2018-19
ANNUAL REPORT
Promoting the prosperity and vibrancy of Solihull Town Centre
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Walking around the town centre it’s clear to see Solihull is a town embracing change and thriving for it. Over the past year we have seen multiple examples of investment coming into the town and new shops and restaurants opening enhancing the offering to visitors. The additions of Ashas and Jamaya have complimented the current choices and coupled with the new Aldi store we’ve seen an increase in the number of jobs available within the town centre. The redevelopment on Homer Road and Mell Square are other examples of how new life is coming in the town. The BID support these changes and enable local people and businesses to capitalise on the opportunities
they present.. The BID events are always well supported and increase the footfall in the town and other initiatives such as the newly launched BID expo assist businesses to interact with each other which benefits the local business community. The interaction with the local business community is vital for the BID as the levy payers contribute to the running costs associated with having a BID. I believe that the general consensus within local businesses is that they see the benefit and value the work Solihull BID do for us all, a view that was supported by a resounding yes vote to keep the BID for a further five years. The vote also provided the BID valuable feedback from local businesses, such as 90% of businesses think events positively impact Solihull town centre and 90% of business owners are satisfied with the work of the BID. The BID team received positive recognition this year when the team won Best Business Support Scheme category at the national Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) awards – well done all.
The vote and the feedback is excellent news and allows the BID team to plan and implement further initiatives with confidence that we have the support of the local business community and the longevity to make a significant contribution to the town’s continued success. The work the BID team will do will maximise the potential Solihull has by developing the town centre’s offering and making Solihull an attractive place to live, work and shop. Unfortunately the town has recently seen some high profile anti social behaviour. The BID has reacted strongly to this by introducing evening guards to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for both visitors and local businesses. Actions like this and the events are examples of how the BID team have a positive impact on the town. I look forward to seeing plans for the next fives years and continuing to playing a role in the BID success.
- Kevin Johns
BID DIRECTOR Solihull BID have increased their impact on the town centre during the past 12 months. We are proud to have worked closely together with our BID Businesses, listening, learning and adapting our approach to the projects that we have been asked to deliver. You will be able to read about our dedicated projects in this report and over the next few pages we will highlight those four project strands. I am excited to see how the BID will adapt and modify its approach to meet the ever-changing needs of the town centre. It is a
challenging time for retail here and across the UK. We will be working closely with our key partners to develop a strategic plan to ensure our town centre remains a vibrant and lively place to work, visit and invest in. The value that the BID brings to the region has shown to be a key element to the direction of the future plans, and I am thrilled and proud to be leading the amazing BID team to deliver these core values to our BID Businesses, and the town centre.
- Melanie Plamer
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MARKETING PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS EVENTS AND FESTIVALS The changing face of retail centres, with the ever-present threat from digital armchair shopping has made us look at our town centre community with a modified approach. Creating events, festivals and experiences for visitors is a vital key to drive footfall and keep our town centre community vibrant and thriving. Our aim to increase community activity and the related pull for visitors played a key part in our fourth year of BID 2. Hallmark events such as the food and jazz festivals proved to attract even more crowds and Jean Christoff Novelli was a big hit with our visitors and businesses alike.
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For the festive period the Christmas outdoor cinema and bars gave a cozy glow to Mell Square and the Festive Feast launch proved to be a success without any negative impact on our levy paying businesses. Additional events this year includes the Spring fayre, Lego Bricks event, Fashion Secrets pop up event, and a celebration of Cricket. All events have the added impact of involving the BID businesses to maximise impact such as the food voucher bounce back offers and the live Jazz line up within our BID venues to complement the main stage. The Solihull BID Awards once again took centre stage in November
showcasing the rich talent pool here in Solihull. The apprentices and trainees won the hearts of the audience with their passion and enthusiasm to succeed. The awards sponsors have continued to show their amazing support enabling us to make this unique event something that can be enjoyed by all. Our continued thanks go to BNP Paribas Personal Finance, Phoebus Software, Touchwood, Solihull College and Univertsity Centre and Solihull Observer. New sponsors have joined us for 2019 including Wasps, and Mell Square.
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SAFER AND MORE SECURE The safety and security of our businesses, residents and visitors has, and will always be, a priority. Our Safe and Secure projects have been designed to ensure Solihull maintains its reputation as an attractive and safe environment to visit, and a sought-after destination in which to invest and do business. The Town Hosts continued to carry out their important role of keeping the town centre safe for visitors.
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The host team are (SIA) accredited, which has given them the necessary skills to enable them to deal with conflict and anti-social behaviour situations. The introduction of body worn cameras, that record both audio and video, and the retail radio, which provides a vital real-time link with all stakeholders, are invaluable additions to this hardworking and dedicated team. The daily reporting from the hosts has enabled us to build a clear picture of the requirements
needed and moving forward steps have already been taken to separate out aspects of the hosts role to create both business hosts and enforcement officers to work in unity to create a safer and more cohesive environment.
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PROMOTING THE EVENING ECONOMY AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR The past 12 months have seen a lot of changes within the evening economy. It is encouraging to see that even in challenging times Solihull is attracting premium new brands to open such as Paramo Lounge,
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and the Taste Collective in Mell Square. The hospitality industry is on an upward growth path and we are ready to promote this to the wider audience and local traders and employees alike.
Bars hosted live music as part of the Jazz Festival
We promote the evening economy using our online platforms and encourage people to stay in the town centre after events with the likes of bands in venues as part of the Jazz Festival and offers to be used in venues for the food festival.
SUPPORTING THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND OFFICE SECTOR The professional services and office sector make up just under 50% of the Solihull BID area and are the backbone of the town centre. Throughout our engagement with this sector we have listened to the needs and modified our focus accordingly. The key element that has been communicated to us is to ensure that all businesses are continuously connected and informed. We launched the new Business club for the PSOS sector and also decided to change the name of the sector category to `Business Matters`. Thee BID BIZ Club has been successful in not only engaging with the Solihull town centre business community but also had attracted interest from the
wider community enabling Solihull to sell its premium offer to a new audience . The first Business Expo was launched in March 2019 and proved a huge success , promoting Solihull business from the stunning Crowne Plaza hotel to over 500 visitors. The Business matters `Sing Solihull` choir who meet twice monthly has grown to over 45 individuals attending from a selection of officebased businesses, a great well being tool and also they now are able to come and perform within your business and at our selected events.
talent in the area and gives some interesting insights into the world of commerce and investment in the area. The BID card acts as a great tool for employee engagement and inclusion into the shop local community, this is continually growing and the recent addition of the free App has made the discount card increase in use and popularity. We look forward to some exciting new projects to strengthen our community further over the next 12 months.
The InSolihull magazine has dedicated business pages showcasing the breadth of business
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COMMUNICATION In addition to our defined business plan we have extended our connections to the wider region to ensure we are fully informed on the impact of local economic growth and changes to our environment.
BID CENTRAL
We are the founders of, and chair BID Central. A membership group for BID management including members from over 35 BIDs in the region.
PROJECT GROUP FORUMS
We host three forums representing the Business Matters, Events and festivals and safer Solihull which members from across all sectors are able to attend. The enables us to gain feedback in real time from people involved at the frontline of business.
WMCA
BID representative on the West Midlands Combined Authority.
ATCM
Association of Town and City Management – MP is the midlands regional Chair for this group.
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INSOLIHULL MAGAZINE The InSolihull magazine continues to be a valued method of communication between our town centre business whilst also reaching a much wider audience from its distribution along the Chiltern mainline to London.
investment from those who feature in it, generating more business and increasing enquiries. It is a one stop shop to promote all the fantastic products and services available form our two square miles of success.
what you want to read all about and we aim to grow the print run and widen the reach even further over the next 12 months.
The glossy free magazine is attracting a growing readership with positive returns on
We are the only Solihull magazine researched, managed and produced in Solihull, we know
Summer MAY – JUL 2019
LIFE & STYLE FROM THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK IN ENGLAND
JOHN LEWIS AND PARTNERS PERSONAL STYLISTS SHOW HOW APPRENTICES CAN WOW THE OFFICE PAGE 8
INSTYLE
INFOCUS
Top, £25.99, Zara.
Top, £22, Bonmarche.
Cape, £99.99, Zara.
Beret, £12, Next.
Coat, £89. Dress, £49.50. Polo, £15. Jeans, £35. Boots, £45. All M&S.
Bag, £410, Le Scarpe.
Bright This autumn comes with a coating of gloss. Whether you opt for patent leather, polished PVC, sequins or gleaming plastics, add a shine to your everyday wardrobe, or shine like a star in the evening.
Trousers, £89, Mint Velvet.
Neutrals
Skirt, £49.99, Zara.
A main palette for this season includes our seventies hues with a modern twist. Caramel, beige and chocolate hues have been updated with stylish silhouettes, layers of textures and statement prints.
Earrings, £8. Necklace, £18. Jumpsuit, £65. Shoes, £65. Bag, £18. All River Island
Coat, £85. Trousers, £40. Jumper, £30. Shoes, £55. All River Island.
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Trousers, £69.99, Zara.
“No day is typical in my role but I always try to mix it up so that I meet with colleagues and partners, talk to my councillors and the local MPs, and make time for catch ups and visits. At least once a fortnight I make sure I go out with our brilliant frontline teams. Chatting to our residents and my colleagues gives me a great insight into what we are getting right and what we need to work on.
Heels, £135, Office. Coat, £99. Top, £29.50. Jeans, £45. Earrings, £12.50. Shoes, £65. All M&S.
Skirt, £75, Laura Ashley.
Bag, £19.99, New Look. Boots, £85, Office.
Gloves, £17.50, M&S.
Boots, £90, Office.
Top, £25. Trousers, £28. Both Dorothy Perkins.
John Lewis Pauline Wallis - Home Design Advisor We have three Home Design Advisors, Sam Harris, Lucie Read and Pauline Wallis. "We are a team of three and together we have 17 years’ experience in offering home design and soft furnishings advice. I get great satisfaction from helping customers transform a room, or a whole house and seeing the joy they get from their new surroundings."
Meet the
experts
John Lewis Solihull opened
its doors 17 years ago to the public and it has been a firm favourite in the town centre ever since. We love everything they have to offer from stylish fashion and beauty products to kitchen essentials and the dreamiest beds. It only seemed natural to get in touch with them to meet a few of the experts who make this store the success story it is today.
“Being responsible for the delivery of over 430 laws for 215,000 people affecting schools, housing, global and local businesses, transport, health, social care and safety means that I’m running a 24 hour, 365 days a year business.” What drives you every day? “What drives me is simple; unfairness and inequality. It gets right under my skin. I want to do everything in my power and influence to make sure all our residents have access to the same opportunities in their lives. One of the key priorities outlined in our 2018-2020 Plan is to make sure everyone benefits from economic growth and the new employment
We'll measure your child's feet and make sure they have the perfect fit. Linda Yule - Children's shoe fitter
"We're about to start our busiest time of the year with back to school. Our feet won't touch the floor! If customers want to be sure of getting a fitting appointment they can book online. Not many people know that."
Whether you've got a baby on the way, or your little one is about to enter a new stage in the first year's amazing development journey, our Nursery experts are here to help you find everything you need. Chris Dalton - Nursery Advisor Chris has been in the Partnership for four years and a Nursery Advisor for three years. "We offer a personal service in store to new mums and dads to be. We're able to tailor a gift list to their individual requirements however big, or small."
“My inspiration comes from all sorts of people; my wife, my children, my friends, my colleagues and our residents and businesses. I’ve always drawn my inspiration from real people living real lives and getting on with things. I once sat next to a world famous leader flying back from a trip to South Africa. We talked about family, home, sport and gardening… he was a real person first and then a leader.” What would you tell your 18-year-old self? “Young people today face so many challenges and pressures. Coming from a background working with young people and having children of my own this is something I have seen first-hand. That’s why I am so passionate about the services we deliver and the work we do with our partners to improve the lives of young people in Solihull and support them into adulthood.
“I would say to my 18-year-old self; pace yourself, enjoy the moment and you will learn so much from your experiences. I love my job and I love Solihull.”
I
ts purpose is to raise aspirations and improve the likelihood of a young person with learning disabilities achieving paid employment by the provision of supported work placements.
People with learning disabilities have only 6% likelihood of achieving paid employment; one of the lowest employment rates of all people with disabilities. Despite this, many young adults with learning disabilities aspire to work. Employment brings higher self-esteem, confidence, financial security and choices as well as a feeling of contributing and being part of the community. EmployAbility students are fully supported throughout the year by two Job Coaches – Jayne Wyatt and Paula Jeffries – who help find placements, internships and ultimately, paid employment. “The Solihull programme started at National Grid in September 2015 involving six students from Selly Oak Trust School and Q.A.C (Queen Alexandra College),” explains Jayne.
and National Grid and also finding volunteering opportunities suiting the interns' needs. Lessons learnt are discussed each year to make the programme even better. Year 4 has been the most successful yet with four of the six interns obtaining paid employment within National Grid, one gaining paid employment at an external business and one gaining the confidence to pursue his interests at college. “Overall at the Solihull site we have supported 38% of interns into secure employment and this figure rises to circa 60% taking account of all National Grid sites where the programme runs. “We currently have students from Selly Oak Trust School and Woodlands School who started with us in September and will be with us until the end of the academic year.
“During this time, they will complete a BTEC in work skills alongside three work placements within National Grid, each lasting a term. This gives the students opportunities to learn “Since the first year, we have seen success after success for the interns, many new and transferable skills as well as increasing their including obtaining paid jobs confidence and self-esteem.” within both external businesses
Parents report that the EmployAbility programme exceeds their expectations and they are reassured that despite the fact that only 6% of students with learning disabilities are known nationally to go on to paid employment, this programme offers the interns the confidence and ability to increase this possibility. One parent commented on how independent their son had become since being on the programme; something they had never envisaged happening. Another parent added: “When John (name changed for anonymity) started his internship, he was nervous and could find communication challenging, particularly knowing when to speak during a conversation.
Fabulous new business openings in Solihull
EmployAbility interns and graduates describe how being a part of the scheme has helped transform their lives.
PAGE 24
“Choosing to go on the Employability programme was a great decision for me,” says one of the students. “All the placements I went on were great and gave me an excellent insight into working life. Having gained a job at National Grid I can definitely say that working life is very tiring sometimes but I’m glad that I now get paid!”
NCE E X C E L L EA R D S AW
App rent
“The job coaches, who were an invaluable guide to him and the other members of the group, helped him settle, be comfortable in the area he worked and discussed any concerns he had. John has thrived and become a confident young adult who knows that he can work and that he can fit in.”
INPLAY B U Y E R ' S G U I DE
Personal Styling We’ll help you find looks that work beautifully and effortlessly, to create a wardrobe that’s unique to you. Our trained Personal Stylists will work closely with you to find options that are just right. We offer two services, and both are free. Sarah Jones - Personal Stylist "I am one of a team of three personal stylists here and have been a stylist for three years. It's very rewarding to see the difference a new outfit can make someone feel. I love finding things for people to try whether they're getting ready for a blacktie event, want to find the perfect pair of jeans or are looking for a new wardrobe."
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WIN! A Fabulous Prize for....
Fresh Linen
Freshen up your home with the WoodWick Linen Candle. Just imagine it now, tucked up with a good book, listening to a soothing crackle with the flicker of a long, dancing flame. Experience cosy comfort. Enjoy 50 hours of luxury scent and comfort in your own home.
John Lewis Solihull would like to offer you the chance to
WoodWick Hearthwick Candle, Linen, £26.99. Love Aroma, Mill Lane, Mell Square, Solihull, B91 3AX. 0121 709 0846.
TWO
Lingerie Fitter
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Off the Cuff
Looking for the ideal pair of cufflinks? These stainless steel and blue goldstone cufflinks ooze style and charm. They are perfectly designed to showcase the blue goldstone, a midnight blue jewel with beautiful flecks of copper. Montblanc Meisterstück stainless steel and blue goldstone cufflinks, £205. Fraser Hart, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3TA. 0121 709 1132.
We'll help you find the right bra that's a perfect fit. Our expert fitters are trained to measure and advise for maternity, nursing, first and post-surgery bras too, as well as shapewear and swimwear. Wendy Townsend - Specialist lingerie fitter "I have been a bra-fitter for eight years now and take pride in making sure all of our customers are looked after whether they're a bride to be, buying their first bra or shopping for a maternity bra. One of the most important parts of my role is to fit post-surgery bras. This can be a very emotional time and we make sure that this is a positive experience."
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*There is no cash alternative to the prize. You will need to book the Style Experience and afternoon tea in advance, dates subject to availability. Valid only at John Lewis Solihull. Competition runs from 1/08/2018 till 31/10/2018. Only one competition entry per person will be counted. You must answer the competition question correctly to win. The entry form will be found on www.solihullbid.co.uk. Winner will be contacted in the first week of October.
ice
W IN N ER S
Another graduate describes how their self-confidence improved, which helped them secure a fulltime role with National Grid: “It was nerve-wracking before starting as it was all new. Once it started it became more normal and I settled in quickly and became more confident. EmployAbility changed my life and I now have a full-time job at National Grid, which I really love.”
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To enter the competition, you need to visit www.solihullbid.co.uk and answer the following question...
We have a large team of qualified shoe fitters and we can fit children's shoes from their first pair of shoes right up to teenage school shoes.
Who inspires you?
Desirables the
On what date did John Lewis Solihull open? Nursery Advice
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your time at Solihull Council? “The biggest lesson for me is to ensure that I don’t lose sight of the detail, whilst still focussing on delivering the vision for Solihull. This vision and our aspirations for the future are critical. But so is a missed service or a young person not in school. Maintaining attention to detail whilst building a compelling public service narrative for government support and investment is so important. It is how this organisation will continue to provide the services our residents expect and deserve, as well as securing a bright and prosperous future for the borough.
“This job has also really taught me about the importance of striking a good work life balance. I always urge my colleagues to try and avoid sending emails after 7pm, at weekends or when on holiday and will only send an email myself if it is life threatening.”
INFOCUS
The prize includes a two-hour Style Experience with one of our stylists, suitable for a man or woman, a beauty therapy/treatment at a concession of your choice, followed by afternoon tea for two with Prosecco in the Place to Eat. As part of your prize you will receive a hamper from Waitrose Solihull and £100 John Lewis gift card.
Children's Shoe Fitting
opportunities this growth will deliver. I am passionate about being the best leader I can be. I’m also passionate about breaking down the barriers around mental health and wellbeing…. it’s something that’s personal to me and is important to so many other people.” What does success mean to you? “As a council our purpose is to improve lives by providing great services. The council I serve is clear they want to enable our residents to be healthier, happier, safer and prosperous. Success for me is when I meet residents, businesses, learners, visitors and our partners, who are happy and proud to be part of the Solihull story. That for me is the real measure of success. I recently had the privilege to hand out degrees and awards at the Solihull College and University Centre. In a nutshell that is what Solihull is all about; hard work, unfailing determination and the support to succeed.”
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NEW OPENINGS
EmployAbility – Let’s Work Together is an employee-led supported internship programme for young people aged 17-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) that began in 2013 as a partnership between National Grid and Round Oak Special Educational Needs School in Warwick.
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Products Productsfeatured featuredare areavailable availablein inSolihull Solihullstores storesor oronline. online.
Home Design
n the first of a new series of interviews with business leaders in the borough, InSolihull magazine finds out what makes him tick.
What does your day-to-day role involve? “My working day starts with a cup of coffee over my overnight emails. I’ve recently started cycling to work when I can, which I really enjoy; it gives me headspace and sets me up for the day.
Coat, £35, Sainsburys.
Prices correct at time of print.
Nick Page is the Chief Executive of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and his Twitter biography (@nickpage66) describes him as dad of teens, husband of world champion rower; cycling, mountains, rugby, punk, cooking, wire hair fox terriers. CEO of Solihull Council…. living the dream!
Dress, £85, Oasis.
Dune bag, £70, House of Fraser.
Jacket, £70, Next.
WHAT IS EMPLOYABILITY – LET’S WORK TOGETHER?
Nick Page
Shine
Earrings, £14, River Island.
Comeback of
Whether you're refreshing a room or rethinking your whole home, we can help you create a look you'll love.
The Solihull sort of Jazz Festival is back
NEWS & DEVELOPMENTS FROM ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LEADING COMMERCIAL REGIONS
My business life…
Jacket, £59, Topshop.
Jacket, £99, Monsoon.
GET YOUR DANCING SHOES & JAZZ HANDS READY
"As a council our purpose is to improve lives by providing great services. The council I serve is clear they want to enable our residents to be healthier, happier, safer and prosperous."
Dress, £55, M&S.
Earrings, £10, Oasis.
Put a spring in your step with this fabulous range of treats; there's something for everyone available in Solihull stores!
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Less Shade
Modern, fashionable and looks great on your side table, could you ask any more from a lamp? The gorgeous pleated lampshade, beautiful handblown glass base and vintage bronze fitting create the perfect new accessory for your home.
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Small Brekka Table Lamp with Graphite shade, £155. Loaf, Mill Lane, Mell Square, Solihull, B91 3AT. 0345 468 0697.
WIRELESS
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Zone Out
Drift into your own world with these headphones, with large chambers to fit around your ears, they create your own private listening booth. The tone woods are hand matched for aesthetic beauty, just as the drivers are individually matched for sonic consistency. Grade GS1000e Reference Headphones, £1,099.95. Sevenoaks Sound and Vision, Drury Arcade, Mell Square, Solihull, B91 3BH. 0121 709 0606.
Brighten your Morning
It’s the beginning of a new year – why not brighten up each morning by waking up to this vibrant stylish mustard quilted bed spread. The perfect bedroom accessory to start your day the right way. Sainsburys Home Mustard Quilted Bed Spread, £50. Sainsburys, Poplar Way, Mell Square, Solihull, B91 3BX. 0121 704 2402.
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Dough-nut Worry
Assorted Tower, £355. Krispy Kreme, Mill Lane Arcade, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3HT.
READY, STEADY, GO!
YUMMY!
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Essential Oils
Pamper yourself after a relaxing bath with this luminous dry oil enriched with Sevillian neroli oil and imbued with bergamot, mandarin and cedarwood aromas. With a blend of citrus notes this luxurious oil melts instantly into your skin, leaving it silky-smooth with a beautifully dewy finish. Orange & Bergamot Radiant Body Oil, £40. Molton Brown, High Street, Solihull, B91 3TA. 0121 709 0927.
Funky Beats
Bring your day to life with this vibrant, beautifully modern styled DAB/DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth speaker that sounds as good as it looks. Add a bit of colour to any room, whilst dancing along to your favourite station.
Whether you are looking for something different for your wedding cake or for a great feature for a party, this is one for the doughnut lovers of the world. Wow your guests with an assortment of 216 flavoured doughnuts.
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VQ Monty Winter Camelia DAB Digital radio and Bluetooth speaker, £99.99. Joules, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3SX. 0121 711 3657.
Light Load
With this Garmin Fēnix 5S Plus Sapphire watch you can bring your maps and music with you, whilst leaving your bag at home. With classic smartwatch features, GPS multisport capabilities and ultra-rugged construction to bring you a timepiece worthy of even the keenest outdoor enthusiasts. Garmin Fēnix 5S Plus Sapphire Multisport GPS Watch, £700. Cotswold Outdoors, Drury Lane, Mell Square, Solihull, B91 3BG. 0121 709 0204.
All of these products can be found in Solihull stores or online.
Old School Gaming
Go back in time to 1994 where the PlayStation was born in Japan. Relive the era which changed gaming forever with the PlayStation Classic, ready loaded with 20 great games. Release your inner child.
PlayStation® Classic, £99.99. GAME, Mill Lane, Mell Square, Solihull, B91 3AR. 0121 713 2112.
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Toned Face
2019 line up
This top rated firming, hydrating, line smoothing facial mask helps to tighten and tone all skin types. With a potent blend of rejuvenating frankincense, ultramoisturising hyaluronic acid, firming marine algae and a smoothing tripeptide, it’s a weekly treatment that also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Put your dancing shoes on and get your jazz hands ready: the Solihull sort of Jazz Festival is back again, for the 9th year running.
Rejuvenating Frankincense Firming Mask, £31. Neal’s Yard Remedies, Poplar Arcade, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GH. 0121 704 4122.
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Natural Eye
This beloved palette is the ideal tool when it comes to creating the perfect natural eye. Having been updated with an exclusive coconut butter-infused formula and including nine creamy matte, pearl and sparkle shadows, it’s all you need as a compact purse-size accessory. Too Faced Natural Eyes Neutral Eyeshadow collection, £34. John Lewis, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3RA. 0121 704 1121.
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The festival is to take place from Friday 19 th July – Sunday 21st July 2019.
Aloe There
Aloe plants are very popular and best known for the healing qualities of their gel. Whether you want to grow aloe vera to harvest, or simply love the look of the plant, it’s the perfect accessory for your home that you can enjoy for many years to come.
The popular open-air stage in Mell Square will be back again at the heart of the Solihull festival with 9 free acts over the three days. This is accompanied with 16 free acts in Solihull finest venues and a mouth-watering international street food and drink market brought to Solihull by RR Events. If you are looking for an exciting, sunny (fingers crossed), fun-filled day out look no future than Solihull Town Centre. Tingle your taste buds, take in the funky beats and bring your best dancing moves. Get the date in your diary now and we will see you there!
Large aloe plant in blue ceramic pot, £69. Marks and Spencer, Mill Lane, Mell Square, Solihull, B91 3AT. 0121 704 4121.
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FRIDAY 19TH JULY 2019
2pm – Deborah Rose at The Core Theatre 3pm – The Whiskey Brothers at Boston Tea Party 4pm – Bird and The Badman on the Mell Square Stage 6pm – Abi K and the Swing Pigs on the Mell Square Stage 6pm – Roy Forbes at Paramo Lounge 6.30pm – Deborah Rose at The Crowne Plaza Solihull 7pm – The Whiskey Brothers at Revolution 8pm – The Lost Notes at The Beech House
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SATURDAY 20TH JULY 2019
SUNDAY 21ST JULY 2019
12pm – The Wedding Crashers on the Mell Square Stage 2pm – The Shufflepack on the Mell Square Stage 3pm – Roy Forbes by the Touchwood Beach in Theatre Square 4pm – Boperator Boogie Band on the Mell Square Stage 5pm – David Moore Blues Band at O’Neill’s 5.30pm – Grey Goose Blues Band at Flute and Flagon 6pm – Almaz at The Masons Arms 6.30pm – Roy Forbes at Tap and Tandoor
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11am – Almaz at John Lewis and Partners 11am – Liam Price UK and Aimee Bryceland on the Mell Square Stage 12pm – Jessicar Rhodes Duo on the Mell Square Stage 1pm – Bob Wilson and Honeyboy Hickling at Broomfields Hall (formerly the Royal British Legion) 2pm – Ricky Cool and The In Crowd on the Mell Square Stage 4pm – Tom Barnwell Trio on the Mell Square Stage 5pm - Sheila Waterfield at Yates 5.30pm – Bob Wilson and Honeyboy Hickling at The Slug & Lettuce 6pm – Chaos on the Mell Square Stage 7pm – Roy Forbes at voco St John's Hotel
*Details correct at time of print, may be subject to change. Keep an eye on the Solihull BID website for up to date information.
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where to watch 1. Mell Square Stage 2. The Core Theatre 3. Boston Tea Party 4. Paramo Lounge 5. The Crowne Plaza 6. Revolution 7. The Beech House 8. John Lewis and Partners 9. Broomfields Hall (formerly the Royal British Legion) 10. Yates 11. The Slug & Lettuce 12. voco St John's Hotel 13. Touchwood Beech in Theatre Square 14. O’Neill’s 15. Flute and Flagon 16. The Masons Arms 17. Tap and Tandoor
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Prices correct at time of print. Products featured are available in Solihull stores or online.
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BID CARD
@
50,000+ BID cards in circulation
The BID employee card is one of the most successful employee benefit cards in the region.
Registered users receive weekly emails
140+
Businesses actively offering benefits
Managed totally in house we give constant updates and monitor the success of offers and numbers of sign ups. The recent launch of the BID card App means that the offers are available to view on the go , and the sign ups for this have been incredible.
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WEBSITE The Solihull BID Website has completed its refresh and is updated daily to ensure we are on the pulse of whats going on in the town. Our aim is to make the Solihull BID website THE go to site for all things Solihull , we want to use this to shout about your business and attract continued interest and investment into the area.
WWW.SOLIHULLBID.CO.UK
SOCIAL MEDIA Our social media channels have also played a key role in our communications strategy. Over 17,500 people now follow us across all of our channels. Prizes donated by levy payers and behind the scenes, offers, BID work, festivals and events have helped connect with each of our followers.
9,000+
Likes on Facebook
6,000+
Followers on Twitter
For each event we open an event page on Facebook with these reaching a wide audience. For example, the pages promoting our Jazz Festival and Jazz Festival events in December were each seen by over 85,000 people. Facebook: @Solihullbid Twitter: @SolihullBID Instagram: @solihullbid Linkedin: Solihull Business Improvement District
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2,100+
Followers on Instagram
600+
Followers on Linkedin
THE BID BOARD The Solihull BID Board is made up of volunteer representatives from a diverse range of organisations from within the BID area. They meet every other month to provide strategic direction and support to the full-time team,
Leon Sloyan Metro Bank
oversee delivery of the business plan and review expenditure and performance.
more about the board, or wish to become a board member, please email info@solihullbid.co.uk
Subcommittees also meet frequently to monitor the progress of projects. If you would like to find out
Perry Wardle SMBC
Kirsten Pickering National Grid
Kate Clarke BNP Paribas
Craig Underwood West Midlands Police
Kevin Johns Prime Accountants - BID Board Chair
James Devlin John Lewis
Tony Elvin Touchwood - Vice Chair Paul Round Mell Square
Lawrence Smith The Core Theatre
Kevin Crawford James Newland Skipton Building Wider Society
Mark Birch A Plan
Edward Holland Crowne Plaza
FINANCES *these are the projected costs only as BID end of financial year is 31st July, full accounts will be available at the AGM.
Total Income
£541k
Cost of Projects
£463k
Operating Costs
£119k
Surplus £90k
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@SOLIHULLBID 0121 285 1370
WWW.SOLIHULLBID.CO.UK