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
Graduation offers in the city!
Congratulations Class of 2020!
Graduation is finally happening from the week beginning 21st June and we couldn't be happier for you to experience this important moment in your life as you put your education behind you! As it's such a big day, you, or someone you know, may have a lot of questions about the day, so click here to see some FAQs the University of Worcester are asked that should help you out.
Whether your ceremony is in the morning or the afternoon, you're going to want to have a grand day out and celebrate in style, ensuring you, your classmates and guests have a good time in the city! You might choose to explore Worcester by taking some walks along the riverside, down by Diglis and Sidbury and through some of the city's historic streets! You might even choose to visit some of the exclusive exhibitions in the city's museums that won't be around for long, like the Titanic exhibition in the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum or the Botanical Treasures in the Museum of Royal Worcester (who have a discounted student tickets!).
Celebrate in Style
One thing we know you'll definitely want to do while you're in town is eat! By now, you'll be aware of some of the city's best spots to dine out, however what you might not know of yet is some of the set menus being offered to help you save a bit more! Click through to book a table for:
If you instead want to help support local restaurants, there's a huge array of restaurants you can book into for lunch and dinner! Why not eat at:
- Anatolian Palace: Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine on Chapel Walk.
- Benedictos: an authentic Italian restaurant under the shadow of the Cathedral on Sidbury.
- Bolero Bar and Kitchen: offering high quality casual dining and an unrivalled choice of drinks on Foregate Street.
- Burger Shop/Maneki Ramen: a choice of burgers or ramen under The Arches.
- Centenary Lounge: The Cross' nostalgic Art Deco-inspired setting that recaptures all the glamour and style of the 1930s railways.
- Chesters: Mexican cuisine in an atmospheric cellar space, plus a bright upstairs bar on New Street.
- Friar Street Kitchen: traditional British food made from local ingredients on the stunning Friar Street.
- Fuego: a rustic-modern dining room & bar serving upscale British cuisine sourced from local producers on Foregate Street.
- Globe Modern Bistro: another Friar Street gem, this independent is a family owned bar and dining room.
- The Old Rectifying House: a stylish venue with a modern fine-dining menu and an easy-going bar, plus a terrace garden on North Parade.
- The Olive Branch: homemade, market-fresh Mediterranean food on Church Street.
- Ounce Bar and Kitchen: a contemporary pub renovation on Foregate Street with a British menu and small terraced beer garden.
Go On Treat Yourself!
You really have earned a treat for yourself! While you're in town, you might as well make the most of student discounts as we at the Worcester BID have collected a huge array of offers for you!
Simply provide a valid student card (check if there are any extra requirements and T&C's) and you can take advantage of all these offers!
City Discounts: House of Haby
Enjoy a 10% discount at House of Haby!
Available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
Meet Your City Neighbours - David Edmunds
Worcester BID want to introduce our High Street Heroes, the people from our local city centre - community. David Edmunds who is the Festivals Director at Severn Arts and the dynamic driving force behind the festivals programme for The Arches Worcester Project
Favourite day out in the city?
My favourite day out in the city would have to include some of the varied independent businesses. There are so many great places to eat and drink. You could start with breakfast at Waylands Yard, lunch at Be the Change, don’t skip an afternoon pick me up with a coffee at Method and if you are staying in the city in the evening drinks at Tonic.
Best thing about working in Worcester?
The best thing about working in Worcester is the civic pride. People are keen for things to happen, which is great when you are bringing a new cultural festivals programme to a city. The partners and organisations we are working with show such strong support for what we are doing as well.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement would have to be Light Night in January 2020 and the way the people of the city embraced it. It really set the tone for the festivals programme. We had a bit of a break from our normal programming over the pandemic but we are very much looking forward to bringing our events back into the city centre.
Favourite city landmark?
I can’t really highlight just one city landmark that is my favourite. I’m a big fan of the architecture of Worcester in general. There are just so many different canvases to play with and on. I remember being at the top of Crowngate car park and looking at the 360 panoramic view of the city. From there you can see the river, The Hive, older parts of city and the Cathedral.
What do you do to relax within the city?
My favourite way to relax is running and Worcester has some great running routes: along the river, around Pitchcroft out towards Diglis and more.
What is Worcester’s best kept secret?
Worcester’s best kept secret has to be the unusual hidden spaces you find in the city. We have happened upon some really distinctive unique surprising spaces, from alleyways and courtyards through to the vaults under Asda carpark and the crypt under the cathedral.
What’s the best part of your role?
The best part of my role is definitely bringing amazing world-class creativity from around the world to our audiences in Worcester and being able to provide opportunities for new graduates to receive their first commissions alongside this. There is a new cultural landscape being built for the city alongside the development of The Arches and its an exciting time to be part of that right now.
A recommendation now the City is reopening?
I think there is an exciting summer ahead, Worcester’s Big Parade is happening, and of course our own summer plans. I’m looking forward to bringing that colour back to the city.
Student Discounts in the city!
We're thrilled to be able to offer students in Worcester a huge array of discounts in the city centre! Simply provide a valid student card (check if there are any extra requirements below and follow the links to see any extra T&C's) and you can take advantage of all these offers:
Food and Drink:
- Ask Italian (Cathedral Square): Enjoy 40% off food on Mondays and Tuesdays or 25% off food on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (NUS Extra & UNiDAYS only).
- Centenary Lounge (The Cross): Get a free hot drink with every order placed via Click and Collect.
- Greggs (High Street & The Shambles): on purchase of a full Sandwich Deal (see in store for details), you will be entitled to receive one of the following free of charge: One free Sausage Roll OR One Vegan Sausage Roll OR One Cheese & Onion Bake OR One sweet treat (in selected stores only).
- Hotel Chocolat (High Street): Get a 5% discount on all full priced items, including the café (NUS Extra only).
- McDonalds (Angel Street): Get a free Cheeseburger, Mayo Chicken or McFlurry Original when you buy any Extra Value or Wrap Meal and show your valid student or Student Beans ID.
- Pizza Express (Cathedral Square): Enjoy 30% off food and drink every Sunday to Thursday.
- Yo Sushi (High Street): Get 20% off the food bill through UNiDAYS.
- Zizzi (High Street): Have 30% off on Mondays and Tuesdays and 25% off on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (NUS Extra only).
Fashion:
- Accessorize (High Street): Get 10% off full price items.
- Anja Potze (Friar Street): Free jewellery cleaning service on Tuesdays through Fridays.
- Ann Summers (High Street): Get 10% off full price items (NUS Extra & UNiDAYS only).
- FatFace (High Street): Enjoy 10% off national offers all year round (NUS Extra only).
- Fuel (Reindeer Court): Enjoy a 10% discount.
- Jack Wills (High Street): Register for a 10% off code.
- JD Sports (The Shambles): Register with UNiDAYS for a 20% discount.
- Jingo (Pump Street): 10% off full price all year round.
- Moss Bros (High Street): Get 15% off through UNiDAYS.
- Mountain Warehouse (Broad Street): Enjoy 10% off all items.
- New Look (Crowngate Shopping Centre, Friary Walk): 10% off full price items (NUS Extra only).
- Rohan (Broad Street): Enjoy 10% off all full price items.
- Sports Direct (St Martins Quarter): Register for a 10% discount.
Health & Wellbeing:
- Boots (High Street): Enjoy 10% off online and instore with an advantage card.
- Camo Hair (Reindeer Court): Enjoy a discounted price on haircuts.
- Goodlife Barbers (Corn Market): Enjoy a student discount on Mondays to Wednesdays.
- House of Haby (The Gallery, The Shambles): Enjoy a 10% discount.
- The Hive (The Butts): Enjoy a 10% discount on offers through partners.
- The Kiln (Copenhagen Street): Enjoy a student/graduate discount (50% discount for 6 months).
- Natwest (The Cross): Make the most of a National Express young person's coach card, interest free overdraft up to £2000 and 24hr telephone & online banking.
- Pack It In-Zero Waste Living (The Gallery, The Shambles): Enjoy 10% off at all times.
- Paperchase (High Street): Enjoy 10% student discount all year round and up to 20% during fresher's week and various points in the year (enquire within).
- Rymans (Friary Walk): Enjoy 10% off in store by showing your ID.
- Simply Beautiful (St Swithins Street): Get a 10% discount on all products and services on Tuesdays through Fridays.
- Superdrug (Friary Walk, Crowngate & St Swithin's Street): Get a Health & Beauty card show Student ID for a 10% discount.
*Superdrug’s Online Doctor is also providing a 10% discount for students on all products and services with the code: STUDENT10
- Waterstones (The Shambles): Get 5% off every transaction through Plus Student.
Explore:
- Museum of Royal Worcester (Severn Street): Enjoy a discounted entry price of £5.50.
- Worcester Live: When eligible, discounts apply to students (enquire within).
- Worcester Tourist Information Centre (High Street): Make the most of a 10% offer on all gifts.
Relax:
- arrangeMYescape (Mealcheapan Street): Book a holiday with arrangeMYescape and be offered one of the following complimentary:
1. Free Airport lounge,
2. Free Airport car parking,
3. £100 on an Escape travel card for family bookings,
4. Free in resort excursion. (T&C's apply, enquire within).
- Travelodge (Cathedral Square): Enjoy a 5% discount through Student Beans.
- Worcester Whitehouse Hotel (Foregate Street): Take advantage of:
1. Stay Local, Book bed and breakfast direct with the hotel and receive 15% discount on the published rate upon proof of Worcestershire address. Enjoy full use of Leisure Club and complimentary car parking,
2. 15% off accommodation,
3. 20% off an annual membership (non-refundable),
4. 15% off wedding bookings for 2021 & 2022 subject to availability. (T&C's apply, enquire within).
Take a look at NUS / TOTUM and UNiDAYS, alongside other ways to look out for student discounts like Student Beans and StudentDiscount.co.uk.
City Discounts: Fuel Clothing
Enjoy a 10% discount at Fuel clothing!
Available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
City Discounts: Côte Brasserie
Enjoy a complimentary soft drink when purchasing a main course at Côte Brasserie!
This offer is valid during lunchtimes on Mondays - Fridays and is available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
City Discounts: Velvet
Enjoy free entry on Friday nights and 50% off entry on Saturday nights at Velvet!
This offer is available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
City Discounts: Mode Sports Bar & Grill
Receive 20% off the total bill before 7pm, including food and drinks, at Mode!
This offer is available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
City Discounts: The Kiln
Make the most of The Kiln, Worcester's incredible coworking space, with a Free Trial Day (1 free trial per person and available Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Available for City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
City Discounts: All Bar One
Enjoy a 10% discount when you visit All Bar One!
Available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
City Discounts: Worcester Tourist Information Centre
Enjoy 10% off all gifts at the Worcester Tourist Information Centre!
This offer is available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
City Discounts: arrangeMYescape
Check out these insanely good offers from arrangeMYescape!
If you book a holiday with arrangeMYescape, you will be exclusively offered one of the following:
- Free Airport lounge
- Free Airport car parking
- £100 on an Escape travel card for family bookings
- Free in resort excursion
Available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
T&C's:
- Airport lounge – Minimum spend £1,000 per person, Number one lounges only
- Free airport car parking – Minimum spend of £1,000 per person, we will pay up to the maximum of £75
- £100 Escape Card – Minimum family booking value of £5,000
- We cannot offer these in conjunction with any other discount, subject to availability.
- At managers discretion and can be removed at any time. Various airport and ports maybe available, please ask at the time of booking. Offer has to be added at the time of booking. We reserve the right to change offers at any time. You maybe able to upgrade, please ask us at time of booking.
City Discounts: Paperchase
Enjoy discounted prices on stationary and more at Paperchase!
City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months) can enjoy 15% off full price stock with no promotional activity.
City Discounts: Anja Potze Fine Jewellery Ltd.
Make the most of free jewellery cleaning services from Anja Potze!
Available on Tuesdays – Fridays.
Available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
City Discounts: Simply Beautiful
Enjoy a 10% discount on ALL products and services at Simply Beautiful!
Available on Tuesdays – Fridays.
Available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the last 3 months).
City Discounts: Ask Italian
Enjoy 2 for 1 on Starters/Mains/Desserts/Sides at Ask Italian!
Please Note: You must pre book your table via our webpage. Please ensure you include Worcester BID and your business name under "Special Requests" on the booking screen. Please provide proof of employment for the stated business when you arrive for your reservation. Your Worcester BID offer entitles you to an exclusive 2 for 1 offer across all Starters, Mains, Desserts and side orders; extra toppings are not included but may be purchased at usual menu price. Specials, sharing starters & sharing desserts are excluded from this offer. The cheapest or equivalent dish of each course from each menu section will be discounted from your bill. Your Worcester BID offer is valid for 4 people. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions, discounts or vouchers, including Tesco Clubcard vouchers. Set Menus (including our Kids Menus) and takeaways are not included in this offer. Your Worcester BID offer is not valid on Fridays, Saturdays, Bank Holidays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day and throughout December.
Available to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the last 3 months).
City Discounts: Worcester Whitehouse Hotel
Check out these amazing offers you can use at Worcester Whitehouse:
1. Stay Local, Book bed and breakfast direct with the hotel and receive 15% discount on the published rate upon proof of Worcestershire address. Enjoy full use of Leisure Club and complimentary car parking.
2. 15% off accommodation
3. 20% off an annual membership (non-refundable)
4. 15% off wedding bookings for 2021 & 2022 subject to availability.
T&C’s – Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, valid from 17/05/21 – 31/10/21. Cancellation 6.00pm day prior to arrival.
Applies to City Employees (please provide a payslip from the past 3 months).
City Discounts: Centenary Lounge
Get one free hot drink with every order placed via Click and Collect with Centenary Lounge (click on click and collect page)!
T&C’s: One offer per order.
Applies to City Employees (please produce a payslip from the past 3 months).
Meet Your City Neighbours - Janine Downes
Worcester BID want to introduce our High Street Heroes, the people from our local city centre - community. Janine Downes is Service Development and Engagement Manager for Worcestershire Libraries including The Hive. She is also the driving force behind the city’s Business and IP Centre, supporting pre and early start businesses to set up and thrive.
Favourite day out in the city? – A swim in the morning at Fitness for Less, a walk along the river taking in the Cathedral, a meander down Mealcheapen Street (Charity Alley) to pick up a few bargains, a coffee or a pint (depending on time of day) and food outside somewhere.
Best thing about working in Worcester? – Working next door to the Paul Pry for the friendliest welcome, best beer and tastiest food after work!
What is your proudest achievement? – I love working in libraries. Every time we inspire a child to read, help someone to use Zoom for the first time, help them to strengthen their business – that’s when I’m most proud. Lucky for me that happens every day!
Favourite city landmark? – Well it would be wrong not to say The Hive 😊 But really – I love that it overlooks the river and the Malvern Hills, and the design just inspires me every day.
What do you do to relax within the city? - I love always being able to find a lunchtime spot with a view, whether that’s down by the river, on Cathedral Plaza or when it’s raining from the windows of The Hive.
What is Worcester’s best kept secret? - Well, it’s not really a secret, but I love the café space in the Museum and Art Gallery, a secret if you haven’t found it yet I suppose. Oh – also Level 4 at The Hive. A peaceful, light and open haven for working.
What’s the best part of your role? – The people I work with and meet. The library and Business & IP Centre team, the customers, the partners we work with.
A recommendation now the City is reopening – Wander down the old streets: Copenhagen St, Fish St and Friar St to find great independents, atmosphere and quality food and drink!
Safer Streets Worcester consultation 17th - 31st May
Meet Your City Neighbours - Rachael Mitchell
Worcester BID want to introduce our High Street Heroes, the people from our local city centre community. This week, meet Rachael Mitchell, who is the General Manager of Worcester Whitehouse Hotel and a dynamic driving force behind the city’s hotel and leisure industry.
Favourite day out in the city?
A visit to the independent shops for which Worcester is renown, including The Shambles' Pack It In.
Best thing about working in Worcester?
There is so much on the doorstep to suit everyone and the people of Worcester I encounter are so friendly!
What is your proudest achievement?
I am most proud of my ability to always remain positive no-matter what life has decided to test me with.
Favourite city landmark?
Worcester Cathedral will always be a favourite of mine for obvious reasons but a special mention should also go to The Guild Hall.
What do you do to relax within the city?
I love to sit on a bench by the River Severn, watching the swans and the world go by to recharge my batteries.
What is Worcester’s best kept secret?
Not many people know about the spectacular views you can see from Fort Royal Park, especially at sunset and sunrise!
What’s the best part of your role?
The best part of my role is easily bringing people from near and far into Worcester for both business and pleasure so they can enjoy all this great city has to offer.
A recommendation now the City is reopening:
Not sure if my 1st option is appropriate so have provided 2!
Option 1 – A walk from Foregate to the river via the Arches, stopping off for lunch at the Burger Shop, a trip to the Porcelain Museum and Cathedral, with a drink in The Swan, a browse in the independent shops with an aperitif at Browns, dinner at Centenary Lounge followed by a night cap in Hop Lords finishing off in TripelB.
(You see? It makes me sound as though all I do is eat & drink!!)
Option 2 – Worcester benefits from great branded shops which are well worth a visit, however if you’re looking for something different, the independents offer a unique shopping encounter with an array of items not found elsewhere. Break up your shopping trip by visiting some of the privately owned bars, cafes, pubs and restaurants which all offer a great drinking and dining experience difficult to find elsewhere.
Vacancy: Have E-Commerce Retail Experience? St Richard's Hospice may be interested...
"We are looking for a Governor with commercial experience to join our Council and to become the Chair of our Trading Company, which is a major fundraising arm of the Hospice. Our Trading Company is responsible for developing a creative and innovative retail strategy to ensure sustainable income from our 18 shops located across Worcestershire.
"The role is voluntary (with reasonable expenses reimbursed) and will require a commitment to prepare for and attend Council and Trading meetings, which are currently held remotely.
"You will be able to demonstrate a successful business career, evidencing a capability for strong leadership, and ideally have experience as a non-executive director and as chair. Previous involvement in the charitable sector would be useful.
"You will be passionate about supporting St Richard’s to further develop our Trading Company and, in particular, our online income generation. You will also have excellent inter-personal and communication skills, both to act as an ambassador for St Richard’s within our community and to support, and encourage, our commercial team and the many volunteers who work in our shops and warehouse.
"We are a Council of Governors that prides itself on its diversity of thought and wide experience, to which we are hoping you could add; we thus encourage interest and applications from all sections of society.
"Your role as a Governor will enable you to become a real part of St Richard’s Hospice and, as Chair of the Trading Company, you will play an important role in furthering the future of this integral funding arm for the Hospice.
"If you can share our passion for providing extraordinary care for our patients, and are interested in finding out more about this exciting role, we shall be delighted to hear from you."
The role vacancy is now live on the website https://www.strichards.org.uk/latest-jobs/governor-with-commercial-experience-to-chair-trading-company/
Meet Your City Centre Neighbours - Sarah-Jane Morgan
Worcester BID want to introduce our High Street Heroes, the people from our local city centre - community. Who better to kick this feature off than, Sarah-Jane Morgan who is Chief Executive of Worcester Live and the dynamic driving force behind the city’s theatrical and performing arts.
Favourite day out in the city
It has to be a day shopping with my three daughters! We love the city so much, we are so lucky to have such an amazing mix of enchanting independent shops to compliment the high street retailers, it makes a day shopping really varied and different to other cities.
Best thing about working in Worcester
Whenever I have to nip between one of our venues, I often see someone I know from another business to say hi to, everyone is so friendly and supportive of each other, it really is a great city to work in knowing that we are all in this together, there for each other and happy to help boost each other when things get challenging. It’s so important to work together, we may work in different industries but we all face the same challenges and working together definitely helps us succeed.
What is your proudest achievement
Ensuring the sustainability of Worcester Live over the last 12 months has to rank pretty high on that list! I’ve been in this role for 23 months now and to have led the organisation through what has been an undeniably extraordinary time and to have come through with two venues intact, refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to once again welcome back our patrons for theatre and live entertainment, is a great achievement, I am very proud of what our team is achieving together.
Favourite city landmark
It has to be the Commandery, we produce outdoor theatre there very year and it is just the most beautiful historic setting to be able to present live theatre for the city. I was so disappointed to have to cancel last year’s production due to Covid, but we will be back this year from the 30th June to the 11th July - we are very excited about this year’s production and really looking forward to working with the incredible team there again.
What do you do to relax within the city
We are really lucky to be located right by Worcester Racecourse at the Swan Theatre, we have a fabulous view of the course from our bar balcony. But actually going to the races for the atmosphere is simply fantastic and definitely a great way to relax!
What is Worcester’s best kept secret
I don’t think they are secrets anymore, but I (and all the team at Worcester Live) love all the independent cafes and restaurants, there are so many fabulous ones in Worcester, we are definitely spoilt for choice! We have been running a feature on our Instagram page, WL recommends recently, so far:
Commandery Coffee,
Burger Shop Worcs,
Guilt Trip Coffee/Doughnuts,
Waylands Yard,
Yum Sweet Treats,
The Steamhouse,
Francini Café,
Steam Coffee.
You may see a theme running here! I also love a trip to Mr Simms sweetshop for those special sweetie and chocolate presents and I am a fan of Goodroots, I love the space at the Royal Porcelain Works, on a sunny day The Courtyard feels as though you are on Mediterranean holiday, we need more of that feeling in our lives right now!
What’s the best part of your role
I adore standing at the back of the auditorium at the Swan Theatre or Huntingdon Hall and watching a show in full swing, the audience loving each and every moment of what is unfolding around them and knowing that I am fundamental in making that happen, it’s pure intoxicating magic.
A recommendation now the City is reopening
I recommend joining our mailing list and taking a look at the events coming up in the next few months. Worcester Live, The Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall are evolving and there are some really exciting changes ahead. If you haven’t been to our venues or haven’t been for a long time, then take a look, come and visit us and see a show - we have such a lot to offer the city of Worcester!
A big change for the High Street!
Worcester artisan food hall and farmers market to follow HoH Food Hall, Hull launch
The former Debenhams site in Worcester is set to undergo a major 9 month transformation, which has started this week.
Window installations give a taste of what’s to come at the site and once finished it’s planned to house a vibrant, artisanal food hall as well as a community led farmers' market.
Debenhams permanently closed its doors earlier this year, and the RoK Ops team behind the development were excited at the chance to create a new offering combining dining, organic grocery, retail food, music and culture.
With the team’s development in Hull, Yorkshire set to open in summer 2021, the Rok Ops team are keen to start the Worcester transformation.
The community-driven concept supports local producers, growers, makers and bakers, and has been curated by food and beverage expert Des McDonald of the RoK Ops team to deliver a dynamic and unique food driven experience direct to the high street.
With extensive experience in F&B and more than 35 years in hospitality, including an impressive track record of developing, opening and operating over 150 restaurants, bars, cafes and coffee shops, Des will ensure consistent quality and innovation as the project progresses.
He has the distinction of having opened one of the original Ivy restaurants, Soho House and the world-famous Annabel’s nightclub, and has an impressive portfolio of restaurants across America, Europe and the Middle East, including Selfridges and Eataly.
Speaking of the upcoming developments, Des commented:
“We’re looking forward to working with the local community to transform this historical city centre building into something completely new. We’ll be looking to work with local partners at every stage of the regeneration and there will be a real focus on independents.
Eann Ramsey-Smith, Project Manager, ROK Opps added:
“The High Street is undergoing major changes, with the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating huge shifts in the way people shop. The food hall platform offers local producers the ability to plug and play, creating a diverse offer at each location, where our focus is on the local supply chain, local labour, zero waste, local partnerships and the ability to create a vibrant community in our buildings.
We’re developing a unique concept of Artisan Food Halls, which focus on visual production. Combining food retail, hospitality and culture, all of our food halls will be independent and completely unique; we don't have a cookie-cutter approach.”
Jeremy Seymour, JS LAND & CAPITAL (GLOBAL) LTD (agent on behalf of the landlord) commented:
“Our collaborative approach is at the heart of everything we do. The partnership between landlord, tenant, operators and the local community is the bedrock of everything we are determined to achieve.”
Press contact:
Beth Gray | PR Manager | bethany@sowden-sowden.co.uk | 07715 668030
For more information about the development visit: www.rokops.co.uk
Discounted Advertising from Youthcomm!
Worcester BID are partnering with Youthcomm!
The team have been going to businesses with Youthcomm to record tags for the breakfast show, you can see the pictures below! You can also be a part of this for free!
Through our partnership, we have a daytime sponsorship with Youthcomm with 12 rotating city spotlights. Furthermore, there's even a 25% discount off Youthcomm packages for BID members and further negotiations can be made for longer periods!
Download the pack to find out more: Youthcomm Sales Pack
Get involved by emailing Daniel.Haimes@worcesterbid.com today!
Raising your profile for free!
Worcester BID are excited to announce we are working with Worcester News as part of the Love Local campaign!
For 10 weeks, we will be promoting the city centre and raising your profile. Here's how you can get involved:
- FREE business advert
- FREE ‘meet the trader’ coverage in print / online
- FREE advert for job vacancies via Newsquest
These spaces are on a first come, first serve basis so register your interest quickly by emailing Daniel.Haimes@worcesterbid.com (please specify what you are registering interest for in your email)!
Support for Reopening of Outdoor Hospitality
We have collated some posters that you can use to help encourage safe shopping in your business, reminding consumers to wear masks and follow other social distancing guidelines. Hold/right click the images below to save them:
Also available to download are some useful letters that help detail reopening. Download them here: Covid Reopening Letters
Check out Commandery Coffee today!
Pete and Gemma are always hard at work in one of Worcester's most beautiful spots!
Commandery Coffee is an "independently run coffee shop located in the Commandery Museum, with an idyllic garden facing out onto the Birmingham / Worcester canal. A 5 minute walk from the main high street, but feels like a million miles from the hustle and bustle of town."
This hidden gem produces a wide range of hot food, freshly made cakes and drinks, with plenty of Gluten Free and Vegan options to satisfy everyone!
Check out their website to find out more: https://commandery-coffee.business.site/
Have a look at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/commandery.coffee.worcester/
And their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commandery.coffee.worcester/
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Lucky Cat Noodle Are Crowdfunding!
The A Rule of Tum restaurant group opened Lucky Cat Noodle as a pop-up ramen bar during the pandemic in November 2020 and instantly the 20 seater ramen bar was fully booked daily.
When Lucky Cat Noodle had to close to dine-in they moved to a takeaway model and 6 months after opening the restaurant is still going strong and ready to upgrade to a full-service restaurant.
Lucky Cat Noodle, an A Rule of Tum restaurant today announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to raise £30,000 to refit a new restaurant space to replace a 6 month long ramen bar pop-up in Worcester.
Become a part of their story and get great rewards: Find out more here!
Head chef (Pete Dovaston) and A Rule of Tum Director (Dorian Kirk) are both available for interviews, should you wish to arrange an interview, or require any more information or photography please get in touch with Colin Nicholls (Marketing manager) @ colin@aruleoftum.com.
Handmade hats for all occasions!
Jane creates bespoke millinery pieces at Hat House for purchase and hire!
“I’m lucky enough to have worked on some amazing pieces for my clients over the years as a trained milliner. Jx at The Hat House is my millinery studio based at the heart of Worcester’s elegant Friar Street. My shop contains a wonderful range of quirky and classic handmade millinery, gorgeous handbags, cashmere wraps, silk scarfs, Worcester’s most photographed umbrella collection and so much more!”
Shop all of Jane’s products and make enquiries at the online store!
Their website: https://www.thehathouse.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Hat-House-231437670262693
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Free Reopening & Recovery Webinars for licensed premises
All Hands To The Pump offer free webinars and training for the venues, regulators and place managers involved in the licensed trade, delivered by professional organisations and updated regularly.
Access the calendar in the link below to find more details about what events are happening when.
The Wicked Hair team are excited to see you again!
The Wicked Hair team are excited to see you again!
The High Street salon engage regularly with their followers online as they follow the roadmap out of lockdown: each day that passes is another day closer to you getting that much needed haircut!
They are available to answer your questions and are preparing for bookings so, to make sure you don’t miss out, make sure you’re following them!
https://www.facebook.com/wickedhairsalonworcester
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Kings Gallery and Mangojuice offer amazing handmade gifts!
"The Kings Gallery has been trading from it's historic building in New Street for 21 years. With the addition of Mangojuice gallery in the last 10 years both galleries offer a beautiful selection of art and handmade gifts. We are available for click and collect and currently offer a free local delivery service. For individual handmade gifts visit our website at www.mangojuicegallery.co.uk."
Their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MangojuiceGallery/
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Meet the team at Pack It In!
You've met Phil, now meet the team at Pack It In: Georgina, Phil and Vicky!
"Here at ‘Pack It In’ we are fully open for customers to refill their containers. We are keeping everyone safe by restricting the number of customers in store and providing a sanitisation station outside. Deliveries are available, if needed, and we ask customers to use our online shop to browse and plan their shop before coming in."
Their website: https://www.packitin-zerowasteliving.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/packitinzerowasteliving/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PackItIn_ZW
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Gull Management Plans 2021
With the city reopening in the next coming weeks here are some key points to consider to protect consumers and support reducing gull interference, with briefing notes taken from the Worcester Gull Forum meeting on 25/02/2021 by Gordon Dugan (Technical Officer (Gull Control – Worcester)).
1 Changes in gull behaviour and issues with gulls over the winter.
(a) A significant number of reports have been received from across the city about the unusually early return of the nesting gulls in large numbers. They appear to be marking out and defending their territories/nesting sites from rivals.
2 Gull control licences from Natural England.
(a) Once a nest has been occupied, a licence is required for gull management such as the removal of nests and eggs. A clear case of a tangible threat to public health or public safety must be made for a licence to be issued; nuisance alone is insufficient. Natural England must achieve a balance between the competing demands of the public and the conservation of the two gull species.
(b) Following discussions between WRS and Natural England over the winter and since the initial licence applications were made for Worcester two weeks ago, the two organisations have this week entered into negotiations for the issue of an ‘organisation’ licence for the city. In this, WRS on behalf of Worcester City Council would be granted a type of delegated licensing authority by Natural England; this is a pilot scheme in which only one other local authority (Bath) is taking part.
(c) Within a defined area – probably all or most of the city - WRS would be able to grant authority to their own staff and contractors, and to property owners and their contractors to take licensable gull management action. WRS would be responsible for the decision to take action, for legal and regulatory compliance and regular reports would have to be made to Natural England. The onus would be placed on WRS to ensure that any actions taken could be justified as compelling public health and safety risks. The ‘organisation’ licence could be in place from 1 April this year.
(d) The key merits of the ‘organisation’ licence are:
- major cost and time savings over applying for individual site licences as in 2020;
- speed of action – a decision can be made immediately with earlier resolution of issues;
- greater certainty when planning gull control operations in advance and allocating funds;
- Worcester City Council/WRS gaining an enhanced overview of gull issues across the city and of licensable actions taken by property owners and their contractors.
3 Deterrent hawking.
(a) Following the positive results of the trial in the Britannia Square area last year, the scheme is being transferred to specific properties along the road axes of The Tything, Foregate St, High St, Copenhagen St, Fish St, Severn St and Mill St. An outlier site in Weir Lane, Lower Wick will also be included.
(b) Purpose: to complement licensed nest interventions in displacing gulls from specific nesting sites where problems have been reported through non-lethal means.
(c) Key features:
- intensive hawking phase - four days per week Monday 29 March to Friday 23 April 2021 (eight hours per day on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays);
- reduced intensity phase - two days per week Monday 26 April to Friday 21 May (eight hours per day on random working days at the discretion of the hawker);
- dogs on leads with the hawker to enhance the deterrent effect – experimental activity;
- fund-matched between the Council and specific property owners;
- adjustment of dates may be necessary to account for the early return of the gulls this year – possibly bringing the programme forward by one week.
4 Nest and egg removal by MEWP (cherry picker) on private land/off road deployment
(a) Two MEWPs with highly accomplished operators (Fletcher Access) have been booked for four rounds of nest and egg removal on 4 May, 24 May, 14 June and 5 July (21-day intervals; laying to hatching c. 27 days).
(b) The two MEWPS are of different sizes and so will permit maximum flexibility in gaining access to different premises. Efficiency and reach will be enhanced by the use of drag tools and cameras fitted to long telescopic poles with reaches of 40 to 52 feet.
(c) Sites visited in 2020 will be included in the programme; there are also new sites in Barbourne, Diglis and St Johns.
(d) Licence-permitting, the intention is to displace the gulls from these sensitive locations where human-gull interactions are causing health and safety concerns. This may take several years of such action. With no chicks to defend, things should be quieter.
(e) The identified key weaknesses are: the gulls could displace elsewhere nearby where access may be difficult or in new locations in Worcester and cause issues there; the programme ends in early July so some birds could still lay afterwards. However, a balance between resources and efficacy must be reached. The programme remains experimental; monitoring will take place and adjustments made in the light of the gulls’ reactions and within the available resource base.
5 Nest and egg removal by MEWP operating from the street in the city centre
(a) One large 28-metre MEWP has been booked with street permits and traffic management for deployment on streets in the city centre for eight hours on the following Sundays: 2 May, 23 May, 13 June and 4 July.
(b) A programme of nest and egg removal will take place from as many nest sites in the main city centre streets as we can gain access to within the time frames set. Key areas of operation: Foregate, High and Broad Streets; The Shambles.
(c) When the licence is in place, WRS will engage with site owners in arranging access.
(d) This resource may also be deployed just outside the city centre at Studdart Kennedy House, Spring Gardens, if possible.
6 Nest and egg removal from roofs in the city centre where there is safe internal access
(a) Nest and egg removal will also take place by internal access using a new contractor this year. This will operate in tandem with the same work by MEWP.
(b) Eight- hour days have been booked on 30 April, 21 May, 11 June and 2 July.
(c) Once the licence is in place WRS will re-negotiate access to the premises on the traditional round visited by Red Kite for egg replacement; new properties will also be found.
7 Nest and egg removal by MEWP at an industrial site in Lower Wick
(a) A fund-matching agreement has been reached between the City Council and the owners of an industrial site in Weir Lane, Lower Wick where a significant and troublesome nest cluster exists.
(b) A programme of pre-season nest clearance and then deterrence by daily human presence has been agreed and is currently being enacted. Hawking will also take place on site. Subject to the licence being granted, nest and egg removal visits by MEWP will take place on 5 May, 26 May, 16 June and 7 July.
(c) Due to the fairly compact nature of this site, it is hoped that a determined and sustained effort over several years will permanently disperse the gulls from this site which lies alongside residential properties.
8 Red roof nesting deterrent experiment
(a) Observational, but non-substantiated evidence exists that gulls appear, at least temporarily, to be averse to landing and nesting on red and shiny surfaces. The gull specialist Peter Rock, and Dr Dave Parrott of the Animal and Plant Health Agency believe this potential deterrent is worth investigating in a scientific way. Dr John Coulson, formerly of Durham University and adviser to Scottish councils on gull control, has observed that gulls do not like shiny surfaces; this is perhaps a reason why The Hive appears to be gull-free.
(b) A small number of test sites have been selected this year. They are all on flat, accessible roofs where gulls have been nesting. After removal of last year’s nests, a 1m2 area around the established nest site will be sprayed bright red with an acrylic paint. The behaviour of the gulls will then be monitored. Following this pilot test, a full scientific methodology developed by the Ecology Department of the University of Worcester will then be used in a more extensive trial.
(c) A similar test of the effectiveness of shiny surfaces as a gull deterrent will take place next year.
9 Recovery and rehabilitation of gull chicks
(a) We have a contractor in place to recover gull chicks from safely accessible places anywhere in Worcester where the chick presents an animal welfare concern. This action will take place under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
(b) Any recovered gull chicks will be taken to a wildlife hospital from which they will ultimately be released into the wild, but in a rural coastal setting. Prior to release they will be ringed for subsequent monitoring by Peter Rock and the network of British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) observers. This will provide additional data on inter-colony and other movements by the birds.
(c) Should WRS have to arrange for the removal of the chicks of particularly aggressive parent gulls anywhere in the city this year, the removed chicks will be rehabilitated in the same way as those recovered for animal welfare reasons. This represents a non-controversial and ethical resolution.
(d) Worcester City Council is sponsoring a gull aviary at the wildlife hospital as part of the agreement. Recovered chicks from elsewhere will also be ringed and included within our research programme into the movements of gull chicks as a way of better informing our future gull management decisions.
10 Ongoing research into gull behaviour
(a) Several projects continue, including Peter Rock/BTO ringing a further batch of gull chicks from accessible roofs in Worcester in June where control has not taken place.
(b) WRS is awaiting the results of a literature search on gull control methods and technologies worldwide from third-year BSc Ecology students at the University of Worcester. The results of this will then be considered and further research commissioned in consultation with Dr John Dutton of the University.
(c) WRS will make a bid to Worcester City Council to commission a further gull population survey by Peter Rock in 2022. This may be an essential requirement of the ‘organisation’ licence currently being negotiated with Natural England. This 2022 survey would allow proper scrutiny and assessment of our gull management programme, including the gull displacement effects of our work this year; the ‘benchmark’ would be the 2020 survey.
11 Reacting to complaints and issuing advice
The WRS gull officer for the City of Worcester will continue to respond to complaints and issue advice as promptly as possible. This will be facilitated by the use of a 52-foot bespoke, extendable carbon fibre pole on which both a camera can be mounted and a drag tool for the removal of gull nests where it is deemed appropriate. It is hoped that providing there is compelling evidence of a real public health and/or public safety issue at specific premises, and authorised by the new ‘organisation’ licence, the gull officer will be able to take immediate action in cases (where access is possible).
12 City centre Public Space Protection Order prohibiting the deliberate feeding of gulls
(a) This will come into force this year for a defined area of the city centre and the banks of the Severn. Uniformed Council enforcement officers will be able to take action against persistent offenders or those who ignore initial warnings.
(b) The Council’s Community Engagement Team has prepared a series of posters and signs to inform people of the Order in the affected area.
(c) In addition to reducing the easy availability of food for gulls, the Order and its publicity launch campaign and signage will increase public awareness of the gull issue – definitely a positive!
13 Drafting planning advice requiring the ‘designing-out’ of nesting opportunities for gulls
(a) WRS will liaise with planning officers over the drafting of building development guidelines intended to promote the incorporation of gull nesting and roosting prevention measures into the designs of new buildings and altered buildings where planning permission is required.
If you require further help, or a Gull Sack, please contact Worcester BID with the subject "Gull Sack".
A Road Map to a normal Festival this Year! We need your support!
The Worcester Festival is hopeful that this year’s Festival will be fully back to its fun and vibrant self again! 2021 will be the 19th year of the Worcester Festival and whatever August holds the Festival will go ahead!
As always we need your help, with the wonderful events that you host. Live and virtual events are welcomed.
We know that the last year has been very difficult, but we are encouraging you to get creative, hopefully this year’s Festival will be the first big event in the City and so we want as many people involved as possible!
This is an opportunity to put on something new, or excitingly different, to be innovative, to think outside the box. For example, if you are a restaurant, why not put on a special ‘Worcester Festival’ menu, or cocktail, or a special Worcester Festival deal? If you are pub, why not put on a quiz or a music night or a talent, especially if you don’t normally do those things, the possibilities are endless!
Online registration for this year’s Worcester Festival is now open and it’s so easy, just go
onto the website www.worcesterfestival.co.uk and fill out the online registration form!
There are so many advantages to being part of the Worcester Festival, including the huge amount of generic advertising and hype from which you can benefit, and you will be taking part in one of the largest events in Worcestershire.
When you have registered your event it will be listed in the Worcester Festival Event Guide and on the website. All free of charge! (Although in difficult times, a voluntary contribution would be most welcome.)
It is a genuine opportunity to market or publicise your company to a large number of people and to be a part of the Worcester community.
Covid-19 stopped so many events in the last year, but it certainly didn’t stop The Worcester Festival and it won’t stop us this year should the road map get a little off course. We want 2021’s Worcester Festival to be a beacon of hope and fun for the people of Worcester and hopefully be a chance for us all to celebrate getting through this. So come and get involved!
Details:
- 14th – 30th August 2021
- Host an event between these dates and register free with the Worcester Festival at worcesterfestival.co.uk
- Get free publicity and social media coverage for your event when you register
- Any event welcome from pub quizzes to arts and crafts!
- Donate a prize to one of our competitions. (Gift vouchers, hampers or products all welcomed)
- For more information visit worcesterfestival.co.uk
- For queries or to offer prizes contact Chris Jaeger on chris@worcesterfestival.co.uk
The latest newsletter from the Worcester City Council Economic Development Team
Finance and Funding
January Lockdown Grants
The following grants are available for businesses affected by the current lockdown which started on 5 January:
Lockdown Business Support Grant - 5 January onwards
National Lockdown second payment cycle - 16 February to 31 March 2021
Discretionary Lockdown Support Grant
Other COVID Grant schemes
Tier Two Grants
November lockdown grants
Restart Grants
To find more details about the grants and extra information about the budget, the roadmap out of lockdown and more, read the full version of the latest newsletter from the Worcester City Council Economic Development Team.
The staff at Browns at the Quay miss you!
Rich: "We are all looking forward to welcoming back all our lovely customers as soon as possible. All our areas are covid safe and we are taking every possible precaution to keep everyone protected. We are very proud to be an independent local business, and to be a part of this great city's thriving hospitality sector."
Their website: https://brownsworcester.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thequayworcester/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brownsatthequay
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Now We're Talking with Art!
Now We’re Talking with Art
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, in partnership with Worcester City Council, are creating an outdoor art trail in May featuring work from local artists narrating different mental health issues. The ‘Now We’re Talking with Art’ campaign will provide a walking, accessible trail for the community to enjoy free of charge.
Do you have a window space in Worcester City Centre?
The NHS Trust are asking local businesses to let the campaign use their window spaces to help fill the city with colour through installations, fine art, photography, craft, murals and more. Not only will this campaign increase awareness and improve mental wellbeing, but it will also increase footfall in Worcester City Centre along the trail and help the local economy. It won’t cost a penny, but the artwork in your window could help save someone’s life who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, or bring smiles to those who need to know they are not alone.
Interested or want to find out more? Email Katherine.wood4@nhs.net
The website https://www.healthyminds.whct.nhs.uk/nwt-art
Facebook: @NowWereTalkingHW (https://www.facebook.com/NowWereTalkingHW)
Twitter: @NowWereTalking_ (https://twitter.com/NowWereTalking_)
Keeping safe and supporting local with Centenary Lounge!
Aasia and the Centenary Lounge team are here for you!
Keeping safe - Centenary Lounge has adjusted its operation to adhere to the new guidelines. For the restaurant when we are open we have the following changes and guidelines in place:
Hand sanitisers will be placed at designated areas throughout the restaurant for ease.
Tables have been placed at a 1metre distance. (Reduced covers from 42 to 26)
Staff will take your order and deliver to your table. After this they will limit their interaction with you, so if you require anything further or have any questions please wave for attention.
If you feel unwell or show any of the main symptoms, please stay at home.
Use the track and trace app on arrival. If you don't have the app then we will take your details via a manual form which meets GDPR requirements.
Contactless/card payment is the preferred choice of payment
For deliveries - we offer a contactless delivery to your order.
More info on our website here: https://centenarylounge.com/centenary-lounge-steams-ahead/
Support local - We have produced a lovely hamper, giftware and afternoon tea at home range using many local Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire suppliers. From Croome cuisine for cheese, Franks in Herefordshire for biscuits to Wychbold Fudge for fudge and Oldfields for cider and beer.
Plus many more including Hussingtree Gin and MacNeils.
How to shop with us - Currently you can shop with us online from our new website:
https://centenarylounge.com/shop/
For local (Worcester and surrounding area upto 10miles) we are delivering classic and savoury afternoon teas. To place orders get in touch during lockdown via Facebook and Instagram DM or email us at worcester@centenarylounge.com. You can also call us on 01905 724242 and leave a message with name, phone number and brief message about order. Orders to be placed at least 48 hours in advance.
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
The RPW doors will open again soon!
Kathy Leather & Beki Farrow cannot wait to welcome you back to Royal Porcelain Works!
“Preparations are in process behind the scenes to bring some wonderful events to the Henry Sandon Hall and our beautiful Courtyard. With high standards and plenty of space for social distancing our wonderful building is a blank canvas for any event. Until we can open our doors again, take care, keep safe and we will see you soon!”
Their website: https://www.royalporcelainworks.co.uk/?doing_wp_cron=1614091052.9783759117126464843750
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Hear from Hop Lords!
Hear from Hop Lords: how they are currently operating, how you can order and their vision for supporting local in the future!
“We keep as safe as possible by only being open for a few hours every Friday and Saturday afternoon’s 12-3pm and ask people to sanitise their hands-on entry, wear a mask unless exempt and limit the shop to only 2 customers at a time. We only accept contactless payment. I also have the webshop (linked below). All orders placed through the week for home delivery are delivered on Friday’s after 3pm. Delivery is free on orders over £30 within a 10-mile radius of Worcester. I will go further as well if customers get in touch first. We also ship national on next day delivery. We also can offer click and collect at checkout if people want to but if someone is walking into to town to buy to takeaway I think people like to peruse all the stock before choosing. You can do that on the webshop but it’s nice to look at the beers in their physical form with all the lovely artwork on beers nowadays.”
“Supporting local has always been important but Covid has made people really understand how important it is. I’ve decided when I get the pubs I have open I’m going to stock as much locally sourced beers, spirits, wines etc etc as I can. There’s some of the best pale ales and IPA’s in the country being made up the road in Cheltenham. Astley vineyard near stourport make exceptional wines. Then there’s chase distillery in Hereford and Piston gin in Worcester. I still think HPA from Wye Valley brewery is world class when it comes to real ale. There’s loads to support locally and I’m going to support them all way more than I have in the past.”
hoplordstaproombottleshop.selz.com
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Miss TripelB? They miss you!
“Missing you is our reality right now but sharing the world’s best beers and having fun doing it is our future together. TripelB will return! Keep following us, like and share our posts, and we’ll keep you in touch with all our exciting plans for re-opening!” - TripelB Team
Check out their website to find out more: http://www.tripelb.co.uk/
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Increase your productivity whilst working from home!
Meet Alex and check out The Kiln!
The Kiln provides an affordable workspace for Worcester's remote workers and thriving small business community.
While you can't currently use their space on Copenhagen Street, check out their social media to see their tips on making the most of your home-office setup.
While you're there, why not drop a like, follow and leave a review? Local businesses really value support like this during these difficult times!
Their website: https://thekiln.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekilnco
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKilnCo
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com
Keep yourself pampered at home!
Show your support for 25 Boutique!
Check out 25 Boutique and meet Becky!
She's been in business with affordable, luxury fashion for almost 15 years on Friar Street with lesser known global brands and that offer “something different”.
While business has had to be temporarily stopped, you can still support her by interacting with her!
You can visit her website and sign up to her newsletter here: https://25boutique.co.uk/
Follow her business on Twitter: https://twitter.com/25boutiqueworcs
If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com