Delivering on the Priorities of our Visitors

At the Town Centre BID, we are working hard in partnership to ensure that we address two of the biggest issues that visitors have told us are important to them; safety and the customer experience.

The Town Centre BID has been awarded an ARG (Additional Restrictions Grant) from BCP Council to deliver two projects, aiming to generate pride in the local area and provide long term benefits for the wider business community.

The BID will be working to further strengthen & support BBRC (Bournemouth Business Reducing Crime) with the potential introduction of the DISC communications system allowing us to better share vital information with our levy payers & strategic partners about local crime and antisocial behaviour and current ongoing incidents and issues.

The Shop Watch scheme is also being expanded, making it easier for town centre businesses to communicate with each other and with the police and council teams in reporting shoplifting and other antisocial behaviour. We will also support greater resource to help the business community compile data and evidence to submit to the council and police supporting ongoing activity.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of the BID said: “By further supporting BBRC, senior police and council officers and representatives from national and independent businesses can work even more closely together to make sure the town centre is a safe and secure place to be.”

Meanwhile the ‘Improving Experience project’ will involve two leading national names, Aspirin Business Solutions and insight6 working with town centre businesses on a peer-to-peer learning programme. There will be more than 50 customer experience mystery visits undertaken and three ‘learning labs’ where the top tips, hints and recommendations will be made available.

A full review with help and support for businesses will be published at the end of the process in 2022.

Mr Kinvig added: “These two eminently practical and more importantly visitor driven initiatives are another example of how we are working alongside our businesses to help create the conditions for them to be successful.”

Councillor Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy at BCP Council, said:

“Following a competitive application process, we are pleased to award this grant to Bournemouth Town Centre BID. This project is just one of many innovative initiatives that our latest package of discretionary business support will now bring to life. It will contribute towards Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s reputation as a place where businesses can continue to flourish and grow.’’