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Shrewsbury 2018
FOREWORD COMMUNITY CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
ENVIRONMENT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
INTRODUCING SHREWSBURY HIGH STREET Shrewsbury is the thriving county town of Shropshire with an enviable mix of independent and national businesses, lush green spaces, all nestled in an island setting within the embrace of the River Severn. Our town centre blends old and new with meandering medieval streets and wide walkways showcasing an impressive range of shops, restaurants, hotels and much more. From The Square at the centre of our town, Shrewsbury High Street leads a journey of discovery with much to be explored. We have an impressive work life balance to offer with wonderful heritage and natural environment, vibrant creative and commercial scene, and a wealth of educational options. To top it off, we
are regularly voted as one of the happiest and best places to live in the West Midlands and the UK. Shrewsbury is supported and maintained by an incredible range of authorities, partners, supporters and local businesses at both strategic and tactical level to ensure it adapts and evolves with the changing landscape of high streets around the country. At the heart of our vision is making Shrewsbury a better place to live, work, visit & invest. Together, we work to represent and influence, enhance and support, promote and animate the town centre ensuring the health and vitality of Shrewsbury’s high street environment.
COMMUNITY With the community forming the very heart of our bustling, vibrant town, we work tirelessly together to deliver projects and services for the benefit of the town to ensure we connect with what matters to those who live and work here. From improving transport links for the benefit of the night time economy, sharing in national victories, delivering a range of annual festivals, to creating opportunity to influence the developments of Shrewsbury’s Big Town Plan - a shared passion for Shrewsbury from the local community allows us to work together for the benefit of the town.
COMMUNITY
Successfully Lobbying for Free Sunday Car Parking in the Town Centre
Following consultation with businesses and the public in Shrewsbury, it was apparent that Free Sunday Parking was necessary to continue to attract footfall into Shrewsbury Town Centre. The community came together to influence change. Shropshire Council listened and at a recent Council Cabinet meeting, it was agreed that free Sunday Car Parking will be introduced in two of the town’s major car parks from September.
“Access and parking plays a crucial role in the success of Shrewsbury. This change, bringing free parking for all on a Sunday, is a real breakthrough and a good example of collaborative working with the Council, encouraging more people to come in and enjoy the town.” Dilwyn Jones, Owner at Sabrina Boat Trips
COMMUNITY
Creating the Town’s First Pop Up Consultation Shop for Shrewsbury’s Big Town Plan Townspeople and businesses were invited to help create a visionary plan which will shape the future of Shrewsbury at a special ‘pop-up’ space. Shrewsbury BID, Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council are jointly leading the Big Town Plan and last September, asked the public to share their ideas and comments as the plan developed. A vacant shop unit hosted the pop up consultation where the public could have their say and speak directly to members of the Big Town Plan team. A dedicated website was also setup for the project.
“This is a perfect opportunity for everyone who cares about Shrewsbury to contribute to shaping our town’s future and we will greatly appreciate comments from residents, businesses and those who work in and visit the town. This Big Town Plan has brought many partners to the table, working together to make Shrewsbury an even better place than it is now.” Councillor Alan Mosley, Shrewsbury Town Council COMMUNITY
Sharing Royal Wedding Celebrations
The live, outdoor screening of the Royal Wedding on Saturday 19th May, between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle saw crowds gather in the centre of Shrewsbury at the renowned St Alkmund’s Church. Working closely with the church wardens, local businesses and press, we created a setting for local and visitors alike to enjoy the day and create memories during this historical, British celebration.
“I think it’s an excellent idea using the church as a focal point, it’s a lovely area”. Alan Lancaster, Philpotts Shrewsbury Ltd “It was a great day and full marks for arranging the event. Perfect weather too!” Mike Matthews, Prince Rupert Hotel
COMMUNITY
‘Strawberries and Screen’
Following in the footsteps of the successful Royal Wedding screening, ‘strawberries and screen’ was created, bringing together two quintessentially British elements; Wimbledon and strawberries. Deckchair seating was provided whilst others opted to recreate ‘Henman Hill’ in the grounds of Shrewsbury Castle. Strawberries were locally sourced whilst ice cream was provided by Shrewsbury’s resident ‘ice-cream Ted’.
“It was fantastic to get involved in such a fantastic summer event with our locally sourced fruit. Wimbledon and strawberries simply have to go together.” Des Walker, Pomona Grocery
COMMUNITY
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New Shrewsbury Night Bus Service
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Running Fridays and Saturdays, every hour between 8pm and 2am (excluding 10pm) until the end of December.
N1 Shrewsbury Night Bus North Route via Battlefield, Harlescott, Mount Pleasant, Hubert Way & Ellesmere Rd
This is a trial service brought to you by Shrewsbury BID and Arriva.
N2 Shrewsbury Night Bus South Route via Shirehall, Meole Brace, Radbrook Green, RSH, Gains Park & Bicton Heath
Subject to Arriva Conditions of Carriage
Delivering New Services with the Night Bus to get People Home
A brand new festive night bus service was funded by the business community through Shrewsbury BID, bringing a cheap and easy way to travel for those coming in to enjoy the town’s vibrant night time entertainment offer. The bus service, in partnership with Arriva, operated on an hourly basis between 8pm to 2am, the two buses, using existing bus routes, catered for those travelling from north and south of the town – for just £1 each way.
“Those of us running night time venues feel a duty of care to help ensure that our customers have safe and convenient options to get them home after a great night out. As such we warmly welcome this additional affordable option to not only bring them in to the town but importantly to transport them home safely in the small hours.” James Hitchin, Chair of Pub Watch and owner of The Alb and Eat at Eight
COMMUNITY
SHOP WYLE COP 2ND DECEMBER 2017
WIN A £200 SHOPPING VOUCHER
Celebrating our Glorious Independent Shops on Small Business Saturday
Taking part in the national campaign to celebrate and promote small businesses, Small Business Saturday is recognised on an annual basis. Highlighting our unique offering of the longest row of uninterrupted independent shops in the country, Wyle Cop celebrated by offering shoppers the chance to win a £200 voucher by exploring and purchasing in our eclectic range of small businesses
“Shrewsbury’s small businesses play a big part in the town centre’s appeal as a successful shopping and leisure destination. With our specialist products and services we add much to our thriving high street.” Trish Donovan, Owner of Vinterior
COMMUNITY
Up and Running with Shrewsbury Parkrun
Previously crowned the ‘Healthiest town in the UK’, Shrewsbury is proud to host a weekly Parkrun and Junior Parkrun in the picturesque setting of The Quarry. Parkrun is a weekly free 5km run that takes place all over the country. The run encourages locals to take part, creating a community and welcoming tourist runners to stay and explore Shrewsbury during their visit. In February, as part of the Darwin festival, Darwin parkrun was created, encouraging participants to dress up and wear Darwin masks.
Shrewsbury Parkrun has become a much loved way to kickoff the weekend for many families and friends. It’s not just the people, it’s the pets, the prams and the camaraderie that goes with it that matters and makes it so enjoyable. Shrewsbury Parkrun Community
COMMUNITY
Pride in being Crowned the Home of Britain’s Favourite Market
Home to a variety of traders since 1965, Shrewsbury Market Hall, identified by it’s striking clock tower blends contemporary street food with traditional grocers, cutting-edge hairdressing sitting alongside vintage clothing and inspiring lifestyle stores with beautiful florists and quirky cafés providing a unique, inspirational experience to all who visit. Shrewsbury Market Hall has a hundred percent occupancy and a healthy waiting list. We were proud this year that it was named the country’s favourite market. On the first Saturday of each month, Shrewsbury Market Hall now hosts a ‘Late Night’ opening boasting a vibrant atmosphere, artisan food and drink plus a well stocked gin bar.
“We were absolutely delighted to win this prestigious award. It is thanks to the wonderful stall holders and our brilliant customers that we won so our thanks really go out to them and to the members of the public who voted for us.” Kate Gittins, Shrewsbury’s market facilities manager
COMMUNITY
Development and Support of Shrewsbury Street Pastors
A new specialist vehicle was donated by commissioner John Campion to aid the street pastors efforts to ensure those in the town after dark, get home safely. It comes as a result of the partnership working with groups in the town, which together, form Team Shrewsbury. The Street Pastors also worked with Shrewsbury BID to design and install high-vis stickers, ensuring the vehicle is identifiable to those requiring support. The pastors work with other charities like the Ark, Samaritans and Mind as well as supporting the work of the emergency services.
“Our work involves everything from taking an 80-year-old couple home, who both had Alzheimer’s and couldn’t remember where they lived, to talking a young lad in his twenties down from the bridge. “Then there’s the traditional role of the Street Pastors, which is that we give out flip flops and water. It’s really to ensure that people get home safely.” Street Pastors Shrewsbury COMMUNITY
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE In the changing landscape of market town high streets around the country and shopping habits of the public, it is important that we adapt and collaborate to make a visit to Shrewsbury, a unique, memorable experience. We work closely with local businesses, partners and the community to animate Shrewsbury by creating and delivering a variety of experiences and events to encourage footfall and add sparkle and excitement to a visit to the town centre
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
SHREWSBURY PASSPORT OF INDEPENDENTS
Creating the Town’s First Independent Passport directory
On 4th July, in celebration of ‘Independents Day’, Shrewsbury BID, in partnership with over 200 independent traders of Shrewsbury, brought the town’s first Passport of Independents, a directory to the businesses who make our town a unique shopping destination. 25,000 passports were distributed through the town via the Independent shops and 50,000 delivered to homes in the Shrewsbury area. Whilst attracting tourists and visitors to Shrewsbury forms part of our goals, we aim to remind locals of the wealthy array our town has to offer.
“We may each be independent businesses, but we believe in working together. We share a common goal in delivering goods and services and great customer service which draws people into the town. “We’re looking forward to welcoming people and stamping their Shrewsbury Independents Passport to show our appreciation of them making Shrewsbury their destination this summer.” Rob McFall, Shrewsbury Art Framing CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
SPARKLE IN THE SQUARE 1.1 Sparkly half sleeve sweater £98, Jigsaw 2.2 9ct white gold diamond set snowflake pendant, £175, Goldsmiths 3.3 Jungle animal skittles, £14, JoJo Maman Bébé
4.4 Acqua Di Parma “Colonia Pura” aftershave, from £66, Pockets
7.7 Gloves, £25, Powder, The Hummingbird at Shrewsbury
5.5 Salt and pepper shakers, £61, English Pewter, Templeton Jones
8.8 “Heritage” gilet, £75, Fat Face
SPARKLE IN THE SQUARE
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6.6 Keyring, £54, Vivienne Westwood, Carol Grant
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EAT & DRINK, STAY & DO
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Admiral Benbow
Off The Square
Browns
Old Market Hall
Carluccio
Patisserie Valerie
Coach and Horses
Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
Cote Basserie
Starbucks
Games Workshop
Stop. Café Bar
Ginger & Co. Coffee
The Gallery Tea Rooms
Golden Cross Hotel
The Hive
Loch Fyne Shrewsbury
Wightman Chambers
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Mr David 8
For more information visit Originalshrewsbury.co.uk/sparkle
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WONDER IN WYLE COP 1.1 Wall Mirror, £55, Feather & Black
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6.6 Hand knitted organic wool bobble hat, £109, Myssy Hats, Hibiscus
2.2 Champagne flutes, £9.50 each, Nkuku, White Lotus Living
WONDER IN WYLE COP
11 Mug, £19.99, Emma 11. Bridgewater, Cooking Kneads
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12 Bag, £39, Pure Boutique 7.7 Bracelet, £99, Buba, Bottega 12.
3.3 Deer bust, £35, Vinterior
8.8 Claret, £8.95, Tanners Wine Merchants
13 Christmas pudding, £7.85, 13. Appleyards
4.4 Dog bowls, £28.50, Tudor Galleries
9.9 Jumper, £105, Marianne Exclusive Fashions
14 Balance bike, £110, Frog, 14. Stan’s Cycles
5.5 Knowing God by J.John, £3.99, Illuminate Trust
10 Peter Rabbit soft toy, 10. £19.95, The County Sleep Shop
15 Loafers, £95, The Shrewsbury 15. Shoe Company 5
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EAT & DRINK, STAY & DO
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Abbots Mead Hotel
Lion Hotel
Darwin’s Townhouse
Nags Head
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Henry Tudor House
Optimum Joy
Hokum
Sheraz Restaurant
House of Grain
The Hop N Friar
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Lion + Pheasant
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Originalshrewsbury.co.uk/wonder
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MAKE MAGIC IN MARDOL 1.1 Mittens, £9, Rock Bottom
7.7 Framed Limited Edition print, £133.40, Linda Edwards, Art Framing
2.2 Shrewsbury bauble, £10, Sabrina Boat
MAKE MAGIC IN MARDOL
12 Prosecco shimmer, 12. £7.49, Lakeland 13 Money box, £6.99, Scope 13.
8.8 Christmas cards, £4, Hope House
3.3 T-shirt, £32, Ben Sherman, Unit 73
14 Wooden cat, £1.50, 14. Shropshire Cat Rescue
9.9 Wallet, £54.95, Secrid, Majors 4.4 Graphic novel, £10, House of Jumble
10. 10 Handmade 9ct yellow and red gold roller bracelet, £910, J.A.Woodroffe
5.5 Enamelled vine leaves and amethyst necklace, £39, Memory Lane Antiques & Vintage
15 Camera, £479, Fujifilm, 15. Jessops
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16 Light up train decoration, 16. £1.50, Mind
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£99, Tennessee Master Class Soprano, Music Bros. Ltd
6.6 Retro ornament, £12.99, British Heart Foundation
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EAT & DRINK, STAY & DO Adorn Studio Albert’s Shed Aroi-Thai Arthur’s Café Bistro Ashley’s Wine Bar Aura Hairdressing Ltd Avatar Bistro Jacques Blind Tiger Cafe Nero Chez Sophie Domino’s Pizza Fever and Boutique Francesco Group Hong Kong City Express Java Stop KFC Montgomerys Tower Morgans - The Exchange Hotel Panacea Pizza Express 12
River Thai Riverbank Bar & Kitchen & NY Lounge Sabrina Tours Subway Taste Of Shrewsbury The Armoury The Drayton The Foundry The Hole In The Wall The Kings Head The Loopy Shrew The Plough-Boy The Salon The Salopian The Shrewsbury Hotel The Town Fryer Theatre Severn Visual Arts Network Waterfront and Bonds York Hogroast
Originalshrewsbury.co.uk/magic
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Christmas Gift Guide providing Inspiration for Festive Shopping
Based on the concept of ‘Be Our Guest’, Shrewsbury’s Christmas Gift Guide was put together to demonstrate the wide range of shops and places to stay, eat and drink, encouraging a visit to the town. Working with businesses around the town, visitors were encouraged to ‘Sparkle in the Square’, ‘Meander the Market Hall’ and discover ‘Castle Street Charm’. Along with the gift guide, we invited visitors to ‘be our guest’ with a special Christmas video, attracting over 200k views and 831 shares.
“The quality of the gift guide and spread of gift ideas it contained was a real first for the town. By distributing both locally and further afield, it aimed to attract a wider audience to Shrewsbury during the key festive period but also, just reminded all of us who live and work here what a wonderful, eclectic mix we have here on our doorstep.” Rachel Williams, General Manager Marks and Spencer
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
DARWIN SHREWSBURY
F E ST I VA L
Delivering and Supporting Shrewsbury’s Darwin Festival
In February, the community of Shrewsbury came together to celebrate Charles Darwin’s birthday with the Darwin Festival. Featuring a two and a half week programme, the first festival of its kind cemented Shrewsbury’s rightful position as the birthplace of Charles Darwin, our town’s most famous son. Events included the very first Shropshire Young Thinkers Competition, fossil making, specialist talks and an engaging cafe concert with world-class musicians.
“The Darwin in Shrewsbury Festival is a real celebration of our town as the origin of independent thinking - it is a chance for the community to remember and celebrate a man whose groundbreaking ideas influenced world thinking.” Aleks Vladimirov, Partnerships Manager of Shrewsbury BID
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Using our green space to connect and entertain
Shrewsbury is proud to be the home to a 29-acre parkland, The Quarry, at the heart of which sits The Dingle, a floral masterpiece originally designed by globally recognised gardener Percy Thrower. Throughout the year, The Quarry plays host to a number of events including the Shrewsbury Food Festival, Let’s Rock and Shropshire Oktoberfest attracting visitors from the around the country each year. Shrewsbury Flower Show, held during August each year is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the ‘longest running flower show’ and is equally recognised for it’s fantastic event schedule and spectacular firework displays.
“At this year’s Food Festival, we welcomed our 100,000th visitor in this our 6th year. Our beautiful Quarry parkland provides the perfect backdrop for this great day out for all the family. We’re proud to help kick start new businesses and give families loads and loads of fun while making sure they learn more about the route from farm to fork.” Beth Heath, CEO Shrewsbury Food Festival CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Transforming Wyle Cop into ‘Wild Cop’
In February, the closure of a main thoroughfare in the town centre called for drastic action to remind visitors that shops were still open and provide a reason to visit the town. As part of the Darwin festival, six life-size fibreglass animals including a bear, a gorilla, a lion, a zebra, a hippo and a baby elephant, were placed onto the closed section of the Wyle Cop road, providing plenty of opportunities for photos, and endless fun for children and adults alike. The creation of our very own ‘Wild Cop’ even featured on BBC Midlands Today.
“Just wow! We loved this project on the Cop. We started to get concerned over the reduced footfall we been experienced in our shop due to the road works. The animals looked terrific and were a genuine draw. I brought my children to see them and did a little shopping on the Cop at the same time – I’m sure lots of other families did the same.” Hannah Schwarzer, Marketing Manager at Tanners Wines
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
The
DARWIN SHREWSBURY
ARE YOU READY TO EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY?
COLLECT YOUR FREE MAP FROM THE BAR originalshrewsbury.co.uk Brought to you by
Devising Shrewsbury’s Pub and Bar Voyage
Our town is the proud home to a range of shops, hotels and cafés. Equally important is our range of pubs, bars and restaurants providing a wide and unique range of venues to enjoy a drink, take part in a pub quiz or sit back and enjoy live music and food. Shrewsbury Pub and Bar Voyage, named in homage to Darwin’s voyage on the Beagle, was compiled to celebrate the town’s night-time venues as a go-to guide for exploring Shrewsbury after dark.
“What a fun way to give our customers a flavour of all Shrewsbury has to offer in the evening. The tear-off pads were a great talking point and a unique way of encouraging people to explore.” Susan Richards, Manager at JD Wetherspoons Shrewsbury
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
ENVIRONMENT In order to retain a clean and welcoming environment in Shrewsbury’s town centre, we work hard to devise new and innovative concepts to improving standards around the town. Working in unison to meet common goals with the Police, local authorities, the businesses and other partners, we continue to enhance the town centre experience making it safer, easy to navigate and more attractive.
ENVIRONMENT
Improving the Walkability of the Town with Contemporary Wayfinding Installations
Following the appointment of specialist wayfinding consultants who created a revamped town map, Shrewsbury BID, in partnership with Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council began the roll-out of a contemporary on-street signage system. The initial prototype has been installed and is the first of 56 signs that will replace outdated fingerpost signs and deliver a more efficient and less cluttered look to the town.
“Shropshire Council is very excited to see this prototype unit installed following the close partnership working with Shrewsbury BID and Shrewsbury Town Council. The further roll out of the finalised unit design is being delivered as part of the ongoing Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP). These units will provide a crucial street level aid to visitors and residents exploring the historic County Town.� Shropshire Councillor Steve Davenport, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport
ENVIRONMENT
Flagging up Safe Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury’s welcoming evening and night out entertainment and hospitality was recognised this year by retaining its Purple Flag status. The independent award underlines its reputation as a vibrant, safe and well-managed destination. Research indicates that Purple Flag accreditation can bring benefits to town centres including lower crime and anti-social behaviour and a more successful mixed use economy in the longer term. Assessors commended Shrewsbury integrated partnerships who work together to meet high standards.
“We are delighted that Shrewsbury has received its re-accreditation for Purple Flag status and it is a testimony to the work undertaken by all the relevant groups in the town. The Team Shrewsbury approach to our night-time economy shows what can be done to make our town a vibrant and safe place to visit and we are proud of what we have achieved.” Helen Ball, Town Clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council
ENVIRONMENT
Decorating Vacant Units with Eye-Catching Displays
A window display with a difference was unveiled to celebrate Shrewsbury’s connection to Charles Darwin and its vibrant retail and events offer. The vacant former McDonalds building on Pride Hill sported eye-catching window vinyls on a creative evolutionary theme. The quote from Shrewsbury’s famous son, “I am not apt to follow blindly the lead of other men”, inspired the design. Window watchers had the opportunity to win a £250 shopping spree in Shrewsbury by taking photographs of themselves in front of the window display.
“It was an opportunity to use a prominent site to improve the streetscape before a new tenant is found for the unit. The quirky display was open to interpretation in a town noted for independent thinking and creativity. The floral feel tied in well with our renowned Shrewsbury Flower Show.” Seb Slater, Executive Director of Shrewsbury BID
ENVIRONMENT
Supporting the town’s Britain in Bloom successes
Traditionally known as ‘the Town of Flowers’, we’re proud each year to not only host the Flower Show but retain gold status for Britain in Bloom on a yearly basis with over 300,000 flowers grown each year, especially to decorate the town. The campaign for the top prize is spearheaded by Shrewsbury Town Council with the support of members of the Shrewsbury in Bloom committee which includes a number of community volunteers and council officers. Last year the town was visited by the BBC2 production team and this year, Shrewsbury featured on a special Britain in Bloom programme.
“With the success of Shrewsbury in the recent BBC2 Britain in Bloom programme, it is wonderful that so many people are interested in seeing how things are managed behind the scenes. The vast number of bedding plants destined for Shrewsbury’s fantastic floral features never fails to amaze our visitors when the plants are lined up in rows in the greenhouse.” Keith Roberts, chairman of Shrewsbury in Bloom ENVIRONMENT
Excuse Us While We Improve
Shrewsbury, as with all medieval towns, requires works to maintain and update its public areas and roads. A large project which is currently being undertaken is the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP). Whilst the package is being implemented around the town, every opportunity is being taken to minimise any negatives. Designs for hoardings and banners create colourful and clever reminders that shops are open despite roadworks.
“Roadworks inevitably bring disruption and customised and colourful hoardings help provide a more attractive backdrop and ensure our customers are aware we are open and ready for business.� Neil Jacques, Store Manager & BID Board Member
ENVIRONMENT
D I G I TA L T R A N S F O R M AT I O N In the new digital age, for Shrewsbury to maintain high footfall and conserve it’s renowned unique visitor experience, it has been important to embrace the progressive power and opportunity of the web to arm business and attract visitors alike. Creating originalshrewsbury.co.uk as the town’s only visitor and locals website with over 900,000 yearly page views has allowed a clear guide and directory to the town and its range of businesses. Hosting a vibrant community through social media with business takeovers, news, views and much more has brought Shrewsbury traders together in support of each other in and staying in line with emerging digital trends.
D I G I TA L T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
INTRODUCING THE NEW & IMPROVED
ORIGINALSHREWSBURY.CO.UK
AT HOME
Explore the Map
OR ON THE GO
Evolving an Intuitive Website to Encourage
Original Shrewsbury is a popular and effective site used to keep people informed about the vibrant retail, hospitality, leisure and lifestyle offer. Shrewsbury businesses have access to the town’s only dedicated tourist website to promote their services and events through text, images and videos to reach and engage a wider audience. The process is designed to be quick and easy to operate with step-by-step instruction sheets issued to members.
“We have worked hard to develop the Original Shrewsbury website into a one-stop spot for visitors and locals to discover the fantastic businesses in the town, along with upcoming events and learn more about our rich history and culture. Allowing businesses to login to the back-end has opened up new opportunities for businesses to showcase themselves, their product recommendations and events.� Emma Molyneux, Shrewsbury BID Project Co-ordinator
D I G I TA L T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
Providing a Platform and Reaching Out to Businesses to Share the Love
The creation and roll-out of #ShrewTakeover on the Original Shrewsbury Instagram has provided a new dimension to marketing opportunities for businesses around the town. With the chance to showcase fresh food, eclectic art and unique events, traders have the chance to post between 8-10 photos over a weekend to promote what they do and encourage visitors to the town. The Original Shrewsbury Facebook and Twitter also provide an advertising extension to the website, showcasing the range of annual events taking place in the town.
“We really enjoyed taking part in the #ShrewTakeover for our recent stand at the Shrewsbury Flowershow. Instagram is a great chance to create a visual showcase. Using Original Shrewsbury’s platform introduces us to many new followers and to remind them why they should visit beautiful Shrewsbury.” Callaghans Fine Paintings & Contemporary Bronze
D I G I TA L T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
Bringing the Town to Life
This Summer, Shrewsbury launched a brand new video to help attract new visitors over the summer season. The fast paced, two-minute video, which now features on the Original Shrewsbury website, is designed to appeal to those living outside of Shropshire looking for something different during the summer holidays. More than 25 locations feature in the film as well as footage of Shrewsbury BID’s Wimbledon Screening, rowers on the river and crafts people at work.
“We’re determined to continue promoting Shrewsbury’s diverse offer and helping to drive footfall for the benefit of local businesses. The footage really captures the originality of Shrewsbury and we’re excited to share it and see people’s reactions to such an exciting video.” Tina Boyle, of Acoustic Boutique and member of Shrewsbury BID board
D I G I TA L T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
Looking out for Shrewsbury Supported by:
For more information please visit shrewsburybid.co.uk
Protecting and Informing Business
A new DISC system was introduced last year to digitise a paperbased system into a new GDPR compliant online version. The system allows users to login and confidentially view the image and details of a known offender within the town to better protect their business against shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. So far there are 260 users across night-time and daytime economy.
“We value the support of Shopwatch as policing is strengthened and more effective when we work in partnership with the community.� Sergeant Simon Morris
D I G I TA L T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
Measuring Performance and Footfall
There are two footfall cameras in Shrewsbury to count pedestrian numbers. The cameras use two lines to count pedestrians coming ‘in’ and ‘out’ and combine these two figures to reach a footfall total. This data provides valuable insight into the success of our town and further footfall devices are due to be installed to give a more detailed picture on the health of the town centre economy. The new devices provide intuitive insight such as whether a visitor is returning and what their route around the town was.
“It is important for us to track our footfall as not only a measure of shopping trends but also to provide evidence for prospective businesses, demonstrating potential as we continue to welcome a range of both independent and national stores and eateries.” Kevin Lockwood, Centre Manager, Shrewsbury Shopping Centres
D I G I TA L T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
“I wish the BID and its partners every success in the Great British High Street Awards. It takes energy and passion to maintain and enhance the town centre’s appeal. It would be great if it was recognised through these awards; it would be well deserved.”
Daniel Kawczynski MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham
Partnership working is at the heart of everything we do. We collaborate with our 500 members, organisations operating in Shrewsbury, sponsors and other businesses to make Shrewsbury a better place to live, work, visit and invest.