarification. Please find the definitions by clicking here if you need them.
Sam McCarthy, Chief Executive for Worcester BID said: “Purple Flag accreditation demonstrates excellence in the evening and night-time economy. Worcester BID are acting as lead delivery partner for the application with Worcester City Council and West Mercia Police as supporting partners to achieve the status for the city. Purple Flag will assess all areas of the night time economy looking at safety measures and how partners work together utilising city resources such as CCTV and CityNet radio scheme. They are also looking into city enhancements to improve areas to feel safer, for example New Street and Friar Street’s festoon lighting recently added by Worcester BID, which supports creating a vibrant atmosphere but also adds additional lighting to the area making it feel safer.
Hospice volunteer named Platinum Champion
Hospice volunteer named Platinum Champion
A St Richard’s Hospice volunteer from Droitwich Spa has had years of exceptional dedication to the charity recognised with a national award.
Eunice Williams has been announced as a Platinum Champion. The awards were established by the Royal Voluntary Service in honour of Her Majesty The Queen and the great example she has set in her 70 years of service.
Eunice will receive a specially designed, official Platinum Champions pin and a signed certificate from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.
As one of the original volunteers at the hospice when it first began in Droitwich Spa in 1984, Eunice continues giving her time, energy and enthusiasm until this day.
Claire Watkins, Staff and Volunteer Engagement Officer said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Eunice has won this award. Over the years Eunice has taken on a wide range of voluntary roles with wonderful grace and enthusiasm displaying a natural empathy with everyone she meets.“
Eunice is inspirational. She has shared her skills as Head Volunteer Gardener, receptionist and fundraiser. Her friendly face and compassionate manner immediately put people at ease – in an environment where they may initially be anxious. As a volunteer, Eunice gives her time and her passion for life and her great sense of humour too.
“She is one of those truly special people that are making a real difference in our communities with their kindness and generosity. She’s inspired many others to volunteer – including her husband, Ron.”
Eunice said, “I’m honoured to be named as a Platinum Champion. This award is in recognition of all the work volunteers do for the hospice. I have made great friendships and had lots of fun, being a volunteer at St Richard’s really adds to my life.”
To find out more about volunteering at St Richard’s Hospice, visit their website https://www.strichards.org.uk/support-us/volunteering/
St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,100 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
It costs £8.75m to run the hospice (20/21 audited accounts), which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.
For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk
Feeling Hungry at the Royal Garden Party?!
Welcome to The Royal Garden Party
You have arrived at the royalist of street parties… we hope you have a fantastic time celebrating the Platinum Jubilee in Worcester and enjoy the food and drink on offer at our local businesses.
Here you can find the special Jubilee menus on offer near to the party! Some of them might even deliver to you… especially if you show them your best curtsey or princely bow.
When ordering from a business that offers delivery to one of the royal picnic benches on New Street and Friar Street, please state your location at the time of ordering by letting them know your picnic benches What3Words. What3Words generates 3 random words (for example, ‘Cat. Potato. Fence’) that mark your exact location down to the square meter. Please stay in this spot once you order to await your food so that you can be located by the business.
PRESS HERE TO FIND OUT YOUR WHAT3WORDS
Businesses that are offering delivery are marked with What3Words next to their business name and menu below!
Where this is not available or you’d rather collect, please feel free to go in and order at the till like normal and bring your takeaway boxes out to the benches to enjoy the party!
There is plenty on offer… check out the menus below!
Food Glorious Food
[What3Words] Be The Change - Vegan and delicious, both savoury and sweet food can be found here!
To order at Be The Change come and order in person OR place an order through their website https://www.bethechangefoods.co.uk/order-hot-food/ with your what 3 words reference!
OPEN THE MENU HERE!
OPEN THE WEBSITE ORDERING SYSTEM HERE! - Make sure to supply your What3Words when ordering!
[What3Words] Izzy's Ices and Donuts - Heaven on earth, no matter what your preference, they will have a donut for you...!
Izzy’s Ices & Donuts sell Ice Creams and Donuts and you can find us in our permanent shop in Reindeer Court at the top end of New Street and The Shambles.
JUBILEE STREET PARTY DONUTS
RING OR TEXT 07949 761904 with your order and What3Words and they will bring the donuts straight to your table.
PRICE LIST
CARD OR CASH (EXACT CHANGE PLEASE)
- SINGLE DONUT £3.75
- TWO DONUTS £7.00
- THREE DONUTS £10.25
- FOUR DONUTS £13.00
All donuts are hand dressed with the tastiest of ingredients.
RING OR TEXT 07949 761904 WITH YOUR ORDER AND WE WILL DELIVER TO YOU WITHIN 10 MINUTES (OR WE WILL REPLY IF WE ARE OUT OF STOCK OF YOUR CHOICE).
OPEN THE MENU HERE!
Eagle Vaults - Music and good Mediterranean food can be found here!
Go inside to order. Open for food from midday.
Check out the menu here!
Tudor House - Open both Saturday and Sunday to takeaway to benches or to sit in!
Find the menu and order inside the cafe!
Greyfriars National Trust - Please find their cafe in the free to enter hidden garden!
Pop into their secret garden to discover a cafe full of tasty delights! Eat-in the garden or take it straight to the street party! Perfect for a royal afternoon tea.
The Chocolate Deli - The home of sweet treats and British teatime eats!
Pop in to order and takeaway to benches on Saturday 4th until 4 PM to bag some tasty treats to take out to the party.
- Cakes
- Sandwiches
- Waffles
- Paninis
- High Tea
- Afternoon Tea
- Children's Lunchboxes
- Coffees, teas
- Frappes
- Milkshakes
- Smoothies
- Children's drinks
- And more....!
Check out what's on their menus here! Or just have a look at their window for an in-person menu before you pop in!
Please feel free to order from anywhere in the city and eat at these benches, or alternatively bring a picnic and enjoy the day. It's up to you!
We hope you have a fantastic time celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee at this giant Royal Garden Party!!!
Please do not take alcohol onto the benches. Please consume any alcohol within the licenced venues. Thank you.
Cheers your Majesty - The Royal Garden Party is nearly here!
Cheers your Majesty
After months of anticipation, the Royal Platinum Jubilee is here! As the nation eagerly awaits 2 extra Bank Holidays to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne, Worcester’s food and drink venues look forward to the city’s celebrations.
Worcester BID, alongside partners Worcester City Council, is organising a Royal Garden Party in New Street and Friar Street from 11-5 on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June, allowing the community and visitors to sit out and relax in this glorious setting. So, if there’s no party planned in your area, get involved in the city centre giant street party. Come along to the Royal Garden Party and enjoy a free family day out in the historical surroundings of one of our city’s beautiful Tudor streets whilst celebrating the 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
At the Royal Garden Party there’s something for all the family: children’s games, live music, food, competitions and much more… you could even win lunch with a princess or superhero! Order food directly to your street table from participating cafes and restaurants, or bring a picnic (or both!) – let’s celebrate!
Elsewhere in Worcester, bars, cafes and restaurants are also toasting her Majesty throughout the Jubilee celebrations – book in one of the city venues for brunch, lunch or an evening meal to share the party vibe. It’s a lovely long weekend so take full advantage of what your favourite city eateries and bars can serve up.
Follow @MakeItWorc on Instagram for further event teasers and up to date details.
Museum of Royal Worcester celebrates 70 royal years in Porcelain with the help of Stanley Road Primary School
Museum of Royal Worcester celebrates 70 royal years in Porcelain with the help of Stanley Road Primary School
The Museum of Royal Worcester has been awarded a grant from the Arts Council’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund, administered by Worcester Community Foundation, ensuring that creativity plays an important role in local community celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Sophie Heath, Museum Director said “Thanks to the grant adults and children can get creative all summer at the Museum of Royal Worcester. We’ll be celebrating with an exciting programme of royal-themed creative activities. From Saturday 28 May until Sunday 4 September, we have a special exhibition exploring 70 royal years in Worcester Porcelain and our connections to Queen Elizabeth II. You’ll see samples of things made for her use, royal commemoratives marking milestones in her life, and records of her two visits to the Royal Worcester factory.
Children from Stanley Road Primary School visited the Museum in May for a hands-on creative workshop with local artist, Fliss O’Neill. We are delighted to show you their wonderful array of Very Special Plate designs fit for the Queen and inspired by Royal Worcester, which will be on display too. Throughout the Summer you’ll be able to contribute to our creative artwork wall in the display where we’re asking what you’re celebrating in 2022. Our ceramic studio is offering Jubilee shapes so you can choose to paint-your-own royal-themed mug, princess carriage or crown as a commemorative souvenir.”
Wednesday 1 June is Jubilee Party Day at the Museum and everyone is invited to take part in creative arts activities inside and outside the Museum. You can get involved and help create our Big Tea Party Wall celebratory artwork with artist Fliss O’Neill on the day. Our Pop-Up Museum will be back in the courtyard, with royal-themed crafty activities. There will be tea-tasting and bite-sized gallery talks. Book at www.museumofroyalworcester.org/jubilee
Darren Henley, Chief Executive at Arts Council England said “The Let’s Create Jubilee Fund is a wonderful example of our ambition to give everyone the opportunity to participate in and experience the arts, culture and creativity – made possible thanks to National Lottery players. This June, we’ll see communities across England coming together to celebrate a historic milestone for this country. I’m excited to see these projects brought to life in villages, towns and cities across the country as our wonderfully creative communities celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”
Rosemary Macdonald, CEO, UK Community Foundations, said: “For community foundations, people and places are the priority and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee is a unique opportunity for people to get together and celebrate in their communities. We are proud to have connected Arts Council England with local organisations whose imaginative and exciting projects and collaborations with professional artists will bring communities together to enjoy marking this milestone moment in our history.”
HM The Queen Elizabeth II is the first monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, having overtaken Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning monarch in 2015. Her reign has been marked by a commitment to public service, reflected by her extensive programme of engagements at home and abroad, and support for over 600 cultural organisations, charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations.
Over 50 Jobs Created in Worcester Town Centre as The Botanist Gets Ready for Summer Opening!
Known for its lavish botanical themed interiors, award-winning bar and restaurant The Botanist has announced that it’s now hiring a full team to run operations at its new Cathedral Square venue, with 50-60 roles available.
Hopeful of a July opening, the brand is looking for front and back of house staff, from Chefs to Servers to Bartenders, and encourages creativity, individuality and personal flair from its employees.
Roles are also advertised for a Duty Manager and Sous Chef to join the growing team.
Rachel Guy, Openings Manager at New World Trading Company added, “Our stunning new opening brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals to join us. Joining us at the beginning of our journey means you’ll be bringing our unique brand to life with the help of award-winning training.
“Our in-house Management Academy & Future Managers programme offers transparent career pathways and the chance to progress across our nationwide brand family.”
To find out more about the opportunities available and apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/opening-roles.
The brand is also on the hunt for talented local musicians, across a range of genres including rock, pop, soul and R&B, to join its roster of artists in delivering live entertainment at the new venue. To apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/music-recruitment.
Worcester’s winers and diners can look forward to The Botanist’s world-class cocktails, extensive craft beer offering and famed hanging kebabs. Live music is another key ingredient in helping to create a relaxed and atmospheric experience-led social venue, ideal for family meals, sophisticated evenings and celebrating special occasions.
To stay up to date with The Botanist Worcester’s opening, follow it’s Facebook page or sign up to its newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive invites and offers for the opening week.
Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) are delighted to announce their new appointment Crystal Thompson as Business Engagement & Marketing Executive
Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) are delighted to announce their new appointment Crystal Thompson as Business Engagement & Marketing Executive.
Crystal joined the BID team in 2021. Since joining, Crystal has worked on creating a new social media presence across platforms Instagram and TikTok as well as including the BID district in journalistic work and magazines to target vast audiences. Crystal has also been developing key business relationships in the city centre and looks forward to expanding partnership and stakeholder engagement.
Crystal has a background in editorial work and business marketing. Having grown up in Worcester and returning to call it home once again following studies, Crystal has strong ties to the city and has a real passion for improving trading standards in the city.
Crystal said: “Worcester has a fantastic mix of independent and high street businesses that make a visit to the city centre feel unique. Worcester provides a local, friendly feel due to its size and its welcoming business owners – it truly offers a far more personable experience than larger cities”.
Contact Crystal if you would like to get your BID business involved with any promotional activities.
Crystal.thompson@worcesterbid.com
Exciting News from Bottles HQ!
A message from Bottles HQ to you!
Exciting News from Bottles HQ! After lots of lovely feedback and the growing success of our Wine Shop we will now be extending our opening times and utilising the gorgeous space within and above the shop for full ‘Drink In’ service. Customers will have access to our FULL range of wines to drink in the comfort of our beautiful and classic Wine Shop.
New opening times will be;
- Monday-Friday 10am-10pm
- Saturday 9am-10pm
- Sunday 10am-5pm
Not only will you have access to our incredibly versatile wine list, but we will also be stocking only the most premium spirits and a small selection of European bottled beers (for those that don’t fancy the vino!)
We will also be offering taster ‘Wine Flights’ accompanied with bites of perfectly paired cheese & meat, as well as full cheese or charcuterie boards. Kick back in the cosy comfort of our ‘Bordeaux Room.’ Think; old oak Barrels, warm glowing tapered candles and of course our trained sommeliers on hand to guide you through our unique and extensive collection of wine. This could be your new weekly (or multiple times weekly!) spot to kick back after a hard day at work.
We also offer outdoor seating as those summer nights are just on the horizon, our shop is situated in the heart of Worcester’s historic city Centre in Reindeer Court (WR1 2DS.)
So what are you waiting for? We’re just waiting for you!
What's new in Worcester? And how can your shopping support Ukraine?
What's New In Worcester?
Art is Ar't has its official opening!
Mayor Stephen Hodges with the ribbon
Having arrived in Worcester from Redditch in December 2021, Art is Ar't had its Official Opening day on Saturday just gone, 26th of March. The Mayor, Stephen Hodges, performed the duty of cutting the ribbon and announcing the gallery as officially open at 10.30 am. A small gathering was there for the ribbon-cutting, made up of the gallery staff and some local artists and their partners.
Dermot O’Connor, Owner
Gallery owner Dermot O’Connor said "visitors to the gallery were greeted with Prosecco and small bites to eat throughout the day, to help us to celebrate our arrival in the city centre, which was needed in order to expand our business operations. Based in Crowngate, opposite the House Of Fraser, the move here has proved very successful, with good footfall to the gallery from the shoppers in Worcester, resulting in a good level of art sales and wonderful feedback from locals and visitors to the city alike. As a Fine Art gallery, we exhibit and sell original works of art and exclusive Limited Edition prints by award-winning, world-renowned artists. We also give up wall space for local artists to show and sell their art too."
Some of the gathering for the ribbon-cutting ceremony
Throughout the day, local artists met with the public and talk about themselves and their art. There was also a crafting table set up for the children of the visitors. Being Mother’s Day on the Sunday, 27th, children were able to decorate wooden hearts and plaques with colouring pens and stick on shapes, for their mums, for a personalised Mother’s Day gift.
Some of the childrens’ decorated hearts
The event was a big success. Make sure to check out the new gallery when you are next visiting the City Centre.
How can your shopping support Ukraine?
The Entertainer is running a fundraising appeal to support the work of both the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army in their response work to the Ukraine crisis.
As of Thursday 31st March, 100% of proceeds (excluding VAT) from selected Mattel products sold in The Entertainer stores will be donated to the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army’s Ukraine Crisis Appeals. The programme features four of The Entertainer’s best-selling Mattel products; the Barbie You Can Be Anything Travel playset, Hot Wheels Infinity playset, Scrabble and Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 123 Schoolbook Activity Toy. The Entertainer is providing the funds up-front to both the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army’s Ukraine Crisis Appeals ahead of the sales programme launch, to ensure families and those affected can receive urgent support.
These toys will be in a prominent location in-store to make them easy to find. So if you were considering buying a scrabble set, make it The Entertainer to provide support to Ukraine.
The Botanist Confirms It’s Coming to Worcester!
The Botanist – one of the UK’s most celebrated bar-and-restaurant brands – has today confirmed rumours that it has signed up to Cathedral Square, giving town centre visitors and workers even more to look forward to as we head into spring.
Set to open to the public later this year, the award-winning flagship brand of acclaimed bar, pub and restaurant operator New World Trading Company is renowned for its lavish botanical-themed interiors.
Worcester’s winers and diners can look forward to The Botanist’s world-class cocktails, extensive craft beer offering and famed hanging kebabs. Live music is another key ingredient in helping to create a relaxed and atmospheric experience-led social venue, ideal for family meals, sophisticated evenings and celebrating special occasions.
Samuel Pisani, Centre Manager at Cathedral Square Worcester said, “As the Centre Manager of Cathedral Square, I am thrilled and excited that we can now share the news that The Botanist will be joining our scheme in the heart of Worcester.
Not only will The Botanist be a great addition to the mix of retail and leisure that we currently have, but they will also add further employment opportunities to the local community.
The Botanist share the vision of our Owners and Centre Management Team in offering a diverse and exciting retail and leisure experience for our customers and we look forward to them opening their doors to the public this Spring.”
Natasha Waterfield, Chief Operating Officer at New World Trading Company said, “Bringing our unique concepts to new cities and towns for the first time is always an exciting moment for the business.
“Cathedral Square is an exciting new lifestyle destination which aligns with our brand vision. We can’t wait for the residents of Worcester to experience our truly immersive offer at The Botanist.”
Rachel Guy, Openings Manager at New World Trading Company added, “Our stunning new opening brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals to join us. We’re currently recruiting a management team to join us at The Botanist Worcester. Those interested in joining our team will receive award-winning training and the chance to progress across our nationwide brand family.”
Keep an eye out for job opportunities at https://nwtc.uk.com/careers.
The brand is also on the hunt for talented local musicians, across a range of genres including rock, pop, soul and R&B, to join its roster of artists in delivering live entertainment at the new venue. To apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/music-recruitment.
Worcester stands with Ukraine & Downloadable Poster for your window
In Worcester, we have seen the Guildhall lit up in the Ukrainian yellow and blue and a Ukrainian flag flying at Worcester Cathedral. Shopfronts, such as Peplow Jewellers (find them @peplowjewellers on Facebook), have started displaying their solidarity with Ukraine by decorating their window displays. The fabulous Piston Distillery (@pistondistillery) has even been painting their vodka bottles with the flag, with all profits from painted bottles sold going straight to Unicef Ukraine. You can find their shop in the bio of their Facebook page.
If you would like to show your support for Ukraine you can download our A4 window sign HERE.
Printed copies will be available shortly. If you would like a printed copy for your businesses window, please message us and we will add you to our distribution list to bring printed posters to you.
We would love to see what you or your business has been doing to support Ukraine. Tag Worcester BID (@WorcesterBID on Facebook) in your photos (@makeitworc on Instagram) to be shared.
NEW April and May Tuesday Training courses are now available for booking
Are you a BID Business? Join Worcester BID for Tuesday Training and let’s make Worcester safer together.
Tuesday Training is a 2022 initiative aiming to bring useful and free training courses to Worcester BID members. We want Worcester to feel safe for everyone in both the day and night. We believe it is imperative that health-based training is offered to create a safer community, a safer city and to make your staff feel trained and ready.
We will be running training throughout 2022 for you and your staff to utilise. You may now sign up to the new following free training programmes for April/May:
- [AED] Defibrillator Training
- First Aid
- Food Hygiene (Please register interest - dates to be released soon)
- Conflict Management Training and Physical Intervention
- Health and Safety With Risk Assessment
To find out more about how we can support your BID business press here to open the interactive .pdf and explore what we have on offer and what each course entails. Dates and times for each course may also be found in the document attached.
To book, please forward your chosen courses and dates to gloria.hawthorn@worcesterbid.com.
FREE Digital Marketing Training - Book Now!
Join Worcester BID and the Worcester City Council for FREE digital marketing training for all businesses
As part of the Welcome Back funding to support the recovery of the High Street and to future proof our businesses Worcester BID and Worcester City Council are pleased to announce a series of digital marketing training. Supporting businesses to develop skills, strengthen SEO, raise awareness and engage with larger audiences.
Training is available to any business member within the City Council district. This training is open to all businesses as part of the Welcome Back Fund.
What courses are available to your business?
All training will run 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM (variations may occur depending on the course taken).
7th March - Social media that works for you / 1-2 hours
Social media, the importance and how to make it work for you. Creating content, building communities and making a plan.
8th March - Benchmarking your analysis / 1-2 hours
Why analytics are important, how to analyse them and why you need to understand your importance to improve your overall profile.
14th March - Digital advertising made easy. / 1-2 hours
Pay per click advertising, display advertising, social media advertising and paying to reach new audiences.
15th March - Creating a digital strategy / 2-3 hours
Digital marketing strategy involves an assessment of specific goals that are achievable through online channels, we will use the time to create one for your business.
21st March - Content planning and scheduling / 1-2 hours
How to plan your content, create calendars, using local events to your advantage and prepare for it.
22nd March - SEO and why websites work / 2-3 hours
Getting started with on-page SEO, application of technical SEO, keyword research and using Google business listing to be seen more.
28th March - How to rank for the web and secrets of growth / 1-2 hours
How to write for the web, understanding landing pages, keyword application and the power of blogging, beating Google.. or at least getting close.
29th March - SEO strategies made easy / 1-2 hours
SEO strategy is a detailed plan to improve a website's search engine rankings in order to capture more organic traffic, we will use the course time to create one.
4th April - Practical Marketing / 1-2 hours
Marketing strategies, trending techniques, measuring success and applying immediate marketing actions.
5th April - Everything web and your digital storefront / 2-3 hours
SEO content strategies, how to improve your digital storefront, optimisation for small businesses and creating a stronger website.
11th April - Digital marketing and PR let's break it down / 2-3 hours
Raising your overall PR perspective, utilising local channels, local events and utilising the community to raise your profile.
12th April - Tik Tok, new audiences and you / 1-2 hours
Why TikTok is one of the most powerful social media platforms, how to utilise it and what the next steps are to reach new audiences.
18th April - Top-ups and deeper learning based on what people found difficult / 1-2 hours
We will use this time for extra learning, anything that course attendees struggled with or want more detail.
19th April - Wrap up questions and how to manage it / 1-2 hours
Within this course we will wrap up the entire course, what has been learnt and follow up questions and getting ready to keep growing your business.
To book onto any of the course options available please email our Business Administrator, Alice Ingleby-Faulkner, at: Alice.Ingleby-Faulkner@worcesterbid.com with the course dates, titles and times you would like to register for.
WORCESTER Business Improvement District (BID) has announced Sam McCarthy as their new Chief Executive
Sam McCarthy, Worcester BIDs newly appointed Chief Executive
Sam joined the team in 2015 and has since worked on managing key partnerships and
has actively developed brand awareness within the city. Sam has a strong background
in business support and engagement and will strive to build awareness and improve
business within the commercial area of Worcester in her new position of Chief
Executive at the Worcester BID.
Notably, Sam has managed the BID through a difficult Covid period and has achieved a plethora of triumphs that have benefited Worcester’s business district. Such achievements include securing funding through the Worcestershire LEP to set up peer to peer networks and the development of a key partnership with Worcester’s Big
Parade, acting to connect the community and businesses, building customer confidence and to reconnect with the city. Further engagement with the local community has been undertaken to support local businesses through shop local campaigns and the recent development of the brand Make it Worc, which has improved B2B relationships in the BID area. Sam has also overseen the installation of infrastructure within two of Worcester’s most iconic heritage streets to permanently enhance and create a vibrant space.
Sam said: “I am thrilled to be appointed Chief Executive at such a pivotal time to support the recovery of our High Street. We recognise the need to be creative and ambitious by exploring ideas to activate space and utilise our outdoor areas more effectively creating a continental dining experience. Also, with a key focus on the night-time economy, Worcester BID will be leading on delivering Purple Flag status to the city as well working with our licensed venues to achieve Best Bar None standards.”
Mark Hughes, Worcester BID Chairman, said: “The board of directors is delighted to welcome Sam to the role of Chief Executive. Sam has a genuine understanding of the complexities of operating a BID and we are confident in her ability to lead the team over this critical post Covid time.”
We are hiring!
We are hiring! An exciting opportunity to join Worcester BID as a Business Engagement & Marketing Executive has arisen.
As the Business Engagement & Marketing Executive at Worcester BID you will be responsible for delivering high profile, targeted and proactive engagement with all BID businesses. If you are passionate about Worcester and are keen to make a difference, we would love to hear from you!
You can find the job specifications HERE.
Apply via Indeed, or apply directly to Sam McCarthy with a cover letter and CV to the following email address: sam.mccarthy@worcesterbid.com
Tuesday Training for Worcester BID members
Are you a BID Business? Join Worcester BID for Tuesday Training and let's make Worcester safer together.
Tuesday Training is a 2022 initiative aiming to bring useful and free training courses to Worcester BID members. We want Worcester to feel safe for everyone in both the day and night. We believe it is imperative that health-based training is offered to create a safer community, a safer city and to make your staff feel trained and ready.
We will be running training throughout 2022 for you and your staff to utilise. You may currently sign up to attend the following free training programmes:
- [AED] Defibrillator Training
- First Aid
- Catastrophic Bleed
- Mental Health
- Food Hygiene L2
You may also wish to register for the following training options:
- Marketing Foundations
- Website SEO Training
- Conflict + Physical Intervention
- Health + Safety with Risk Assessment
These can be found in our April-May date interactive .pdf. This can be found in a later news post.
To find out more about how we can support your BID business press here to open the interactive .pdf and explore what we have on offer and what each course entails. Dates and times for each course may also be found in the document attached.
To book, please forward your chosen courses and dates to gloria.hawthorn@worcesterbid.com.
Terms and Conditions:
All training is booked on a first-come, first-served basis. You may sign-up a maximum of two members of staff for each training course.
It’s time for a big switch on in Friar Street and New Street with the installation of new festoon lighting
It’s time for a big switch on in Friar Street and New Street with the installation of new festoon lighting along both streets, thanks to Worcester Business Improvement District (BID).
Worcester BID is responsible for the infrastructure and installation of year round festoon lighting along these two popular, historic streets. For years Friar Street and New Street could not have Christmas lighting or bunting due to a lack of fixing points. This is all about to change thanks to the BID. The lights will be in place by the end of October ready to celebrate the festive period and then stay in place into next year and beyond.
Hannah Webb from Bottles Wine Bar on New Street agrees: “We’re so excited at Bottles at the prospect of festoon lighting all down two of Worcester’s most historic streets. As a Worcester girl who has lived and worked largely on New Street and Friar Street it really inspires a sense of nostalgia and I believe will create a gorgeous atmosphere down our already buzzing little streets. They are a welcome addition, highlighting some of Worcester best independent businesses and boutiques. “
Terry Goodwin-Jones and Popi Pribojac own and run The Kings Gallery & Mangojuice Gallery on New Street. Terry comments: “We are very pleased and excited to hear about the new festoon lighting for Friar Street and New Street. Having traded in New Street for 22 years, it has often felt that we are poor relations to other areas because we never have any Christmas lights, so to now have some permanent festoon lighting is fantastic, especially with the darker evenings coming. It will make these streets so much more atmospheric at night. This is another good initiative by Worcester BID to make Worcester a more attractive place to visit!”
Anja Potze owner of Anja Potze Fine Jewellery on Friar Street adds: “We are thrilled to have the new festoon lighting on Friar Street, shining a spotlight on our independent boutiques, bars and restaurants. This is a thoughtful infrastructure for BID to put in place – and one that visitors and residents will love.”
And from Worcester BID, Samantha McCarthy says: “The anticipation around this new festoon lighting is brilliant to see. It is in initiatives like this that city centres see their truest benefit from the BID, as a private sector support to provide extra elements to the city centre to assist our shops and business. Delivering projects to enhance the public realm is key to support with the recovery of our city post pandemic. We are encouraging locals and visitors to explore different areas of Worcester, helping spread footfall and spend.”
Boxed panel
Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.
along both streets, thanks to Worcester Business Improvement District (BID).
Worcester BID is responsible for the infrastructure and installation of year round festoon lighting along these two popular, historic streets. For years Friar Street and New Street could not have Christmas lighting or bunting due to a lack of fixing points. This is all about to change thanks to the BID. The lights will be in place by the end of October ready to celebrate the festive period and then stay in place into next year and beyond.
Hannah Webb from Bottles Wine Bar on New Street agrees: “We’re so excited at Bottles at the prospect of festoon lighting all down two of Worcester’s most historic streets. As a Worcester girl who has lived and worked largely on New Street and Friar Street it really inspires a sense of nostalgia and I believe will create a gorgeous atmosphere down our already buzzing little streets. They are a welcome addition, highlighting some of Worcester best independent businesses and boutiques. “
Terry Goodwin-Jones and Popi Pribojac own and run The Kings Gallery & Mangojuice Gallery on New Street. Terry comments: “We are very pleased and excited to hear about the new festoon lighting for Friar Street and New Street. Having traded in New Street for 22 years, it has often felt that we are poor relations to other areas because we never have any Christmas lights, so to now have some permanent festoon lighting is fantastic, especially with the darker evenings coming. It will make these streets so much more atmospheric at night. This is another good initiative by Worcester BID to make Worcester a more attractive place to visit!”
Anja Potze owner of Anja Potze Fine Jewellery on Friar Street adds: “We are thrilled to have the new festoon lighting on Friar Street, shining a spotlight on our independent boutiques, bars and restaurants. This is a thoughtful infrastructure for BID to put in place – and one that visitors and residents will love.”
And from Worcester BID, Samantha McCarthy says: “The anticipation around this new festoon lighting is brilliant to see. It is in initiatives like this that city centres see their truest benefit from the BID, as a private sector support to provide extra elements to the city centre to assist our shops and business. Delivering projects to enhance the public realm is key to support with the recovery of our city post pandemic. We are encouraging locals and visitors to explore different areas of Worcester, helping spread footfall and spend.”
Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.
Wellbeing and City Treats – Support your Local
New season, new you? Post lockdowns, the appetite for wellbeing is strong. If the media reports are anything to go by, interest in self care and wellbeing (both physical and emotional) is much higher since Covid. Worcester’s city centre businesses can help boost your mental, emotional and physical health to see you through the Autumn.
Our skin needs additional, different protection in the Autumn/Winter, against increased wind, cooler temperatures and rain. Protect and enhance your skin as the seasons change with a facial at Simply Beautiful in St Swithun’s Street or at Infinity Beauty in Friar Street. Book a new nail colour at All About Me in Sidbury and follow up with a hair treatment to soothe dried-out Summer hair at Wicked or Inspirational Hair.
Sleep is vital for your wellbeing and is an area where many people struggle. Aid your sleep by stocking up on bathtime treats at Lush and The Body Shop. Rosie Burge is trainee manager at Lush on the High Street. “Since we reopened after lockdown, we are finding that as well as for gifts, many more people are coming in to buy items for themselves, for bathtime relaxation and also face masks and hair care. We are very busy in the shop, and customers are commenting how lovely it is to come and in for a full retail experience, and that buying online isn’t as powerful in terms of smell and touch.”
Along the Shambles, health shop Revital has just celebrated its 9th anniversary of opening. Post lockdowns, Manager Alex Browning is seeing new faces in the shop as well as established customers. “There is a huge awareness in health now. People seem to want to look after themselves, for example vitamin D is an area of great interest, probably due to people staying inside during lockdown. From September to April, the sun is too far away from us here in the UK for our bodies to produce vitamin D, so this is something people are already starting to stock up on for Autumn/Winter. Come in and ask us.”
At Fitness4less on Cathedral Square, manager Arran Arougundade reports that the gym and pool are both busy now having suffered with full closure during lockdowns. “Since the last lockdown we have had many ex-members return and many new members join. Health is so important and we are seeing many take it more seriously, including getting back in the gym, creating a routine so they can be fitter and healthier. During the Winter it will be vital to see people stay healthy: they need to be encouraged to join a gym so they can still exercise as the evenings get dark and cold. We have a pool, sauna and steam room so our members take full advantage of these luxuries as well as offering free parking for all our members now.”
Insider tip: Did you know that Alex and Lisa at Revital are both qualified nutritional therapists and can offer expert advice in the shop?
Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.
September Style in the City – Support your Local
September is traditionally the time when the fashion industry introduces the new season styles and looks for Autumn/Winter ahead. If you’re not quite ready to embrace Autumn vibes, dress for an extended summer; there’s still plenty of choice in the shops. For an Indian Summer with daytime sun and cooler evenings, layering works. Start with your Summer tees and add a light top or jacket to address whatever the weather brings. Layering is made easier with scarves and lighter weight tops and sweaters. Head to Stanford and Little Italy next door to each other at the Crowngate entrance on Broad Street. Each one stocks a variety of gloriously coloured pieces which will help you cross over from Summer to Autumn in style. Add your own individuality in the finishing touches. Visit Fat Lip on the High Street for stylish costume jewellery to finish your look with panache or head to ? on the Shambles for more choice of layering accessories and jewellery.
Hugh Mckenzie is the owner of Stanford on Broad Street. “We already have lots of new lines in store ready for the new season. Our key trends this Autumn/Winter are for tweed, leather and waxed fabrics. We have a full range of tweed hats and waistcoats which are perfect for transitional dressing. We also are stocking trench coat style raincoats which are big news. Colour wise, purple, navy and mustard are going to be everywhere. We are looking forward to a busy autumn ahead.”
Head further into Crowngate shopping centre for more of the best fashion finds. House of Fraser offers a wide selection of men’s and women’s wear across three fashion floors. Visit New Look to pick up latest looks or head to New England for English Rose styling from Cath Kidson and Seasalt.
For the kids, (including last minute back to school essentials) try Marks and Spencer and for the cutest baby and toddler items, JoJo Maman Bebe.
Insider tip: A lot of body warmth is lost through the head. Add a hat for a stylish way to add warmth if needed. Stanford in Crowngate on Broad Street has a great choice.
Insider tip: Follow New Look Worcester on Instagram for the team’s favourites from in-store. @newlook_worcester
Insider tip: Locals love Emporio in Friar Street for its one-off styles, plus jewellery to layer over.
Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.
Tasty Worc – Indulge in some of the city’s culinary delights
Outdoor dining isn’t just for foreign travel. As the Summer sun lowers in the sky and we enjoy an Indian Summer, the array of restaurants on Worcester’s Cathedral Square is as tempting as ever.
Outdoor seating and tables came about as a result of Covid but are loved by many and will stay if and when the weather allows. Cathedral Square at the end of Worcester’s High Street boasts Mediterranean style vibes with Covid-friendly outdoor dining for balmy September evenings.
Around the edges of Cathedral Square are a wide selection of bars and restaurants with a menu for everyone’s tastes, all with the stunning Cathedral backdrop and a friendly nod from Edward Elgar close by. So, with the kids back in school, surely a lazy lunch with girlfriends is a well-deserved treat. Or how about creating some quality family time at the weekend (no phones at the table?!)….. and could Thursdays be scheduled in as regular date night?
On the menu, Zizzi, Pizza Express, Yo Sushi, Cosy Club, Five Guys, All Bar One or Miller and Carter: the foodie spots in Cathedral Square have a taste for everyone.
At Zizzi, next to the Elgar statue, Molly Massingham is the Assistant Manager who notes that the restaurant is always busy: “Since restrictions eased, we have been constantly so packed every day, all through the week. Customers tell us they want to catch up from being stuck inside for so long and are loving coming out to eat and socialise. We get great feedback too about the outdoor dining space, giving out holiday abroad vibes.”
Insider tip: Book Cote Brasserie for date night and toast yourselves to a glass of fizz. Try the Minute Steak for main off the extensive menu which caters for all.
Insider tip: Five Guys milkshakes – say no more! These handspun vanilla milkshakes come with or without whipped cream, with different flavour options to mix in. Indulge in Worcester BID favourite Oreo Cookie Pieces!
Insider tip: Yo Sushi menu is not only tasty but it’s a healthy, fresh option at lunchtime.
Insider tip: Locals love All Bar One for cocktails. Try their Pornstar Martini with the girls on a Friday night.
Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.
Staycation with Worcester – Support Your Local
As the Summer starts to transition to the Autumn months ahead, September can often treat us to an Indian Summer in terms of some sunshine and warm temperatures. It’s a beautiful time in Worcester city centre, all the more so with so much going on. This is a great time to plan a weekend visit to the city for friends and family, or to come and enjoy Worcester for those living elsewhere.
Worcester has a selection of hotels and b&b’s to get away and recharge. The city’s oldest pub The Cardinal’s Hat has some stylish Georgian rooms in the Tudor timber framed setting; the Whitehouse Hotel in Foregate Street has a gym whilst the rooms at The Diglis House Hotel and Browns at the Quay both have blissful views over the River Severn.
Nigel Smith is landlord at the Cardinal’s Hat: “We are pleased that since restrictions eased in April, bookings for the rooms at the Hat have been steadily at pretty much full occupancy. It's lovely to see visitors coming to the county from further afield as a result of Summer staycations and we are delighted to welcome them. Guests are interested in the history of the Cardinal’s Hat and also love the central location here in Friar Street which is steeped in history.”
And over at Browns at The Quay, bookings for their boutique rooms are also strong: “We are running at 95% occupancy mostly from staycation visitors,” says the general manager. “There are lots of lovely folk coming to see our stunning city and county. We are proud to have 9.3 rating on Booking.com, which we feel reflects positively on guest satisfaction when they stay here.”
Insider tip: If cricket’s your thing, The Premier Inn overlooks Worcester’s iconic New Road cricket ground.
Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.
Park Life
As the Summer starts to transition to the Autumn months ahead, September can often treat us to an Indian Summer in terms of some sunshine and warm temperatures. It’s a beautiful time in Worcester city centre, all the more so with so much going on.
The new school term is getting underway and the holiday season (such as it is this year) is mostly over, but Worcester is still enjoying a Summer feel. Look up and around and you will notice the colours of garlands of bunting and swarms of butterflies and pop-up parks around the city, all put in place as part of the city’s recovery from lockdown.
Bunting is stung along shops and buildings in lots of bright colours. In tree branches across the city centre streets, make sure to spot vibrant butterfly decorations in different patterns and colours. Take a break in the pop-up parks installed at Angel Place, South Quay and Cornmarket, where colourful seating and artificial grassed areas offer a peaceful chill-out zone for residents and visitors to take some time out with a coffee, sandwich or a book.
Samantha McCarthy from Worcester BID says the feedback is really positive: “Delivering projects such as this to enhance the public realm, which is key to support with the recovery of our city post pandemic. Projects such as this will encourage locals and visitors to explore different areas of the city, helping spread footfall and spend. The butterflies are something new and different and we have been told how joyful it is to spot them unexpectedly in trees around the city centre.
The pop-up parks are a popular, albeit temporary addition to the city. “My favourite is the park on South Quay,” adds Samantha McCarthy. “It’s the perfect spot to relax by the millennium fountains and watch the swans glide by.”
Insider tip: Grab a take-out coffee and panini from locals’ favourite Pappas in New Street and walk down to Cornmarket to sit and people watch in the pop-up park.
Insider tip: Take the family to the Hive to have a wander round, find a corner to sit and read and then borrow some books to read at home, then walk over to Angel Place for a chill out in the pop-up park.
Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.
Independent arts, retailers and culinary delights – New Street has it all!
New Street, which runs parallel to Worcester’s Shambles and on from Friar Street continues the historic story of the city with the King Charles house at the far end. In November/December, New Street is the foodie heart of the Victorian Market and during the rest of the year, the businesses enjoy footfall from locals and tourists shopping in the independent businesses and recharging in the bars and food on offer in the street.
Terry Goodwin-Jones jointly owns The King’s Gallery and Mangojuice Gallery: “New Street has been increasingly busy generally, not just with locals but visitors from all over and also return visitors which is good. People are buying as well as browsing and the street feels full of life again. We are excited to take part in the Big Parade: it brings more people down to the street as part of the Art Trail. The King’s Gallery has been here over 20 years and some people are visiting us for the first time which is wonderful. Our window created by my colleague Popi has a beautiful baby elephant in as well as our products, so people are now elephant spotting along New Street!”
Hannah Webb from Bottles Wine Bar says; ‘Over at bottles we’ve been working hard on taking a positive approach despite all the chops and changes we’ve been subjected to over the last 18 months. Our local collaboration with strong indie restaurant Chester’s is back with a vengeance! Order take out from Chesters to eat with your wine at our gorgeous little bar, as well as their late night burritos returning 10pm-2am Fridays and Saturdays.
Supporting other independent businesses is so important in city’s like Worcester and the more we can support each other the better.’
‘It’s been a tough road to navigate but allowed us to develop parts of our business that we otherwise were struggling to find the time for like our delivery service and wholesale.
We’ll be opening our brand new shop in reindeer court amongst some other developments, so keep your eyes peeled. And as always a huge thank you and cheers to our staff and customers, without whom we could never be where we are!’
Bottles wine bar are back open until 2am Friday and Saturdays now, and as of August will be back to DJ both nights.
Insider secrets: Be the Change have recently made their debut to the street with their second restaurant location in Worcester. This is a must to visit!
Worcester BID’s priorities and objectives are to promote, support and enhance BID businesses within the City.
www.worcesterbid.com
Family run businesses to major retailers Broad Street is the ideal shopping location
Linking the river bridge to the top of the High Street at Worcester Cross, Broad Street is an important thoroughfare for the city centre. With a mixture of national chains and independent retailers, Broad Street sees a lot of people walk up and down as both a destination and passing through.
Gill Barnett is manager at Cook Mate, an independent cookshop that has been in Broad Street for 40 years and is now a firm favourite in the city. “Broad Street is always busy,” Gill says. “There are an increasing number of pedestrians around, especially when the football was on. We are in a very positive position: here in Cook Mate, we have lots of new lines in stock and are adding more each week. We feel that people are out spending more when they come into our shop, and footfall is increasing as the weeks go by. Celebrating our 40th anniversary is important too - we will be celebrating with the local community and cementing our position as an established face in Broad Street.”
New England is another independent retailer based further along Broad Street towards the bridge. Rachael Evans is the owner. “We have lots of fabulous new stock from our favourite brands including Seasalt, Gisela Graham and Cath Kidson which are always popular with shoppers as great gifts or stylish clothing. As the restrictions ease, footfall is slowly getting busier again but despite that people are spending more when they come into the shop which is positive to see.”
The team at Toys and Games of Worcester said ‘We are very much part of the Worcester community having lived, schooled and worked in the city for decades. We love the city. We have had a shop in Worcester for 25 years and enjoy it now as much as we did when we started. We have masses of stock. Lego, Pokemon, Tamiya, Airfix, Brio, Playmobil, Silvanian Families, toy cars, fidget toys, board games, card games, summer toys, plush toys.’
‘We are situated on Broad Street and open every day, it’s a great location a main entry point to the city and close enough to the centre that people can come wherever they are. Come and see us and meet the team. Vicky, Sue, Sophie, Annie & Tim’
With access from Broad Street to the High Street, The Cross, the River Severn and
main city bridge as well as Deansway, Crowngate and Angel Place with the bus station, it’s not hard to see why Broad Street is such a hub.
Worcester BID’s priorities and objectives are to promote, support and enhance BID businesses within the City.
www.worcesterbid.com
From brunch with friends, to cocktails with colleagues indulge in Worcester’s eclectic mix of venues
Foregate, as the name suggests, marks where the city gate would once have been, and then during the 18th century the street was known as the Mall and Tymbs. It’s now best known for the city centre train station and routes heading out of the city towards the parks and residential areas but take a closer look.
Look up as you walk along Foregate Street to enjoy the historic architecture that many of the buildings boast. The entrance to the Hopmarket (head inside for more independents in a pretty courtyard setting) was a hotel and bank, dated around 1900 with later additions, with stunning French chateau and Tudor style elements. Dates and writing are still visible on the frontages, which includes Black & White bar and kitchen. The owner there is Rebaz Tahir who worked hard during lockdown to develop his site, tripling the space and extending downstairs. Since restrictions have been easing, he feels that things started slowly in the street but says it’s noticeably been getting steadily busier. “We are getting really positive feedback about our expansion and are very happy to be welcoming a mix of locals but also tourists,” he said.
Amid the historic architecture, today’s Foregate Street is thriving. There’s a excellent mix of businesses along Foregate Street either side of the train station, bringing locals and visitors to the city. Bodega Cantina is a popular foodie spot close to the station. Liam Bradford is the general manager: “We are really happy that Foregate Street is getting busier all the time now. Things are buzzing here in the restaurant both with walk-in's and bookings which is great to see. It's a mix of couples, friends and families who seem happy to be out and about again, enjoying food, drink and relaxation here in the city centre.”
In A-Plan Insurance Katey Smith, insurance consultant is in a type of business that adapted to telephone contact during lockdown. She is however delighted that more and more customers are being welcomed back to the branch: “For example, our older customers prefer the reassurance of getting in front of people to deal with their insurance,” Katey says. “We can tell that the street is getting busier - for us it’s wonderful to see the other businesses including many independents around us who are getting busier all the time. For example, Steam House opposite us is so popular! Foregate Street is a key route for people walking in and out of the city centre, maybe on their way to work and back. We feel at central to the city, but love being surrounded by history.”
Insider Secret: Looking for a city retreat? Did you know the Worcester Whitehouse hotel have a leisure club with a heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool spa.
Worcester BID’s priorities and objectives are to promote, support and enhance BID businesses within the City.
www.worcesterbid.com
Explore, Shop, Dine in one of Worcester’s Historic Independent Streets
Not only is Friar Street the historic heart of Worcester but it is also a beating heart and soul of independent businesses in the city. Walk along the city’s oldest street and soak up the Tudor framed buildings within which the deep-rooted history of the city can still be enjoyed. Tudor House museum contains much of that still today for you to learn and absorb. National Trust owned Greyfriars is a serene space with a stunning secret garden to just sit and enjoy a quiet coffee and be with your own thoughts. It’s this vibe that the independent businesses in Friar Street love: a sense of a community within the city.
The Meeting Place opened after first lockdown and is family run by Edward & Nancy Little-Jones and Edward’s sister. They run their business around 4 core values: community, sustainability, ethics and people, so they fit right into Friar Street. “It’s essential to us to support local,” says Edward. “We buy our beers from Hoplords around the corner in Pump Street and get ingredients from Three Counties Produce and The Butcheress who are all local. We like using suppliers from the city and close by. We are seeing lots of new faces coming in from Friar Street and are enjoying seeing local people come back in through our doors.”
Trio is this month celebrating 12 months since opening its beauty salon in Friar Street. “We love being a part of such a traditional street, full of wonderful independent businesses. There’s a real sense of community and we feel proud to be here with such lovely people!” says Jade Dixon co-owner of Trio.
Further along towards Greyfriars, jeweler Anja Potze agrees: “People buy from people, and like the other independent businesses along Friar Street, we offer a personal service and experience that you can’t get online. We value the loyalty our customers have shown us over the last 18 months and have been delighted to be able meet new customers along the way.
Next door Kate Page, owner of Friar Street Kitchen: “It’s an amazing community: we all get together and support each other and the neighbouring streets too: I use Bottles in New Street for my wine and we and Tortuga borrow ingredients back and forth when we need to! People seem happier than before lockdown, it’s a really positive feeling to being back open and busy here on Friar Street.”
Insider secret: did you know there is a secret garden located in Friar Street within Greyfriars. Where you can relax and enjoy a slice of cake with cup of tea for that little bit of escapism.
Broad Street is Open4Business
The last year has been a challenging year for us all personally and professionally. It is great to see our city back open for business. The simple pleasures of being able to pop back into your favourite store, look and touch the products that you want or desire instead of scrolling through a device hoping it will be as good as it looks when it finally arrives.
The team at Worcester BID have been out and about speaking with the owners and managers of some of Broad Streets thriving businesses. During lockdown parents around Worcestershire relied on the team at Toys & Games of Worcester to ensure their children were kept entertained and put smiles on families faces during the hardest of time.
The team at Toys and Games of Worcester said ‘We are very much part of the Worcester community having lived, schooled and worked in the city for decades. We love the city. We have had a shop in Worcester for 25 years and enjoy it now as much as we did when we started. We have masses of stock. Lego, Pokemon, Tamiya, Airfix, Brio, Playmobil, Silvanian Families, toy cars, fidget toys, board games, card games, summer toys, plush toys.’
‘We are situated on Broad Street and open every day, it’s a great location a main entry point to the city and close enough to the centre that people can come wherever they are. Come and see us and meet the team. Vicky, Sue, Sophie, Annie & Tim’
Throughout the lockdowns and the restrictions, the one thing we all had was reconnecting with nature going on walks enjoying the small luxuries of fresh air. This is a habit that remains making time for you, enjoying exploring new areas of the city and county through going on bike ride and long walks by the river. Where better to visit and to make sure you a kitted out then Rohan.
We spoke with the team a Rohan to find out more about the history of the store and their time in Broad Street ‘In 1972 Rohan was founded in Skipton, North Yorkshire, UK and have been making world class technical clothing for over forty-five years. The first shop was opened in Long Preston, North Yorkshire, UK in 1983. An interesting fact is that Rohan jackets were used on the first ever ascent of Everest without oxygen’
‘Skip a few decades and Rohan Worcester opened in May 2010, now just over 11 years ago with 6 members of staff who all pride themselves on their knowledge of the technical aspects of the garments and all wear the brand both for and outside of work.’
‘Visiting us in-store allows you to see, touch and feel Rohan garments with knowledgeable staff available to discuss what you need from a garment or outfit prior to trying on for fit and comfort.’
‘Rohan Worcester, is a Grade 2 listed building, situated in Broad Street, likely a house and shop 200 years ago. According to English heritage records, the facade of the building is constructed from stucco over brick and dates back to around 1820. This location was selected due to its proximity to the high street with good footfall through both Crowngate centres and local streets. Broad Street has a great atmosphere and a wide selection neighbouring shops attract many visitors.’
Broad Street has so much to offer make sure you visit these amazing businesses and reconnect with Worcester.
Helping Hands Home Care have been providing bespoke visiting and live-in care services for over 30 years, specialising in live-in, domiciliary and dementia care at home. As a values-driven business with family values, Helping Hands have worked tirelessly over the past 30 years to develop a flexible care service that places its customers at its heart. This is achieved through directly employing all of its care staff and training and developing its carers to deliver person-centred care in a dignified and respectful way. Helping Hands is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).
Helping Hands Worcester and Malvern is in a prime location in the centre of Worcester. It is convenient spot for members of the public to come in and enquire about home care and what we can do for our local community. We take great pride in being a part of the main centre of Worcester and we are always available to provide sufficient care.
Photo’s feature: New England Country Store, Connect 2 Vapes, His & Hers Hair, Helping Hands, Knowles Travelgoods, Rohan, Toys & Games of Worcester
