Funding Updates - Businesses
Support Finder Tool
A new 'support finder' tool has been launched to help businesses and self-employed people across the UK to find out what financial support is available to them during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
BCRS Business Loans have announced they have become a delivery partner for the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. BCRS have a track record of lending to businesses that are unable to access finance from traditional lenders. They can offer loans from £10,000 to £150,000 with terms up to six years. Under CBILS, interest and lender-levied fees will be paid by the Government for the first 12 months. For further information, visit the website.
Innovation Grants
The UK Government has announced a £1.25 billion government support package to support high growth firms and those focussing on research and development.
The Future Fund will issue convertible loans to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Future Fund will provide government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
These convertible loans may be a suitable option for businesses that rely on equity investment and are unable to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. The scheme will be delivered in partnership with the British Business Bank and will launch in May 2020.
Have your views heard: Worcester Market Review
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Worcester Business School Careers Fair - Thursday 26th March
FROM UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER:
We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Business Careers Fair. The fair is a great opportunity to meet some of our best students, raise awareness of your brand and showcase your graduate schemes, or 12-month work placement, 3-6 month internship, or casual work and other opportunities.
The event will run between 11.30am and 3pm at our award-winning University Arena in Worcester. As always, stands are free, and available for businesses with roles for graduates, as well as placements and internships and casual work opportunities.
You will be provided with a table, chairs and complimentary refreshments throughout the event and lunch. Please do let us know of any dietary requirements when you book.
Tap into a new pool of talent and meet our highly employable students with a wide variety of skills and from a range of different courses including Business Management, Computing, Accounting, HR and Marketing, as well as International Business and Entrepreneurship, many whom have gained additional work experience via work placements and internships, as well as volunteering and community projects in the local area.
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK
DEFIBRILLATOR LOCATIONS IN WORCESTER CITY CENTRE
Below listed are some of the locations within Worcester city centre where a defibrillator is housed.
If you are a business with a defibrillator and you are not on this list, please get in touch and we’ll ensure that your details are added.
| Business Name | Location of Defibrillator |
| Crowngate Shopping Centre (Chapel Walk) | AED defibrillator is in a fire exit corridor next to Warhammer.
The door has an AED sign on it for fast and easy recognition.
The door is external to the Centre and not completely in view of CCTV.
Please ring the 24/7 Security Team on 01905 610065, explain who you are, where you are and request use of the AED.
They will quickly despatch a team member to give you access.
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| Crowngate Shopping Centre (Friary Walk) | AED defibrillator is in the fire exit corridor next to Rymans.
The door has an AED sign on it for fast and easy recognition.
To open the door, push the bar, the AED is in a wall mounted box on the right- hand side of the corridor.
Simply open the box to access it.
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| Cathedral Square | Management office
(alert Cathedral Square Security to gain access) |
| Fitness for Less | Behind the Fitness for Less Reception Desk |
| Guildhall | Bottom of Main Staircase |
| Heart of Worcestershire College | Main Reception of All Saint’s Building |
| Marks & Spencer | Bureau de Change, First Floor next to the Café |
| Museum and Art Gallery | Reception |
| The Hive | Inside the main entrance, on the left |
Take part in 2020’s Worcester Festival!
Are you hosting an event this August? Are you a local business who would love to get more involved in the local community? Are you a charity or organisation who would love to be part of something amazing this summer? Then the Worcester Festival is for you!
Worcester Festival 2020 is the 18th annual festival and it is shaping up to be the biggest, most eclectic, most eco-friendly, most diverse Worcester Festival ever.
Online registration for this year’s Worcester Festival is now open and it couldn’t be more simple: fill out the registration form here.
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 (25,000 copies printed) and on the website (thousands of hits during July and August). All free of charge!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.
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! Don’t forget to brand it too for extra coverage e.g. Worcester Festival Jazz Night… the possibilities are endless!
2019’s Worcester Festival contained over 500 events, 58 venues and 46 participating organisations. Over 350 of the events were free at point of contact. We estimate that over 200,000 people saw an event. We want the 2020 Festival to be even bigger and better, so get those thinking caps on and come and join the biggest event in Worcester this summer!
If you any questions, please contact the Worcester Festival Director, Chris Jaeger on 07594 230268 or chris@worcesterfestival.co.uk
New Training Dates for 2020
FIRST AID
Due to popular demand, we have booked a further two ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ training courses for the new year!
They will be held on Friday 28th February 2020 and Friday 6th March 2020.
These training courses are extremely popular and are offered to BID businesses on a first come, first served basis so, if you’d like to book on to one of the above courses, get in touch with Shelly or one of the BID team asap!
At a cost of only £20 + VAT per person, it’s a fantastic saving for our BID members!
FOOD HYGIENE
We are delighted to be offering Level 2 and Level 3 Food Hygiene training courses in the new year.
At a cost of just £20 + VAT, which is a potential saving of around £350 per person for the Level 3 course!
Due to the popularity of these courses, please get in touch with Shelly asap for more information and to book your slot!
UPCOMING TRAINING FOR 2020 (Dates TBC)
- ACT Awareness Counter Terrorism
- Fire Safety Awareness
- Food Hygiene (Levels 2 and 3)
- Social Media (Getting to Grips with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)
- Social Media (Advanced Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)
- Visual Merchandising
We have many more training opportunities available to our BID members, details of which can be found on the attached Training Needs Analysis form.
DEFIBRILLATOR LOCATIONS IN WORCESTER CITY
We are currently putting together a list of defibrillators within Worcester city centre.
If you are a business with a defibrillator, please do get in touch and we’ll ensure that your details are added!
Join CityNet!
This past year we’ve welcomed several new members to the CityNet scheme and introduced several different services. With 15 new businesses joining the scheme, the introduction of Best Bar None and our DISC website and mobile app, the CityNet community has grown from strength to strength and now includes over 150 members.
Ranging from chains to independents, from bars to retailers, restaurants and tourist attractions, the diverse nature of CityNet covers every sector. Supported by the CityNet team, the Police and CCTV suites, these businesses all work together to reduce crime and keep our city centre safe.
Our newest members to join DISC and the shared-radio system are Ye Olde Talbot, Mountain Warehouse and New England Country Store who have all joined in the last month, building on both our day and night-time economies to create a stronger network of individuals working to reduce crime and disorder.
On top of this, 10 alcohol-licensed premises have become Best Bar None accredited to ensure that their policies and procedures are in check, their staff are trained and that their premises are fit to keep their customers safe. With a few more businesses set to take part in this year’s scheme, Worcester’s Best Bar None community is always growing!
Although CityNet’s website and mobile app was only introduced in 2019, it now has 158 members from across the day and night-time economies and displays 157 offenders on the website. 223 incidents reports have been processed, 80 public realm reports have been received and members have logged in 4,415 times in total so far.
Building on intelligence, this app has allowed members to identify and warn each other of local offenders and with the busy Christmas period in full swing this service will undoubtedly come crucial throughout December.
CityNet’s radio system, Best Bar None scheme and DISC app are continuously strengthening and we can’t wait to welcome new members throughout December and next year!
To enquire about CityNet, please contact James on james.bell@worcesterbid.com or 01905731612.
VACANCY: Chief Executive c£45k
Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) has just secured another term, following its most successful ballot result in its history. Building on this success, we are now seeking a dynamic and motivated leader with considerable experience in stakeholder engagement, programme and project management, managing a team as well as an understanding and perhaps experience of running Business Improvement Districts, to help take the organisation in to its ambitious third-term and continue the great work that is already in place.
The BID brings together a wide cross section of businesses from national retailers and independent shops to heritage facilities and the regional and head offices of some renowned corporate services. The main aim is to cement Worcester’s position as a key regional destination, ensuring a great visitor experience, and working with key partners to successfully deliver the next stage of the city’s growth and evolution. Worcester has an exciting future, and now is a pivotal time for city centre businesses, who are seeking a collaborative and inspiring leader to be part of the success story.
A competitive salary is offered of c.£45,000 dependent on experience.
To apply please send a CV and covering letter, detailing your suitability for the role to recruitment@worcesterbid.com by Monday 16th December 2019, 5pm.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Phoebe Dawson (CEO) phoebe.dawson@worcesterbid.com before Tuesday 10th December.
See the full job description by clicking here.
Letter for Businesses and Local Residents
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre 2019 – Useful information from the City Council
| · Thursday 28 November, 12pm-9pm | · Saturday 30 November, 10am-8pm |
| · Friday 29 November, 11am-9pm | · Sunday 1 December, 11am-5pm |
This newsletter is for local residents and businesses to update you on plans for the 2019 Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. We appreciate your patience during the build-up and staging of the event, and would like to provide information on the local traffic and access arrangements that will be in place.
Your needs are considered at every stage of the planning for the event but we understand there will necessarily be an impact on a number of people affected by 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. Our contact details are at the end of this letter if you have any queries not covered.
The Fayre Area
Stalls will be located in New Street, Friar Street, Pump Street, High Street, the Cornmarket and Cathedral Square. Stalls are selected and managed by our market operator LSD Promotions who have promised Victorian dress, local producers and Fayre favourites with quality products.
As in previous years, we would encourage businesses across the city to get involved with the Fayre as much as possible. You are able to sell goods outside of your premises as long as they are the same as the goods for sale inside your shop (though, as always, please be confident that you trade within your agreed licenses and have the necessary insurance and documentation). Worcestershire Regulatory Services have provided more information on licensing guidance. Please note that the last day for submitting a TEN application for alcohol sales is 13th November 2019.
Entertainment
A full programme of entertainment has been planned for the weekend, with a number of traditional Victorian entertainers lined up to amuse the crowd and plenty of Christmas music as carol singers fill the streets. Programmes will be distributed in the week before the event, please take a copy to see details and timings of entertainment or visit our website: www.worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk.
Stages will be located in Cathedral Square, Bell Square and at the Cardinals Hat, with additional activities taking place on New Street, the Shambles, The Hopmarket and around the city centre.
Access during the event
The Victorian Christmas Fayre takes place in Worcester city centre and access to this area will be restricted through the opening hours of the event and during stallholder set up and breakdown.
We recommend that deliveries are re-scheduled to times outside of the Fayre where possible. Vehicles will not be allowed access once the road closures are in place so deliveries during this time will need to be brought in by foot.
Please be aware that Cornmarket Car Park will be closed from the afternoon of Wednesday 27 November until the morning of Monday 2 December. Signage will be in place, but businesses are advised to recommend alternate parking to customers where possible. A full list of car parks can be found at www.worcester.gov/parking.
Businesses and residents who normally have access to private off road parking spaces which are inaccessible during the event may be eligible for a FREE parking permit at St Martin’s Gate car park to cover the period of the event. For more information, please contact the team on 01905 722501 or email christmas@worcester.gov.uk.
Road Closures
Full details of the times and locations for the road closures and traffic restrictions are as follows:
| Road Closures 2019 | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| 27th November | 28th November | 29th November | 30th November | 1st December | |
| Angel Place | 09:00 - 23:00 | 09:00 - 23:00 | 09:00 - 22:00 | 09:00 - 20:00 | |
| Broad Street | 09:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| Carden Street | Bay suspension only | ||||
| Cathedral Square | Wednesday 27th November 18:00 to Sunday 1st December 23:00 | ||||
| Charles Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| Copenhagen Street (High Street to Deansway) |
18:00 to 21:00 |
07:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
| Cornmarket | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| Friar Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| High Street (Pump Street to
Elgar Statue) |
04:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
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| High Street (Pump Street to The Cross) |
07:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
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| Mealcheapen Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| New Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| Pump Street (Charles Street to The Shambles) |
04:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
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| Pump Street (The Shambles to High Street) |
09:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
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| Queen Street (St Nicholas St - The Trinity) |
Wednesday 27th November 18:00 to Sunday 1st December 23:00 |
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| The Shambles | 07:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22.00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| The Trinity & Queen Street | Thursday 28th November 04:00 to Sunday 1st December 23:00 | ||||
| Union Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22.00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
Dedicated stewards will work with West Mercia Police to try and help anyone with legitimate access needs in the areas covered by road closures.
To try to minimise the impact on traffic, a Park and Ride service will be in operation from County Hall on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December. All visitors will be encouraged to use these where possible. In addition, Fayre stallholders have been offered car parking outside of the city centre to alleviate the impact on local residents and visitors.
Community Carol Service and Opening Ceremony
We would like to invite you to attend the Community Carol service taking place at Worcester Cathedral from 4.45pm to 5.15pm on Thursday 28 November. This will be followed by a procession to the Victorian carousel in the Cornmarket.
Thank you from us
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre benefits the whole county of Worcestershire in a variety of ways and contributes an additional boost to the economy of more than £7.3 million a year. However, we are aware that not everyone enjoys or gets a direct benefit from the event and we could not run this event without the support and understanding of locals who we know can be inconvenienced.
If you would like to speak to somebody before the event or during the trading hours of the Fayre, please contact the Fayre team on 01905 722501 or email christmas@worcester.gov.uk.
We hope that you will join us at the Fayre and enjoy the event!
Worcester BID enjoys its most successful ever ballot
Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) enjoyed a landslide ballot this week, with more than 84.9% of city businesses voting in favour of another five-year BID term.
This is the most successful ballot in the BID’s ten-year history, with 51% turnout and a record 84.9% of businesses backing their continued tenure.
The results, released today by Civica Election Services who conducted the independent ballot on behalf of Worcester City Council, show that 332 businesses cast their vote. 282 businesses voted positively, with a combined rateable value of over £17million.
Worcester BID will manage more than £2 million worth of investment over the next five years, building on their success of the last decade which has seen Worcester’s high street footfall grow when other cities have seen significant decline.
Phoebe Dawson, BID CEO, said: “We are beyond delighted with the results of this year’s ballot, which have exceeded expectations and are better than any ballot in the BID’s history.
“The city boasts enviable high street footfall numbers, and new initiatives such as evening food festivals and the pop-up park have been a great boon for the city. We are looking forward to continuing this great work, as well as expanding and improving Worcester’s commercial offering.
“Worcester BID’s success can be attributed to the collaborative approach that partners and stakeholders have taken over the last few years. Thanks to our shared ambition and effective cooperation, the future for the Faithful City looks very bright indeed.”
Nicki Williams, Chair of the BID Board and Deputy CEO of Heart of Worcestershire College, said: “Worcester BID is taking the lead in tackling issues facing the city. Businesses have seen a return on their investment over the last five years and have voted accordingly.
“It’s an exciting time for the city with huge investment planned over the next couple of years. The city centre community is passionate about Worcester and there’s a great feeling of confidence in the future.”
Worcester BID3 will operate from 1st April 2020 for five years. Their work is funded by the levy paid annually by businesses in the BID area and since its formation, BID has provided extensive cost saving and town safety initiatives.
BID’s mandate includes making improvements to the public realm, marketing and events, and other support for businesses. BID provides businesses with a powerful voice, lobbying on key issues from business rates to the town’s car parking strategy.
Worcester BID is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and its volunteer directors will continue to be drawn from the businesses in the BID area.
Current BID initiatives include Visit Worcester, Safer City, Training courses, Cost Savings and Worcester Cares.