REPORTING TO OUR BUSINESSES 2015-16
THE HEART OF SW19
LOVE WIMBLEDON
CHAIR’S REPORT It is so easy for the weeks and months, and years to flash past and suddenly five years have gone by and our tenure as the representatives of Wimbledon’s business community is due for a renewed mandate. The ballot of businesses will take place later this year, in September. As in previous years this report is full of the things that the Love Wimbledon team have achieved for the town on behalf of the businesses that fund us... But does what we do really make a difference and does it justify the additional financial burden that the BID levy places upon our businesses? In a word: Yes. Sometimes it is very visible, boosting footfall in the town; bringing the tennis championships into town on the big screen; hosting a street party to welcome RideLondon; closing The Broadway to traffic for Winter Wonderland to kick off the Christmas season; discount card schemes for the benefit of people working in Wimbledon. Sometimes it is behind the scenes: lobbying to help the night economy; ensuring there is effective street cleansing particularly at the weekends by Merton Council; deep cleaning our
streets; co-ordinating daily rubbish collection from business premises; providing recycling services; or creating buying networks to reduce our members’ overhead costs. Sometimes it is looking at the longer term: a conference about the town centre and its future; a place-making competition to engage the public; discussion forums about Crossrail 2; or simply attending meetings to ensure the business voice is being heard in the corridors of power. And sometimes it’s just about the vibe; the marketing of the town; the creation and maintenance of a special place by supporting and promoting some of the amazing arts; gaining momentum through social media and digital marketing; dressing the town with flowers and banners; engaging with the inventive and playful elements from sport and the arts. What it is always about is Wimbledon. It is your town. Thank you for helping it to be a great place in which to live, work, visit and play.
Paul Windsor Chair, Love Wimbledon Ltd
•
3
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
“ WHAT IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT IS WIMBLEDON. IT IS YOUR TOWN.”
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Love Wimbledon
A YEAR OF INFLUENCE rate dropped to 1.7% (compared to a London average of 6.3%). We have worked to secure the relocation of WHSmith and Waterstones with their property directors and we look forward to welcoming them back very soon. It was unfortunate timing that their closures coincided with Crossrail 2 conversation being very alive, the two issues are not related.
One of our key responsibilities is to be your voice, representing Wimbledon businesses. The wide spectrum of issues that we lobby on, on behalf of businesses are touched on in this report but perhaps the most crucial is Crossrail 2. We demonstrated during the Crossrail 2 consultation that we inform you, stand up for you, and make sure you hear directly from the top. We secured Michèle Dix, Managing Director of Crossrail 2 to address the business community in person. The potential impact of this project will have implications on the town for many years to come - it is at the top of our agenda to make this an opportunity for the town and not a threat. We are welcoming more shops than ever. At the end of 2015 our vacancy
This year, we launched our popular Love Wimbledon BID employee Privilege Card which has engaged thousands of people who work in this town. It’s a great place for business; clean, safe and secure with interesting eateries. We continue to try something new through our memorable Love Wimbledon events, such as last summer’s Pop-Up in the previously under-used St Mark’s Place; its success proving Wimbledon Town BID ACCREDITATION Centre has a lot to offer, Love Wimbledon is one of with a lot more to come. As we start our fifth year, Love Wimbledon has delivered for you, our businesses, on many different levels. We look forward to meeting with you to secure your support for our next five year term, so that we can continue to ensure that Wimbledon is great for business.
Helen Clark Bell BID Manager, Love Wimbledon Ltd •
5
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
the few BIDs to be awarded the BID Accreditation. Awarded in April 2015 it recognises exemplary management and financial practices, transparency, accountability and business engagement. We aim to provide a high return on investment for BID payers, that communicates effectively and has strong governance by our Board of Directors.
THE LOVE WIMBLEDON BID TEAM THE LOVE WIMBLEDON TEAM: (Image L-R) Helen Clark Bell, BID Manager Danielle Cleobury, Marketing and Events Manager Tom Ruffell, Town Ranger Keith Alexander, BID Assistant Sally Warren, Strategic Marketing Adviser
1.7% SHOP VACANCY RATES DROPPED TO 1.7% AT THE END OF 2015 A COMMITTED TEAM
THE LOVE WIMBLEDON BOARD
The Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District is led by Helen Clark Bell, the BID Manager and supported by a dedicated operational and marketing team.
Representing different businesses of Wimbledon THE BOARD Paul Windsor, Chair Partner, WSM Partners Suzy Wood, Vice Chair Centre Director, Centre Court Shopping Paul Harvey, Secretary Partner, Morrisons Solicitors Gina Conway Owner, Gina Conway Aveda Salon Stephen Midlane Executive Director, Polka Theatre Cheryl Owen Operations Manager, Elys (Until July 15) Jessica Ponnampalam Manager, The Terrace Rebecca Stockman Centre Manager, YMCA Mark Walker Managing Director, Zipcar
Our volunteers support many of our events, welcoming and helping visitors to the town.
THE TOWN RANGER Many businesses know our Town Ranger, Tom, who reports street management issues such as fly tipping and graffiti and is often the first point of call for businesses, being out and about in the town every day.
WE WELCOMED FOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS IN 2015/16 Roy Bromley Director of Operations, Antoinette Group Stacey Raymond Store Manager, Elys John Tippett Cooper Senior Lawyer and Head of Corporate Paul Wood
Social Responsibility, Capsticks Solicitors Partner, Elliott Wood Partnership
NON VOTING ATTENDEES James McGinlay Head of Sustainable Communities, Chief Inspector Diana Sterck •
6
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
London Borough of Merton Metropolitan Police Merton Chamber of Commerce
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Love Wimbledon
A SUCCESSFUL TOWN FOR BUSINESS Wimbledon continues to attract a great range of businesses from asset managers to media agencies; it is a thriving place to work The town is a destination for shopping, eating and seeing - outperforming most London high streets, it is a robust and buoyant place to be The best connected place in London! Where else has trams, tubes, trains, buses, taxis (and 100s of bike racks)
EAT – DISTINCTIVE FOOD SCENE Now firmly on the map as a top South West London eating destination, Wimbledon is crammed with distinctive and popular grab and go places and great family restaurants. PLACES TO EAT
25,000
VISITS TO THE LOVE WIMBLEDON FOOD AND DRINK WEB PAGES
SHOP – A UNIQUE COMBINATION Wimbledon’s characterful shopping experience gives customers the convenience of independent retailers and recognised brands. With high quality retail including Elys independent department store, Jo Jo Maman Bébé, Jigsaw, Phase Eight and Aubergine Art - we work tirelessly to attract customers.
VISITS TO WHAT’S ON PAGE ON WEBSITE UP TO
14,000 •
7
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
SEE – LOTS TO DO Three theatres, two cinemas and an energetic local arts scene – our ambition was to build on the cultural and going out scene, which impacts positively on Wimbledon Town Centre – more theatre goers means more diners, means a thriving town.
STRATEGIC AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OUR WORK IS DEVELOPED AROUND THREE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
01
IMPROVING WIMBLEDON o ensure Wimbledon T is attractive, vibrant and cared for
ATTRACTIVE VIBRANT AND CARED FOR
80% (UP 2%)
•
8
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
02
CONNECTING WIMBLEDON o ensure Wimbledon T is connected, clearly presented and represented with a strong collective voice
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Love Wimbledon
O ur aim is to make Wimbledon Town Centre an attractive, safe, well presented and represented location of choice for business, visitors and residents
CONNECTED, CLEARLY PRESENTED AND REPRESENTED
65% (UP 16%)
03
SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
SERVICES FOR BUSINESS To provide services to support existing businesses and to attract new ones
•
9
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
67% (UP 18%)
“The pop-up was a really fun event. Love Wimbledon created something that has never happened before in this space, which attracted a vibrant and young crowd and supported business. � Sarah Dore, Manager of The Alexandra public house
01 IMPROVING WIMBLEDON
MAKING WIMBLEDON ATTRACTIVE, VIBRANT AND CARED FOR EVENTS AROUND TOWN TOWN CENTRE DRESSING CLEANER STREETS IMPROVED PUBLIC SPACES KEEPING CRIME DOWN
WINNING EVENTS IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER YEAR PACKED FULL OF FOOTFALL DRIVING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES. RANGING FROM FAMILY FUN TO CHILLED AND CREATIVE - WE CONTINUE TO DEVELOP POPULAR FAVOURITES WHILST EXPLORING NEW IDEAS.
‘ DURING WINTER WONDERLAND WEBSITE VISITS GO UP 87% AND FACEBOOK REACH JUMPS TO OVER 3,500’
THE REGULARS As RideLondon sped through the town, cyclists were treated to uplifting music and loud Love Wimbledon handclappers! Supporters enjoyed displays from BMXers, children’s activities and a range of bicycle themed games, making Wimbledon one of the most attractive destinations for spectators.
The big astroturf sofas appeared, the deckchairs came out and the Big Screen provided two weeks of great tennis and the great British Grand Prix on The Piazza. Businesses engaged with the tennis like never before: shop logos with tennis balls, creative window dressing, Wimbledon town is now well and truly part of the tennis experience.
MONTHLY MARKETS GET THE THUMBS UP Once a month from spring to autumn, local entrepreneurs and businesses take part in The Market on The Piazza. The market is renowned for unique gifts, homewares, food and live music performed by local artists - making the Wimbledon experience even more enjoyable for customers.
The celebrated Winter Wonderland was revamped this year with chill out areas, an interactive stage and new magical festive experiences.
84% OF BUSINESSES THINK THE MARKETS ARE A POSITIVE ADDITION TO THE TOWN CENTRE •
12
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
September went creative with three weekends of family activities during our Autumn Arts Festival harnessing the spectacular range of creative culture we have in the area. Our popular Arts Market returned selling unique art and striking crafts from local artists and designers.
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Improving Wimbledon
NEW NEW NEW Ice carving at St Marks Place with award winning professional Anne Marie Taberdo providing ice carving demonstrations and a ‘have a go’ ice wall The Halloween creepy – crawly spider giving shoppers a nudge and a surprise on The Piazza The crowds gathered for displays by International BMX-ers during RideLondon
W e tidied St Mark’s Place next to the library and during tennis created a chilled pop-up with food, casual seating and live music L aunched the start of Merton Arts Trail 2015, linking Wimbledon with Merton customers A lice in Wimble-land working with Wimbledon Bookfest to celebrate Lewis Carroll’s birthday in our town •
13
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
‘ FOOTFALL INCREASED DRAMATICALLY DURING OUR KEY EVENTS’
BUZZING IN ST MARK’S
NEW IN 2015
The St Mark’s pop-up was new for 2015 and aimed to celebrate the tennis atmosphere in this historic part of Wimbledon. Working with The Alexandra pub, Love Wimbledon dressed St Mark’s Place and promoted the event to residents, office workers and tennis goers. On Thursdays and Fridays atmospheric live music was performed by local talent. Pop-up food mixed with the permanent food stalls in the square giving a tasty choice.
CASE STUDY
‘ THE POPULARITY OF THIS EVENT DEMONSTRATES HOW BY WORKING WITH WIMBLEDON BUSINESSES, WE CAN DELIVER A UNIQUE AND CHILLED EXPERIENCE ENJOYED BY WORKERS AND RESIDENTS AND BENEFITS BUSINESSES.’ Danielle Cleobury, Events and Marketing Manager at Love Wimbledon
‘‘ The pop-up was a really fun event. Love Wimbledon created something that has never happened before in this space, which attracted a vibrant and young crowd and supported business. We hope we can partner with them again and it will happen every year!’ Sarah Dore, Manager of The Alexandra Public House •
14
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Improving Wimbledon MORE TREES THAN EVER! Wimbledon has more trees thanks to us reporting to the council on trees that are damaged or have died. For the first time, we now have three LIVE trees of the same species and size outside the station!
ENGAGING SPACES AND PLACES MAKING THINGS HAPPEN
EAT SHOP SEE
A space is only activated with people; this philosophy is the basis to our events. That’s why we supported over 70 events in Wimbledon Town Centre and made sure things happened. As Wimbledon encounters more challenges both from the internet and other high streets, our events become key in keeping the vibrancy and engagement in our town.
The new banner programme was part of a wider campaign in promoting Wimbledon as a destination to EAT SHOP and SEE. Redesigned banners were placed in strategic areas to provide a strong cultural identity and support the wider marketing that Love Wimbledon delivers.
DRESSING THE TOWN Love Wimbledon initiated the relationship with the All England Lawn Tennis Club working on extensive basket and banner implementation to keep the town fresh and celebrate the tennis. Sponsored by AELTC, the town gets four months of colour from the flower baskets and railing boxes designed by their head gardener. •
15
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
85% OF PEOPLE WHO WORK HERE THINK IT’S VIBRANT
CLEANER STREETS, IMPROVED PUBLIC SPACES WIMBLEDON BUSINESSES AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY HERE, DESERVE A CLEAN AND CARED FOR TOWN CENTRE
LOBBYING FOR IMPROVEMENT Our Town Ranger reports on average 6 issues a day including: 2 8 instances of fly-tipping 2 4 faulty street items 1 5 blocked gullies
BUS STOP
4 BUS STOPS JET WASHED
4 water mains leaks and removed 1,100 flyposters
ZERO TOLERANCE ON GRAFFITI
SQM OF PAVEMENT JET WASHED
4 4 pieces of graffiti removed in the town centre A s soon as we are informed about / see graffiti we immediately forward this on to the council. As part of our legal agreement with Merton it must be cleaned up within 5 days or if offensive, within 24 hours. LOVE WIMBLEDON CLEANS UP RAILWAY PATH For years the graffiti along the cycle and pedestrian path known as Railway Path has been an eyesore for train passengers and pedestrians as they come into Wimbledon. Love Wimbledon in partnership with local business Wimbledon Offices Ltd arranged for graffiti on the wall of Tuition House to be removed and the wall restored to its natural brickwork. BID Manager Helen Clark Bell commented “Wimbledon is an internationally recognised place and our businesses and residents want a town centre to be proud of. This is part of our continued plan to make Wimbledon graffitifree and keep it clean.” This area has not been cleaned for over 20 years and had at least 6 layers of paint in some places. A special coating has also now been applied to the wall to ensure any future cleaning is easier. •
16
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Improving Wimbledon
REDUCING WASTE DUMPING We were receiving regular reports of fly-tipping on Kings Road. By working with the businesses in the surrounding area we encouraged them to keep their waste storage off the public highway. The result: no additional waste being dumped at this site. We arranged for this area to be jetwashed removing the grime that had penetrated the pavement leaving the area clean and tidy.
CASE STUDY
CRIME REDUCTION
WIMBLEDON IS ONE OF THE SAFEST TOWN CENTRES IN LONDON AND WE NEED TO KEEP IT THAT WAY
TOWNLINK RADIO – COMMUNICATING CRIME TO REDUCE CRIME 38 BUSINESSES USE TOWN LINK RADIO Key shops in Wimbledon have access to Townlink radio which provides an instant way of letting other retailers, night time venues, CCTV operators, Centre Court Shopping, the Police, South West Trains and Love Wimbledon know of any criminal or suspicious activity. This has led to a number of arrests for shop lifting as security and police are able to work together to catch or deter criminals. Love Wimbledon continues its support of Townlink radio as a preventative measure.
“ TOWNLINK RADIO HELPS OUR SHOP AND WIMBLEDON STAY SAFE BY GIVING INSTANT ACCESS TO CCTV, THE POLICE AND OTHER RETAILERS.” Sam Griffiths, Store Manager, The Entertainer
•
17
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
PUBWATCH – REDUCING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE EVENING Love Wimbledon organises regular meetings of Pubwatch for bars, clubs and pubs to share intelligence, crime statistics and strategies to reduce night time anti-social behaviour. The monthly meetings are attended by The Police. Love Wimbledon also hosted a variety of free practical training workshops to assist in crime reduction. This included licensing law, drug awareness, conflict management and counter terrorism. By working together we are sending a very clear message that criminal and anti-social activity is not welcome in Wimbledon.
02 CONNECTING WIMBLEDON
“For our guests the town centre map publicises all that is great about Wimbledon and encourages them to really enjoy the town centre.” Roy Bromley, Director of Operations, Antoinette Group
•
18
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
02 CONNECTING WIMBLEDON
TO ENSURE WIMBLEDON IS CONNECTED, CLEARLY PRESENTED AND REPRESENTED WITH A STRONG COLLECTIVE VOICE PROMOTING TO OUR CUSTOMERS GIVING BUSINESSES A VOICE LOBBYING CROSSRAIL 2
•
19
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
THE VOICE OF WIMBLEDON WIMBLEDON BUSINESSES NOW HAVE A STRONG, COLLECTIVE VOICE We have lobbied on behalf of businesses on a number of topics including tree planting, utility improvements, waste issues, highway improvements, retail use changes and cleaning. In 2015, we shouted even louder as Crossrail 2 announced its consultation.
WORKING FOR BUSINESSES A SNAPSHOT OF 2015 A replacement tree was finally planted outside the station after intense lobbying from Love Wimbledon. Unsightly waste issues at the corner of Kings Road and Wimbledon Broadway were acted on by Love Wimbledon. We facilitated the relevant businesses to work together on a waste action plan to reduce the impact on neighbouring residents and gave it a thorough clean after this was agreed. A waste company was not collecting rubbish from a major eatery. After their relentless attempts to get the waste collected, we made contact with the waste company and the rubbish was collected that day. There has not been a problem since.
“ A masterplan for Wimbledon must work for shops and businesses so Wimbledon continues to improve over time” Sally Warren, Love WImbledon
FUTURE WIMBLEDON PLANNING FOR TOMORROW Following on from the Love Wimbledon Landlords Forum in September, Future Merton initiated a new masterplan brief. Love Wimbledon will have a strategic role in the plan. We expect in the next year to have a clearer vision of Merton Council and TFL’s plan, which we will communicate to our businesses. •
20
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Connecting Wimbledon
INFLUENCING CHANGE ON CROSSRAIL 2 The impact of Crossrail 2 could be devastating for businesses in the town centre. Crossrail 2 must not be delivered at the expense of the economic wellbeing of the town. Wimbledon Town Centre must stay well and truly open and accessible with minimal disruption during construction. It must continue to be a place of choice to own or run a business and remain an attractive option for employees, residents and visitors.
WITH CROSSRAIL 2 ANNOUNCED, LOVE WIMBLEDON’S PRIORITIES ARE TO: Keep businesses informed Lobby Crossrail 2 stakeholders Ensure business views are heard Keep Wimbledon open for business
KEEP BUSINESSES INFORMED During the consultation, all BID businesses received regular updates and a survey to determine business priorities and concerns. Love Wimbledon were the FIRST organisation to get Crossrail 2 to present in Wimbledon (to our businesses) making sure Wimbledon businesses could question / feedback directly to decision makers. KEEP WIMBLEDON OPEN FOR BUSINESS Our lobbying influenced Crossrail to communicate an initial phasing strategy – the first time this was in the public domain. We are pushing for Wimbledon to not become a dormitory town, but remain a place for successful business and attract new business. This means improved office space, better choice of retail and sustainable, high quality development to keep Wimbledon working for another 100 years. It also means retaining and improving buildings of merit, whilst making sure the •
21
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
town works for customers and businesses alike. LOBBY CROSSRAIL 2 STAKEHOLDERS On your behalf we have campaigned key influencers including politicians, TfL, Crossrail 2 and Merton Council to make sure Wimbledon gets the best out of Crossrail and we stay OPEN for business. We wrote to and met mainstream London Mayoral candidates to make sure Wimbledon is seen as one of, if not THE most, important place in Crossrail 2. ENSURE BUSINESS VIEWS ARE HEARD We partnered with Merton Chamber of Commerce to create a stronger business voice. We wrote our responses to Crossrail 2 based on the results in our business surveys. We will continue to make sure Wimbledon Town Centre is at the table at strategic and planning stages during the Crossrail 2 consultation.
PROMOTING WIMBLEDON TO CUSTOMERS WIMBLEDON IS MORE THAN A SHOPPING DESTINATION – THE SPECTRUM OF PLACES TO EAT, SEE AND VISIT ARE INCREASING
In 2015 we developed our marketing strategy with an emphasis on social media, making sure we tap into a growing market in the region.
SW19 is an internationally recognised brand and Love Wimbledon promotes Wimbledon Town Centre as a destination for shopping, eating and seeing. Our marketing plan supports the unique range of businesses we have as well as the distinct experiences and the popular events we and our partners create.
TRACKING OUR DATA We track our campaigns and marketing activity – aiming for improvements the whole way through. We continue to make sure the investment in our marketing is effective.
THE LOVE WIMBLEDON WEBSITE KEEPING CUSTOMERS IN THE KNOW
72,000
visits per year
25,000
visits to food & drink
14,000
visits to our what’s on page
10,000
visits to shopping
WEBSITE WHAT’S ON PAGE
7%
‘WE ARE SEEING AN INCREASE IN FOOTFALL IN THE EVENING ECONOMY DUE TO THE GREAT CHOICES OF RESTAURANTS AND OUR UNIQUE THEATRES AND CINEMAS.’
INCREASE YEAR ON YEAR
Sally Warren, Strategic Marketing Adviser •
22
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Connecting Wimbledon
OUR WIMBLEDON
BBC LIVE FROM THE PIAZZA WE ARE DIFFERENT
During the tennis, The BBC had heard about all the happenings in town and filmed interviews from our BIG SCREEN tennis. So our notorious green sofas were upstaged by the famous red ones!
80
‘Our Wimbledon’ guide differentiates us from other South West London towns. It enables our distinct personality and the great places to shop and eat Discover(and Wimbledon the things to do) to be promoted to over 100,000 potential customers.
PRESS FEATURES The heart of SW19
Wimbledon Town Centre Map E AT I N G • S H O P P I N G • C U LT U R E • L E I S U R E
Come and be part of our thriving shopping, entertainment, health & beauty and food destination. With two nationally renowned theatres, over sixty restaurants and cafés, 150+ shops, great events and diverse night life, Wimbledon is a perfect place to take time out and enjoy yourself.
CULTURE
EVENTS AND INFO
The Odeon Cinema: A ten screen cinema with IMAX and 3d screens, showing top blockbusters and live cultural events.
The Piazza: Situated in the centre of town, the main hub of activities and events, from arts festivals and markets to pop-ups and celebrations.
HMV Curzon: This friendly cinema screens the best international art movies and has a cool bar to hang out in.
The Library: An architecturally significant building (with carved Shakespeare and Milton heads) hosts workshops, activities, WiFi and of course books, making it the most popular library in the region.
The Polka Theatre: The UK’s first children’s theatre. Bringing exceptional performances and workshops to a national audience (and a fun kid’s café).
Love Wimbledon had over eighty articles in the press.
Love Wimbledon Information Desk: First floor, Centre Court Shopping towards the front, outside H&M women.
New Wimbledon Theatre: Since Edwardian times, the New Wimbledon Theatre has brought West End shows to the heart of Wimbledon. Great pantos, great performances and a great night out. The retro Wimbledon Theatre Studios is tucked below with new and experimental shows.
SHOPPING
Centre Court Shopping: Wimbledon’s covered shopping destination with secure parking, food, fashion and gifts and Debenhams department store - all under one roof.
For all that’s happening in Wimbledon go to:
lovewimbledon.org
Elys: Independent department store selling top designer brands, clothing, housewares, cosmetics and with the smartest instore restaurant outside central London.
TRANSPORT: Trains | Tubes | Trams | Buses • Waterloo in 16 minutes Regular direct services from Waterloo, City, Kings Cross, Sutton, Croydon, Kingston & Earls Court • Taxi rank outside the station • Six car parks
More information at lovewimbledon.org B
C
E
F
G
7. Centre Court Shopping A host of listed building facades create the elevations to the shopping centre. An art deco town hall fronts the centre, whilst on Queens Road the fire 2. The Wimbledon Library Although built in station, a magistrates court and a church provide E A T Idetails, 1887 with surprising historic references and a textural palette. N G •there S H isOaP‘book I N G • C U LT motif’ at the side of the building, a laterP21st URE • LEIS U Latin R E lovers century addition. 8. The Wimbledon Shield For the moto “Sine Labe Decus” means “Honour 3. The Olympic Gold Post Box Our post box without Stain’ and is inscribed on the coat of was painted on behalf of Sophie Hosking, arms above Tesco Metro granted in 1906 to the municipal borough of Wimbledon. Gold Medal Winner in the London 2012 Olympics. Sophie is a Wimbledon resident and international rower. 9. Turkish Baths Designed for the actors of Wimbledon Theatre, the baths can be found 4. The Stag The link between the town, the downstairs in The Pod bar under the theatre. Village and the Common. The stag was created by local artist Isabelle Southwood and presides 10. The Polka Theatre The UK’s first on the station forecourt. children’s theatre that was originally the church hall for Holy Trinity. 5. Lara Croft Birthplace In the early nineties in www.thewimbledonway.org a studio within the office block known locally
(18 mins)
P1 C3
4 C2
GE
7
P5
as the ‘fridge’, Lara Croft a fictional character in Tomb Raider was devised.
6 8
C12
(25 mins)
CO
UR
RO AD
AD RO
(4 mins)
6
9 GLADSTONE
CASH POINTS
i
F
G
A
N
H
B
6
10
TO SOUTH WIMBLEDON (5 mins)
C
More inform ation at lovewim bledon
D
E
F
G
AD E RO
A quick guide to
AD RO
WIM
REACHING OUT TO WIMBLEDON 1
2
ILL C6
XA
TO WIMBLEDON PARK
ALE
C1
IM
AD RO
C4
27%
4
ON
C13
ID
BR
GE OR GE
ED
’S
P5
N’S
AD RO
EE
QU
C2
GE
ST
BL
P6
4
i
W
PLE
R WO
‘The Prince of Wales clock is fixed’ a 3.5k reach
C11
AD RO
P1
C3
C5
7
C12
5
Gained 853 page likes throughout the year - an increase of 27%
like increase
(25 mins)
BR OA DW AY
CE N
ES
CR
AH
LD
FIE
BE UL
RT
HA
CO U
EB
AD D RO
(4 mins)
RO AD WA Y
P3
•
C7
23 C9
• C10
Park, Ha
9
P2 PALME
P3 Morrisons Car
GLADSTONE ROA
PARKING
1
2
3
Over 1,000 tweets Gained 1,516 followers We had 711,200 impressions
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
DUNDONALD TRAM STATION
P1 Centre Court Car Park (entrance at back of Centre Court along Q
TH
FIEL
TO DUNDONALD STATION
RT HA
6
on Way
THAT’S IMPRESSIVE
6. The Two Fat Ladies removed for roadwor When they were ks in 2011 it caused uproar, but it was just temporary. The two fat ladies are a permane nt addition to our and were designed town by Andre Wallace.
RT
RO AD
P4
T
5
3. The Olympic Gold Post Box Our post was painted on behalf box of Sophie Hosking, Gold Medal Winner in the London 2012 Olympics. Sophie is a Wimbledon resident and international rower.
4. The Stag The link between the town, the Village and the Common by local artist Isabelle . The stag was created Southwood and presides on the station forecour t. 5. Lara Croft Birthpla ce In the early nineties a studio within the in office block known locally as the ‘fridge’, Lara Croft a fictional characte in Tomb Raider was r devised.
6
8
TO RAYNES PARK
I
along The Wimbled
7. Centre Court Shopping A host of listed building facades create the elevations to shopping centre. the An art deco town hall fronts the centre, whilst on Queens Road the fire station, a magistra tes court and a church historic reference provide s and a textural palette. 8. The Wimbled on Shield For Latin lovers the moto “Sine Labe Decus” means “Honour without Stain’ and is inscribed on the coat of arms above Tesco Metro the municipal borough granted in 1906 to of Wimbledon. 9. Turkish Baths Designed for the actors of Wimbledon Theatre, the baths can be found downstairs in The Pod bar under the theatre. 10. The Polka Theatre The UK’s first children’s theatre that was originally the church hall for Holy Trinity. www.thewimbled onway.org
(18 mins)
D OA AR
3
3
7
R
ND
AD RO
‘Big Screen Tennis is live’ received a 6k reach
NH
DO BLE C8
Wimbledon’s heritage
1. The Bank Building The richness of the red brick provides deep a warmth today as it would have when it was built in the late 1880’s. 2. The Wimbled on Library Although built in 1887 with surprisin g details, there is a ‘book motif’ at the side of the building, a later 21st century addition .
CO 2
.org
H
Know Wimbledon
YN ALW
ON MPT
SHOPPING
Centre Court Shoppin g: Wimbledon’s covered shopping destination with secure parking, food, fashion and gifts and Debenhams departm ent store - all under one roof.
Elys: Independent department store selling top designer brands, clothing, housewa res, cosmetics and with the smartest instore restaurant outside central London.
7
I
TO THE VILLAGE (10 mins) COMMON (15 mins) THE TENNIS (23 mins)
1
New Wimbledon Theatre: times, the New Wimbled Since Edwardian on Theatre has brought West End shows to the heart of Wimbledon. Great pantos, great perform ances and a great night out. The retro Wimbledon Theatre Studios is tucked below with new and experimental shows.
go to:
rg
EVENTS AND INFO
The Piazza: Situated in the centre of town, the main hub of activities and events, from arts festivals and markets to pop-ups and celebrat ions. The Library: An architecturally significa nt building (with carved Shakespeare and Milton heads) hosts workshops, activitie s, WiFi and of course books, making it the most popular library in the region. Love Wimbledon Information Desk: First floor, Centre Court Shopping towards the front, outside H&M women.
The Polka Theatre : The UK’s first children theatre. Bringing ’s exceptional perform ances and workshops to a national audienc e (and a fun kid’s café).
5
TRANSPORT: Trains | Tubes | Trams | Buses • Waterloo Regular direct services in 16 minutes from Waterloo, City, Kingston & Earls Kings Cross, Sutton, Court • Taxi rank Croydon, outside the station • Six car parks
E
4
PARKING
ROAD
D
ing in Wimbledon
lovewimbledon.o
PALMERSTON
C
ROAD
P3 Morrisons Car Park, Hartfield Road (24 hours) P4 Wimbledon Bridge (secure) P5 St Georges Road (24 hours) P6 Sainsbury’s Car Park, Worple Road
B
RUSSELL
A
For all that’s happen
P2
ROAD
PARKING P1 Centre Court Car Park (entrance at back of Centre Court along Queens Road, secure) P2 New Wimbledon Theatre Car Park, The Broadway (24 hours)
G’S C9
P3
DUNDONALD TRAM STATION
7
C7
IELD
TO DUNDONALD STATION
KIN
CR ES CE NT
AH
LD IE
BE UL
RTF
RT F
E BR OA DW AY
HA
HA
TH
don
CULTURE
WIMBLEDON WAY HERITAGE WALK
LOVE WIMBLEDON INFORMATION DESK
Come and be part of our thriving shopp ing, entertainme health & beauty nt, and food destination. With two nation renowned theatr SOUTH PARK ROAD ally es, over sixty restaurants 150+ shops, great and cafés, events and diverse night life, Wimbl is aC10perfect place edon TO take SOUTHtime PARK to out and enjoy yourse GARDENS (3 mins) lf.
RO AD
T
5
P4
1 P1 C1
STANL
BRO AD WAY
KEY
6. The Two Fat Ladies When they were removed for roadworks in 2011 it caused uproar, but it was just temporary. The two fat ladies are a permanent addition to our town and were designed by Andre Wallace.
5 TO RAYNES PARK
Discover Wimble
In 2015 we produced the first town centre map to promote eating, leisure and going out to visitors. The Love Wimbledon Map was launched in time for tennis and was distributed through hotels, strategic points and estate agents. It continues to be a great source of finding places to visit for the many NEW businesses (and their employees) to the area.
The Odeon Cinema: A ten screen cinema with IMAX and 3d screens, showing top blockbusters and live cultural events. HMV Curzon: This friendly cinema screens the best internat ional art movies and has a cool bar to hang out in.
KEY
SOUTH PARK
1
P1
C1
i
AD
ID BR
C13
NEW FOR 2015 3
Y RO
C4
AD RO
N
ST
4
AD RO
O ED
’S
GE OR GE
BL
P6
N’S
EE
QU
STAN LE
IM W
E
PL
OR W
i
RO AD
C5 C11
AD RO
G’S
AD RO
3 3
KEEPING VISITORS IN THE KNOW
2
KIN
L HIL
AD RO
ND
XA
ALE
C1
AD
N
DO
BLE
RA
2
Centre Map
EY RO
IM W
TO WIMBLEDON PARK
1
C6
1
The heart of SW19
1. The Bank Building The richness of the deep red brick provides a warmth today as it would have when it was built in the late 1880’s.
Wimbledon Town
AD RO
ON MPT
CO
C8
I
A quick guide to Wimbledon’s heritage along The Wimbledon Way
ROAD
WIMBLEDON WAY HERITAGE WALK
4
PARKING
CASH POINTS
LOVE WIMBLED ON INFORMATION DESK
TRINITY ROAD
AD E RO
WYN AL
2
H
Know Wimbledon
TO THE VILLAGE (10 mins) COMMON (15 mins) THE TENNIS (23 mins)
1
D
TRINITY ROAD
A
5
TO SOUTH PARK GARDENS (3 mins)
10
6
39% increase in followers on twitter
“Being part of the Love Wimbledon BID we saved over £5000 on our energy bills through Meercat. The process was quick and easy and without a doubt the BID is really taking money saving initiatives seriously to help business in Wimbledon.” Robert Palmer Williams Director, Tots Landing
•
24
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
03 SERVICES FOR BUSINESSES
TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO SUPPORT EXISTING BUSINESSES AND TO ATTRACT NEW ONES OUR SERVICES TO BUSINESSES ARE: BUSINESS SUPPORT COMPETITIVE RECYCLING AND WASTE COLLECTION PROVIDE COST SAVING PROCUREMENT
SUPPORTING BUSINESS BOLSTERING LOCAL BUSINESS – BENEFITING WIMBLEDON EMPLOYEES
THE VERY POPULAR LOVE WIMBLEDON PRIVILEGE CARD LAUNCHED The Love Wimbledon Privilege Card was launched as a perk for all employees of BID businesses. It encourages their use of Wimbledon Town Centre businesses and therefore increases footfall. The popular card provides a range of shop, restaurant, hair and beauty and leisure discounts. Launched in July as a new initiative to help drive local footfall - especially at quiet times – sign up continues to be very strong and along with the Love Wimbledon map it is great for new businesses and new employees.
CASE STUDY
I t’s FREE O ver 3,000 cardholders A card for everyone who works within the BID O ffers that keep changing from a variety of businesses M onthly newsletter with exceptionally high opening rates A round 30 strong offers each month
‘WE JUMPED AT THE CHANCE OF PUTTING OFFERS ON THE LOVE WIMBLEDON PRIVILEGE CARD AS IT TARGETS EMPLOYEES IN WIMBLEDON TOWN CENTRE. WE HAVE FOUND BOTH BERTIES BAR AND PRINCE OF WALES TO BE REALLY POPULAR FOR CARD HOLDERS – LONG MAY IT CONTINUE!’ Ian Thomas, General Manager Prince of Wales & Bertie’s Bar, Kitchen & Courtyard •
26
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Services for Businesses
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS In 2015 we were the first to get Crossrail 2 to visit Wimbledon to talk to our businesses at HMV Curzon We set up a landlords forum to demonstrate our commitment to making sure the town stays open for business over the next fifteen years All BID businesses received free membership to Merton Chamber of Commerce Merton Chamber of Commerce provided over 40 events last year offered at a reduced rate to BID businesses (from practical training and workshops to networking) Love Wimbledon hosted a range of networking events for businesses in the town centre
SUPPORTING NEW BUSINESSES We make it our responsibility to support new BID businesses. Wimbledon employees spend time and money in our town and the better businesses we have, the more attractive Wimbledon becomes.
AN AWARD WINNING TOWN We sponsored two major awards strengthening credibility of our businesses. These awards provide a strong promotional platform and connect our businesses with customers.
EAT WIMBLEDON!
WINNING BUSINESSES
To promote the great choice of eating out in Wimbledon Town Centre we partnered with Time & Leisure magazine’s Food & Drink Awards. Sponsoring a new category; Best Eating Experience in Wimbledon Town Centre, we firmly put Wimbledon on the map as a place for food. Sticks and Sushi won the category with Khanage coming in a close second. It is part of our commitment to promote our businesses to new and existing customers.
Enterprising Wimbledon businesses were shortlisted in nine categories in the Merton Best Business Awards. Exceptional growth, bold imaginations and commercial success demonstrated by the winning businesses firmly puts Wimbledon on the map as a place to have a thriving business. We partnered with Merton Chamber of Commerce on the Best Business in Wimbledon Town Centre Award to increase that visibility to a wider business audience.
•
27
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
SAVING BUSINESSES MONEY WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION Over 20% of BID businesses are now using our recycling service from First Mile. The highly competitive pricing means more businesses signed up in 2015, reducing their costs as part of our commitment to save you money.
24 businesses saved more than they pay in the BID levy by switching recycling to Love Wimbledon
IN 2015/16... 24 businesses saved more than they pay in the BID levy by switching recycling to Love Wimbledon
NEW IN 2015 FOOD WASTE COLLECTION
Over £50,000 of savings to businesses who took up our recycling service 3 23 tonnes of waste collected 262 tonnes of recycling equivalent to 370 tonnes of CO2 2 ,270 trees saved Since its launch Love Wimbledon businesses have saved over 5,000 trees!
FREE ELECTRICAL ITEM COLLECTION Introduced by Love Wimbledon to help our businesses remove bulky electrical goods (and smaller ones too). Free to all BID businesses Over 50 businesses used this service Total savings of nearly £4,000 Ten businesses saved over £100 each
2,270 TREES SAVED IN 2016
Making it easy for business Free starter pack including food caddy, roll of bags and outdoor box Daily collections 7 tonnes of food waste has been collected to date!
CASE STUDY
SOMEONE TO DO THE LEG WORK ON ENERGY PRICE SAVINGS - FOR FREE!
Introduced two years ago, Love Wimbledon has offered BID payers free comparison price services on utilities, telecoms, testing and pest control. 43 businesses have switched providers all done by the Meercat team. We continue to improve this service and in 2016 will be launching new elements.
£93,000 AMOUNT SAVED BY ONE BUSINESS ON UTILITIES
•
28
SAVINGS REALISED
£13,000 •
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
LOVE WIMBLEDON | Services for Wimbledon
‘ We had over twenty different local musical acts play in our town centre, helping us to encourage new talent and benefit the wider community.’ Danielle Cleobury, Marketing and Events Manager
BEING RESPONSIBLE AND ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY In 2015 we worked with many community and arts organisations and continue our aim to work in a socially responsible framework on behalf of our businesses by:
Hosting over sixty free community events on The Piazza worth £30,000 Implementing a Chugger policy – working with charity fundraisers on the street, reducing the amount of time they are in town and where they can stand Developing ties with our unique town centre cultural destinations including The Polka, HMV Curzon, The Odeon and New Wimbledon Theatre Focusing on local products and traders at our markets and at our events Supporting local schools and community groups including: Big Screen tennis astroturf sofas donated to a local school for their playground and our art shed given to Sustainable Merton for use on a community allotment Promoting BID business fundraising and charity events through social media Bolstering relationships with local arts organisations including Wimbledon BookFest, Wimbledon International Music Festival, Wimbledon College of Art, Merton Arts Trail, Merton Arts Team, Merton Music Foundation, Wimbledon Studios and Workshop 305 to generate activity in town •
29
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
FINANCIALS Each year the Love Wimbledon Board of Directors approve an annual budget to take forward the business plan for the year ahead. Annual audited accounts are produced and are available to BID levy payers on request. The following is a summary for the 2015/16 financial year.
INCOME B ID levy
INCOME
£531,761
£442,470
Income from Piazza activity
£43,465
Commercial income & interest
£23,716
Wimbledon Guide
£20,250
Affiliate membership
£1,860
EXPENDITURE
EXPENDITURE
£528,797
Attractive, Vibrant and Cared for
£141,418 (27%)
Connected, Represented, Promoted
£243,659 (44%)
Services to Businesses Management and administration Overhead Costs Net Surplus
£71,386 (14%) £21,914 (4%) £59,420 (11%) £2,964
Income is derived mainly from the BID levy payable by the BID members for the year to March 31st, together with other contributions from landowners and excludes Value Added Tax. All income received is wholly applied in furtherance of the BID objectives. Value of additional activity leveraged in over £40K to include: hanging baskets £14k, Piazza usage £5k, Tram advertising £10k, info desk rental £5k, use of various boardrooms for meetings £3.5k and event radios £2k. •
30
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
LOVE WIMBLEDON | 2015/16 Summary
THE LOVE WIMBLEDON BID DISTRICT 2016/17 MAKING A DIFFERENCE THE NEXT YEAR WE ARE INVESTING TO: Improve public spaces Keep Wimbledon businesses at the forefront of Crossrail 2 developments Continue the partnership with the Police to reduce crime Lobby to improve parking facilities and reduce costs Deliver fun and innovative events Provide cost reduction business services
THE LOVE WIMBLEDON BID RENEWAL AUTUMN 2016 VOTE YES FOR THE VOICE OF BUSINESS BID businesses have fed back the priorities for Wimbledon in the next five years. This information has informed our 2nd term BID proposal strategy Vote to keep crime down, to keep events going and retain an enviable shop and office occupancy rate Vote to keep the town centre promoted, to save money in waste, recycling and utilities and to have a team to lobby on your behalf
KEY DATES:
May - July Businesses provide voter details 22 Sept
Ballot papers released Voting starts
Vote to keep the vibrant, popular activities that Wimbledon now has
20 Oct
Ballot closes 5pm Voting finishes
Vote to keep baskets and banners, and the Big Screen tennis
21 Oct
Outcome of ballot announced
And vote to make sure during Crossrail 2 there is a voice for business
April 2017 Second BID term commences
•
31
•
LOVEWIMBLEDON.ORG
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Tuition House, 27-37 St George’s Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 4EU 020 8619 2012 info@lovewimbledon.org
lovewimbledon.org lovewimbledon
@lovewimbledon