RF UPDATE OCT 2013 NEW.QXP
28/10/13
17:39
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04 Royston First | UPDATE
So, what’s next? Countdown to the Royston First BID renewal programme
2013 The road to the BID renewal begins now. We want to continue the good work the BID is doing now but add in new initiatives and schemes to support all our industrial and town centre businesses by making Royston an even better place to live, work and visit.
NOVEMBER • Feedback on survey research DECEMBER • Launch of the new BID prospectus • Publication of notice of ballot
JANUARY • Distribution of BID renewal literature • Issue of ballot packs FEBRUARY 3RD • Ballot Deadline: 5pm FEBRUARY 4TH • Ballot counted, results announced MARCH • Revised Levy bill distributed
COMMUNICATIONS We will make much greater use of the local newspaper and The Listing, create a dedicated website, use social media and a printed newsletter to help keep you tuned in to what’s going on around your town.
STOP PRESS! Look out for the Royston First Renewal Prospectus, due out at the end of the year ... and all the latest local news.
We’re going for the renewal ballot It’s official:
Now approaching the end of its first five-year term, the Royston First BID Company proposes to continue working for the local businesses and community. The results taken from the business and on street surveys show that the majority of people are supportive of our town. Most want to see current initiatives continuing and new projects delivered over the next five years. From a total of 228 businesses, we received 61% completed surveys which reflects the strength of feeling there is in Royston about the town.
Highlights from the 150 onstreet surveys in the town centre:
To enable more direct links with Royston First, it is proposed that local communications agency C4Bmedia will be contracted for the second BID term to ensure regular and professional interaction with local businesses.
• 87% of people visit once a week or more frequently ... but stay less than two hours in total
For information about the BID please contact Julia or Sharon on 01763 878242
ROYSTON F1RST c/o Town Hall Melbourn Street Royston SG8 7DA t 01763 878 242 e info@roystonfirst.com
2013
2014
APRIL • New five-year BID term commences
Feedback from the 2013 survey suggests that most people would prefer to receive more regular communication updates about Royston First activities throughout the year. Consequently we are planning some significant changes from the beginning of next year.
Royston First UPDATE - Winter
We also conducted 21 face-to-face interviews with a range of business stakeholders in the BID area. Having listened to and considered all the feedback - good and bad - we intend to adopt several of these suggestions and will completely overhaul our communications with the businesses .
Highlights from 141 business surveys (representing more than 3000 employees in Royston): • 77% saw improved or constant trade in the past year
• 50% arrive by car ... but a fifth find parking less than easy
• 94% expect trade to increase or remain the same next year
• 94% like the market ... but would prefer it to trade for longer
• More than half the sample felt Royston has remained the same or improved as a place to do business over the last four years, despite the impact of global recession over the same period
• 55% would spend more time and money with a better shopping offer • The park and the friendliness of the people are key strengths
• Rising business costs are viewed as the greatest challenge
Key projects suggested by the businesses include: • Targeting of new investment into the town • Improve the range and variety of shops • Improved signage into Royston • Improvements to employee car parking provision • Raising the profile of Royston • Regular promotional activities with events for families • Improved networking and communications
Look out for all the ideas to make Royston a better place detailed in our Prospectus and Business Plan to be published at the end of the year. SCAN THE QR CODE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE