Safe Space works to provide operational support for the NTE

Safe Space is operated by a team of dedicated professionals,  extending medical support, welfare support or otherwise and offering this without any preconceived notions. Safe Space is free to all, no judgement and is working to promote a positive view of Worcester City Centre as a safe destination for a night out, to live and to study. This is bolstered by our work on becoming Purple Flag accredited.

Take a look at our latest stats in the below infographic.

Download the latest stats


The Big Spring Has Fully Bloomed in Worcester! 🌸🌻🌼🌷

We are busy installing  50 giant florals around Worcester this spring! There are 5 beautiful designs including daisies, tulips and gorgeous forget-me-nots.

Share your new business window artwork with us by hashtagging #thebigspring and tagging @worcesterbid on Facebook and Twitter or @makeitworc on Instagram.


Worcester BID's Cleaner Streets Initiative: Enhancing Our Spaces

We all share a responsibility to uphold the beauty of our city, taking pride in our municipal spaces. Unfortunately, urban areas often fall victim to graffiti tagging, chewing gum, litter such as cigarette butts, and other forms of damage, detracting from their aesthetic appeal and contributing to urban decay.

To combat these challenges and instil a sense of city pride, Worcester BID is launching the Cleaner Streets project. Beginning in April 2024 and extending through the summer months, this initiative aims to transform neglected, damaged, and graffitied spaces into vibrant works of art for the enjoyment of all.

 

The Cleaner Streets project encompasses various strategies, including the removal of graffiti from brickwork, improvements in lighting where needed, and the promotion of responsible mural and urban art through converting unloved areas into community and business district reflective works of art.

Over the past two years, Worcester BID has already invested in enhancing the city’s visual landscape through the artwork seen on utility boxes and wayfinding signage, as well as via the organisation of workshops and mural painting events in community hubs.

Looking ahead, Worcester BID is committed to implementing prevention methods such as resistant coatings and ongoing maintenance to ensure a welcoming and fresh street scene for years to come. Throughout the Cleaner Streets campaign, success stories will be shared, showcasing the transformative impact of these efforts on our social media accounts. Additionally, Worcester BID is dedicated to collaborating with and celebrating the contributions of local artists and the community. By involving residents and businesses in the creation of public art we hope to foster a collective sense of ownership and pride.

The ultimate goal of the Cleaner Streets Project is to cultivate more vibrant urban spaces while reducing and repairing damage in the city centre. Worcester BID invites talented local artists to join in this endeavour by reaching out on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram if you would like to participate in shaping a brighter future for our city.

Together, let’s make Worcester’s streets cleaner, more attractive and a source of pride for all who call it home. Join us in this transformative journey towards a more vibrant urban environment by following us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn [@WorcesterBID] or on Instagram [@makeitworc].


All Aboard: Foregate Street Station gets a new lease of life

Foregate Street Art is in!

Last Thursday we launched the new partnership artwork at Foregate Street Station with an evening at the fantastic JNCTN.

Over the last six months, we have worked to support The Arts Society Worcester and partners in bringing a new display to the city, enhancing the first appearance of Worcester when arriving by train and showcasing local artist talent. The art also helps with wayfinding with maps positioned by stairwells and promotes our vibrant city to all who pass through.

Find out more by pressing here!

Make sure to pop down to Foregate Street Station to have a look!


Worcester BID's new Safer Streets Role leads to £15,803 recovered

Worcester’s success in combatting retail theft is backed by tangible statistics.

From June 20th, 2023, to March 20th, 2024, Worcester BID’s Safer Streets Officer reported 59 instances of asset and monetary recovery and 88 cases of deterrence within the business district. This dedicated officer actively addresses anti-social behaviour, particularly in hot-spot areas, and supports staff in reporting crimes, contributing to a substantial recovery of £15,803.00 in just over eight months.

Other support given by the Safer Streets Officer is as follows:

  • First aid 16
  • Intelligence/Monitoring 19
  • Staff safety 5 [Where staff members have felt uncomfortable in certain situations so have shown presence or ejected offenders] 
  • Assistance with authorities/ Witness arrests 21
  • Homelessness Advice/Interaction 17
  • Fraud 8
  • Stolen Goods  6
  • Missing & Vulnerable Persons 2
  • PSPO [Public Spaces Protection Orders] 21

Through collaborative efforts and heightened awareness, Worcester’s partners have effectively intensified the targeting of retail theft, working towards safer streets for everyone. It is great to see that there is a national push to reduce retail theft, and even better to see that Worcester’s endeavours have already yielded success in combatting retail theft. The city is committed to further cultivating partnerships and providing ongoing efforts that support businesses to flourish.


Resilient Businesses: Navigating Flood Challenges in Worcester

Worcester, situated along the River Severn, faces common flooding due to heavy rains, impacting infrastructure, homes, and businesses alike. The highest recorded flood level at the Worcester measuring station occurred on 26 February 2020, with recent bouts of flooding in January and February causing disruption and damage to local businesses, green spaces, and walkways. Community support is crucial in aiding these resilient businesses to bounce back.

At Worcester BID, we have spoken to some of our local BID businesses that are located on the riverside and are thus often disturbed by flooding.

The effect on businesses can be extensive. Julia Seymour, Director of Diglis House Hotel, said “At the inception of my investment in Diglis House Hotel, the advice concerning flooding at that time, was to expect flooding every 40-50 years. Today flooding is common news.” General Manager of Diglis House Hotel, Debra Jones, added that “the flooding brings disruption to our business from loss of revenue due to access issues, internal flooding, the cost of pump systems as well as clean up to the grounds, the hotel in general and the bedrooms. These must be properly sanitised by special companies each time flooding occurs.”

So, how can we as a community help these resilient businesses to bounce back?

Richard Hill, Manager of Browns at the Quay said Dealing with the flooding has been an ever-increasing challenge to the business.

One of the main challenges is trying to get across to the public that when we close due to high river levels, we will bounce back very quickly, often in just a couple of days.

There is a perception that once you are affected by flooding you will be closed for many months, whereas we have shown this does not need to be the case. With the correct flood barriers, pumping systems and resilience work it can be managed, preventing serious damage to the building and its interior, enabling us to re-open very quickly and move on with the business.

We think that Worcester as a community has been supportive and hope it continues to be so. Our customers are very understanding when we have to reluctantly close for a period of time. We like to welcome new customers as well as old ones and hope they think of us when deciding where to go after flooding has happened.”

Whilst Worcester has weathered many floods throughout its history, its businesses demonstrate resilience and adaptability, constantly evolving to withstand environmental challenges. It’s crucial to support local businesses by visiting your riverside venues that are open for business, aiding them in minimising the disruptions brought about by flooding incidents.


Worcester Celebrates International Women's Day!

International Women’s Day, which takes place on the 8th of March, is the yearly global celebration of all things women. It’s a day of inspiring talks, worldwide social media buzz, activism, and marches, that look to inspire change and aspire to worldwide gender equality. International Women’s Day was first celebrated in 1911, when women were struggling for their basic rights, seventeen years before they finally earned the right to vote if over the age of 21 in the UK following the Equal Franchise Act of 1928. There is of course still work to be done; according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it will take another 131 years to reach gender equality!

Women encounter various forms of unfair treatment across the world today. As per a 2020 UNICEF report, only 66% of countries worldwide offer equal educational opportunities to both genders. Data from a 2020 United Nations report reveals that, despite constituting half of the global population, women occupy less than 30% of high-ranking governmental roles and senior management positions in the business sector. As well as highlighting social injustices, International Women’s Day serves as a platform to demonstrate the immense strength and capability of women and celebrate their accomplishments.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Inspiring Inclusion.’ So, Worcester BID has taken to the streets, inviting Worcester’s women to join in with the international campaign. Worcester BID’s video, released on International Women’s Day, showcases the women in our city and Business Improvement District who keep the city ticking, through the provision of essential services, strong leadership roles, and as business professionals. There will also be video content from some of our city’s female CEOs, who will provide insights into local leadership. You can watch these videos on Instagram by pressing HERE, or on Facebook, HERE.

 

Did you know many of our city leaders are female?

> The BID team is 75% female!

> Worcester City Council is under joint leadership from 2 women: Councillors Marjory Bisset and Lynn Denham.

> The City Centre Manager for Worcester is also female.

To name but a few…!

WATCH THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY VIDEO HERE!


Three Choirs Festival is Coming! Download your poster now!

The World’s Longest Running Music Festival is coming to Worcester in Summer 2024

The Three Choirs Festival is the world’s longest-running music festival, rotating between the cathedral cities of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester. Since its beginnings in 1715, the festival has provided incredible music which has served as the inspiration for thousands.

The Three Choirs Festival is a week-long programme of world-class music making, featuring choral and orchestral concerts, solo and chamber music recitals, talks, cathedral services, theatre, exhibitions, and walks, rotating each summer between the beautiful English cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester. One of the elements which makes the festival so special is the Festival Chorus, which is made up of auditioned singers from the local area trained by professional directors, meaning that the Chorus both sings to a high standard and is a real part of the community. Three Choirs is thought to be the longest-standing classical music festival in the world and celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2015.

“A beacon for music making in our region”

At the heart of the festival are large-scale evening concerts featuring the Festival Chorus and the Philharmonia Orchestra (resident at the festival since 2012). Concert programmes feature internationally recognised soloists and combine favourites of the classical choral tradition with the best new music of our time. The Three Choirs Festival Youth Choir performs a major cathedral concert with the Philharmonia Orchestra every year, giving a unique opportunity to young singers in our region to rehearse and perform to a high standard with expert direction.

Next year, the festival is in Worcester. Learn more about what’s in store on their website: Home | Three Choirs Festival (3choirs.org).

If you want to display a poster in your business, please download it here: A3 / A4 

If you would like a hard copy, please email us at info@worcesterbid.com to request a drop up or pick up.


Martyn's Law: Ensuring Security for Worcester Businesses

 

The consultation phase for Martyn’s Law, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is now underway, representing a crucial opportunity for Worcester’s business community to contribute to enhanced security measures.

Named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester bombing, this legislation aims to mandate venue owners to assess terrorism threats and implement appropriate and robust measures. The legislation ensures readiness and response training for individuals in the event of an attack. Enhanced security systems, staff training, and clearer processes aim to deliver better protection, aligning with government responses to the Manchester Arena Inquiry. The bill will be passed under a tiered framework, meaning different types of businesses will be mandated to undertake different measures.

Under Martyn’s Law, proprietors of standard-tier premises in Worcester, covering sites with capacities ranging from 100

 

to 799 individuals, must fulfil key requirements. This is the most common business type in Worcester that will be affected by the new bill. Standard-tier businesses will need to notify the Regulator of their responsibility for the premises and namely, implement procedural measures to mitigate the risk of harm to individuals in the event of an attack. Notably, the revised Bill eliminates the need for specified forms, prescribed training, or physical alterations to equipment, reducing disruption to most Worcester city centre local business operations.

Business owners and stakeholders in Worcester are urged to engage in the Government’s consultation process, offering insights to inform the finalisation of this legislation. This initiative strongly resonates with Worcester BID’s dedication to cultivating a safer environment. Through expanded training initiatives, including our Catastrophic Bleed Courses, heightened safety measures, and the improved utilisation of the CCTV-integrated business radio network, CityNet, we aim to enhance security measures. Additionally, our collaborative endeavours, such as Safe Space, underscore our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members at work, as residents and whilst enjoying all that our city has to offer.

Your input will contribute to the Government’s endeavour to enhance public safety and national security. As this Bill impacts Worcester businesses, it’s essential to be prepared for the changes it brings. Martyn’s Law is a legislative step in the right direction, but it needs your stakeholder input. You can participate in the consultation via the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/martyns-law-standard-tier-consultation.


Martyn's Law: An Important Update for Business Owners

The public consultation on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law is now open. The government consultation will run for 6 weeks

Martyn’s Law is a new legislation in the UK that will mandate those responsible for certain premises and events to consider the terrorist risk and how they would respond to an attack. It is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester bombing. The law will follow a tiered model linked to the type of activity taking place and the expected audience size and will seek to improve how prepared a venue is without putting an undue burden on business.

In summary, those responsible for Standard Tier premises must:

  • Notify the Regulator that they are, or have become, responsible for premises within the scope of the Bill (and so subject to the relevant requirements). This remains broadly in line with previous requirements.
  • Have in place procedural measures that could be expected to reduce, so far as reasonably practicable, the risk of physical harm to individuals at the premises in the event of an attack. These relate only to the procedures to be followed by people working at the premises in the event of an attack occurring or being suspected as about to occur. As the procedural measures are about procedures for responding to an attack or suspected attack, it is not expected or required that physical alterations be undertaken or additional equipment purchased for Standard Tier premises.
  • In contrast to the published draft Bill, there is no requirement to complete a specified form (the ‘Standard Terrorism Evaluation’) for Standard Tier premises or ensure that people working at the premises are given any specific training. However, as part of putting in place the procedural measures, workers will need to be sufficiently instructed or trained to carry them out effectively.

The consultation is targeted at organisations, businesses, local and public authorities, and individuals who own or operate publicly accessible premises or events that the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill will potentially affect.

It seeks views from those responsible for smaller premises which would fall within the standard tier. Standard tier venues are businesses with a capacity of 100-799 individuals.

The bill will impose requirements about certain premises and events to increase their preparedness for, and protection from, a terrorist attack by requiring them to take proportionate steps, depending on the size and nature of the activities that take place at the premises.

The proposed requirements would apply to those responsible for qualifying public premises and qualifying public events.


Take the consultation here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/martyns-law-standard-tier-consultation