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.


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.

Charity stalwart Philip Fowler

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


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.


Love Local Business: Enjoy Halloween half term fun in Worcester

This half term Worcester has got you covered for fun activities, from Where’s Wally to spooks, scares and ghost stories.

One of Worcester’s oldest buildings is the place to go for Halloween activities. The Commandery, Worcester has over 800 years of history, making it one of the best places to go for spooky activities this October. From Tuesday 27 October through to Friday 30 there will be safe spooktacular events for all the family to enjoy during the half term break.

Children of all ages can enjoy the Ghoulish Ghost Trail and Creepy Craft Bags.

Read more... https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/18813466.love-local-business-enjoy-halloween-half-term-fun-worcester/


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

High Street (Pump Street to The Cross)  

07:00 - 23:00

 

08:00 – 22:00

 

07:00 - 21:00

 

08:00 - 23:00

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

Pump Street (The Shambles to High Street)  

09:00 - 23:00

 

08:00 – 22:00

 

07:00 - 21:00

 

08:00 - 23:00

Queen Street (St Nicholas St - The Trinity)  

Wednesday 27th November 18:00 to Sunday 1st December 23:00

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!