WHAT THE BID DID

SOPRANO, HIGH STREET

CHAPEL PLACE

The RTW Together Business Improvement District was formed for, and funded by town centre traders. Here’s how we help.

RTW Together is a not-for-profit organisation that represents the interests of town centre businesses in Tunbridge Wells, from family independents to well-known big name brands, we are all in the BID.

So with the time of family and community upon us, we invited our retailers, foodies and entrepreneurs to come together for some street-based group portraits.

BID Director Sarah-Jane explains why this trading period is so important for our local stores and services.

“The past couple of years have been such a shock to our economy, and this year we’re hoping that this Christmas season will give the town centre traders that we represent a real boost, both financially and morally - we know that Tunbridge Wells locals are loyal and supportive towards our town centre businesses, and we’re lucky to have such a high proportion of independent and creative entrepreneurs to complement the much-loved brand staples.

Big and small, we are all part of the BID, and we encourage customers to come offline if they can and drop by to spend in-store, grab a festive bite to eat and let shop, restaurant and salon owners do what they do best. When you buy your gifts in person, you’re putting a smile on more than one person’s face.”

The BID supports the town centre by funding footfall driving events, such as Local and Live, Jazz On The Pantiles, the Museum of the Moon and the TW Fringe Festival, and carrying out activities of its own, such as the autumnal poppy display recently seen at the Calverley Precinct clock tower. We work on promoting our businesses through advertising campaigns, media exposure, videography and social media promotion, and of course, our new town centre magazine. We supply the Christmas lights to the area, and carry out street scene initiatives such as contributing to the parklets and floral planter scheme in the High Street, training and help with day to day operational issues.

Local businesses are seeing a benefit to being part of such a collective - Storm of Denny’s Place Barbers in Grosvenor Road says, “The BID has been a breath of fresh air in a town in need of a boost - to have a contact such as Sarah-Jane who passionately cares about our business as well as we do is vital. The BID have made each business feel important and acknowledged our contribution to the town. We are a community, a family and Christmas is all about family, so please shop locally with yours.”

THE MASSAGE COMPANY

MONSON ROAD THE PANTILES

CAMDEN ROAD

GOOD & GREEN Michelle of Manic Ceramix in Camden Road agrees: “Being part of the BID feels like being part of a family and it’s so great to get to know everyone and have the support of each other.’

To keep up with the work of the BID, visit www.rtwtogether.com, where you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @rtwtogether

You can read this publication online at www. rtwtogether.com/magazine, where you will also find a list of local pick up points. ■

ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE