Martyn's Law: An Important Update for Business Owners
The public consultation on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law is now open. The government consultation will run for 6 weeks
Martyn’s Law is a new legislation in the UK that will mandate those responsible for certain premises and events to consider the terrorist risk and how they would respond to an attack. It is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester bombing. The law will follow a tiered model linked to the type of activity taking place and the expected audience size and will seek to improve how prepared a venue is without putting an undue burden on business.
In summary, those responsible for Standard Tier premises must:
- Notify the Regulator that they are, or have become, responsible for premises within the scope of the Bill (and so subject to the relevant requirements). This remains broadly in line with previous requirements.
- Have in place procedural measures that could be expected to reduce, so far as reasonably practicable, the risk of physical harm to individuals at the premises in the event of an attack. These relate only to the procedures to be followed by people working at the premises in the event of an attack occurring or being suspected as about to occur. As the procedural measures are about procedures for responding to an attack or suspected attack, it is not expected or required that physical alterations be undertaken or additional equipment purchased for Standard Tier premises.
- In contrast to the published draft Bill, there is no requirement to complete a specified form (the ‘Standard Terrorism Evaluation’) for Standard Tier premises or ensure that people working at the premises are given any specific training. However, as part of putting in place the procedural measures, workers will need to be sufficiently instructed or trained to carry them out effectively.
The consultation is targeted at organisations, businesses, local and public authorities, and individuals who own or operate publicly accessible premises or events that the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill will potentially affect.
It seeks views from those responsible for smaller premises which would fall within the standard tier. Standard tier venues are businesses with a capacity of 100-799 individuals.
The bill will impose requirements about certain premises and events to increase their preparedness for, and protection from, a terrorist attack by requiring them to take proportionate steps, depending on the size and nature of the activities that take place at the premises.
The proposed requirements would apply to those responsible for qualifying public premises and qualifying public events.
Take the consultation here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/martyns-law-standard-tier-consultation
Worcester Leads the Charge Against Retail Theft
The recent release of the 2023 Retail Crime Survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has illuminated a national picture of a concerning surge in violence against staff and retail theft. The BRC are urging government intervention to safeguard retail workers, underscoring the pressing need for nationwide investment in deterrents, coupled with comprehensive training and support networks. Aligning with these findings, Policing Minister Chris Philp has initiated a national action plan to combat shoplifting, urging retailers to swiftly provide CCTV footage and shoplifters’ images for identification through facial recognition technology. The introduction of the Pegasus police program further seeks to gather intelligence on organised crime gangs involved in shoplifting, aiming to enhance collaboration between retailers and law enforcement.
Remarkably, Worcester has been ahead of the curve, already implementing very similar strategies for some time. The city’s resilience against the rising trend of retail theft is evident. Worcester BID is taking action to help local businesses reduce theft by providing comprehensive training courses, increasing the use of the 24/7 CCTV-connected CityNet radio system, and using GDPR-compliant DISC information sharing systems, working to strengthen the understanding and adoption of effective theft reduction schemes. Tailored Safer City meetings have evolved into essential platforms for businesses to unite against the shared challenge of retail theft, receiving insights directly from crucial partners like West Mercia Police, providing a helpful support network.
Worcester’s success in combatting retail theft is backed by tangible statistics. From June 20th, 2023, to January 19th, 2024, Worcester BID’s Safer Streets Officer reported 57 instances of asset and monetary recovery and 87 cases of deterrence within the business district. This dedicated officer actively addresses anti-social behaviour, particularly in hot-spot areas, and supports staff in reporting crimes, contributing to a substantial recovery of £12,755.15 in just seven months.
Through collaborative efforts and heightened awareness, Worcester’s partners have effectively intensified the targeting of retail theft, working towards safer streets for everyone. It is great to see that there is a national push to reduce retail theft, and even better to see that Worcester’s endeavours have already yielded success in combatting retail theft. The city is committed to further cultivating partnerships and providing ongoing efforts that support businesses to flourish.
Contemplating the Evolution of Worcester's High Street & Future
Public spaces, important in any city, serve as channels for social interaction and community cohesion. Yet, urban expert Matthew Davis of the Institute of Place Management, issues a warning—public spaces, from sports centres to parks and libraries, face an impending crisis of closure and underfunding. In a recent article titled ‘Pay to stay: an inflection point for accessible towns and cities’, Davis underscores the dwindling support for UK public spaces, advocating for a renewed emphasis on investing in free-to-stay areas that can address community need.
So, is Worcester too at a pivotal juncture where economic prosperity converges with social responsibility? The delicate task of maintaining accessibility for the city centre — the very heart of our community — as a member of the Worcester Business Improvement District, provides some conflict between our aim to foster business growth and Davis’s imperative to preserve public spaces. Davis contends that community input should underpin our urban environment, urging a balanced approach that marries commercial development with investments in public spaces, forging an inclusive city, and we don’t disagree.
The evolving high street introduces challenges to maintaining community spaces as businesses adopt pay-to-stay models for increased turnover, which is great for our economy. Davis suggests striking a balance between community accessibility and high street economic growth is crucial — but how well does Worcester achieve this?
While Worcester considers this challenge, municipal services, such as our city-centre public library, The Hive, stand out as successful community hubs, a stark contrast to the national trend of defunding and closures addressed in the article. However, the question lingers: does Worcester provide enough free alternatives to counterbalance pay-to-stay policies?
In response to the community ownership debate, Worcester takes its own path, with businesses like Script Haven and Sugar Daddy’s Cafe fostering meaningful community narratives. Script Haven, recognised by The Times as the third-best independent bookshop in the UK, actively engages with local talent and charities. Sugar Daddy’s Cafe has become an LGBTQ+ community hub, promoting inclusivity. Additionally, Worcester City Council allocates funding for initiatives like the Arches and Scala Theatre redevelopment, enhancing community accessibility.
The ongoing debate asks whether the high street should grow organically or if active intervention and investment in community-led infrastructure is necessary. However, does this apply to our city?
Worcester appears to strike a delicate equilibrium between economic growth and community well-being, successfully paving its path towards a balanced future.
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.
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!
