Annual Report
victoriabid.co.uk
Foreword
04
Introduction
06
Section 1 – Safe & Secure
08
Section 2 – Clean & Green
14
Section 3 – Destination Victoria
20
Section 4 – Showcase Victoria
26
Section 5 – Prosperous Economy
34
Financial Information
40
Board of Directors
42
05
Tom Foulkes Chairman – Victoria BID
Victoria is one of the busiest transport hubs in the UK, with its close proximity to Whitehall and the Palace of Westminster, it has historically been seen as the location of choice for business and organisations that work closely with central government. Yet as we see Victoria grow and change, it is rapidly emerging as the home of some of the world’s biggest corporations and global brands.
With an emphasis on economic growth, Victoria will see more than £1.5 billion of investment poured into the area over the next 10 years, making it one of the most exciting and desirable locations in London. Transport for London, Land Securities, Grosvenor Estates, and Network Rail all have ambitious investment plans for Victoria, creating a vibrant and dynamic area. Victoria BID is helping to shape and influence the placemaking agenda, working on behalf of the local business community and in partnership with our public service providers. Public space is going to be increased by over 147%, with over 33 new trees planted across the area, a number of green roof installations providing natural habitats for bees
and flowers to flourish, all of which will assist in reducing Carbon emissions by 20% – 30%. Visitor numbers will rise, the retail offer will grow, dwell time will increase, restaurants, cafes, bars and our theatres will provide a truly unique visitor experience positioning Victoria as an internationally renowned destination. By 2015, the BID will have invested more than £7 million of our own funds into making Victoria a more prosperous economy that all can share – business, residents and visitors. Our major programmes include improved security and law enforcement that will mean we have already achieved the lowest crime rate in Westminster and won awards for safety on the streets.
We are actively promoting traffic management, street signage and pedestrian routes throughout the district. Visitors are being assisted by our ambassadors’ programme and our street concierge service. We are already helping more than 1,000 people per day find their way to a variety of destinations across Victoria, Buckingham Palace being the most popular. We have also organised over 10,000 hours of volunteering support since 2010 and work with many fine charities such as Veterans’ Aid, Whizz Kids and The Passage.
07
Introduction
At a time when Central Government is promoting decentralisation through a strong localism agenda, Business Improvement Districts have the opportunity to demonstrate a leadership role around the place making agenda within their specific locations. We know that the coming months bring significant challenges, as well as opportunities, as we begin to see the development pipeline for Victoria roll out.
Ruth Duston Chief Executive – Victoria BID
As a result we’ve developed a number of projects helping to position us as one of the country’s more innovative BIDs we were the first Business Improvement District to be awarded Purple Flag earlier this year to promote our evening economy. More recently we have twinned with Downtown DC sharing best practice and working together on common objectives to deliver innovative and effective projects across both sides of the pond.
phase. With the programme of change, Victoria BID needs to respond to the needs of business to ensure our business plan and programme delivery remains current and fresh.
We have developed an excellent relationship with the Metropolitan and British Transport Police, delivering a unique single policing hub team and working with business and other service providers all linked together through a comprehensive communication system.
This is an exciting period of change, providing an opportunity for business to work collectively together as a united voice, investing and influencing the social, economic and policy agenda for Victoria. Guided by businesses and organisations based within the SW1 area, the Victoria BID team capitalises on the individuality and unique selling points of the area. In working to help shape Victoria’s future progress and development, a full programme of initiatives, services and events have been delivered.
With the success achieved operationally through project delivery, VBID has begun to position itself more strategically to ensure we represent the needs of business throughout the development
The Victoria BID has worked hard to position itself as one of central London’s largest BIDs and to demonstrate to business the added value the BID levy will achieve. And this has been
recognised by central Government with Victoria BID identified as one of the country’s more innovative BIDs, resulting in us being invited to participate in the Portas Review and to assist CLG to explore the role of “Super BIDs”. A key objective for us this year will be to maintain and demonstrate excellent programme delivery, with a focus on communication and branding of the VBID footprint. The groundwork has been established to tackle the challenges and opportunities that will be generated by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games providing Victoria with an opportunity to build on the legacy and outcomes from this momentous year as we move through our 3rd year of operation.
Section 1
11
Section 1: Safe & Secure
Victoria BID has repositioned and strengthened the area as a safe and secure destination of choice
Safe & Secure
John Ford – Chair of Safe & Secure Steering group
The ‘Safe & Secure’ theme is guided by local businesses and organisations, with a view to the Victoria BID team helping shape Victoria’s future development, repositioning and strengthening the area as a safe and secure district for business to flourish. Businesses are keen to make their contribution to ensure that any visit to Victoria is incident free for both business and leisure visitors alike. 2.
A Police Sergeant has been seconded full time from the Victoria Business Team, dedicated to the BID, as our Business Crime Reduction Officer. This has enabled the team to take a more focused business policing approach, meeting the needs of business interests, identifying the concerns of employers and their workforce.
1.
While rough sleeper associated antisocial behaviour, bag theft and pick pocketing feature highly amongst reported crime in Victoria, statistically reported crime rates in Victoria have followed a downward trend, making Victoria one of the safest areas of Westminster.
In Pictures 1. Staff from the Victoria Apollo
Theatre celebrating Purple Flag Accreditation. 2. Safe & Secure police team
receiving their Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. 3. Local Police using the Victoria
BID Radio Link Scheme. 3.
• A coordinated approach through partnership working and additional patrols were undertaken to address the concerns of the business community around Howick Place and the Cathedral Piazza. Hot washes and additional patrols were undertaken.
• Radio Link – the system went live at the beginning of January 2011, 164 radios have been issued. The scheme has gathered momentum over the year with both BTP and Met Police having direct communication with their businesses.
• Purple Flag – promotion of the evening economy/kite marking a destination. We were awarded Purple Flag status in October 2011.
• Facewatch – reported crime system primarily used to prevent/deter theft from licensed premises. After a successful pilot carried out in 30 businesses, this is now being rolled out across Victoria, into Cardinal Place and Victoria Coach Station.
Recent activity includes
• Community Safety Accreditation Scheme – 15 security guards have been awarded accredited powers to deal with anti social behaviour. They have been awarded 7 accredited powers.
• T he BID has been awarded the Safer Business Award for the work being undertaken through the steering committee and BID team.
• A range of safety materials have been produced to actively deter crime and make workers, residents and visitors feel safer.
• Pubwatch – 28 licensed premises are part of the scheme, which meets on a quarterly basis.
Section 1: Safe & Secure
Safe & Secure
13
Radio Link
Community Safety Accreditation Scheme
Delivery: Establishment of a radio communication network & structure.
Community Safe Delivery: Community communication system used by police teams.
Counter Terrorism & Fraud
Output: Over 300 members.
Delivery: 1. Operation ARGUS seminar (Managerial CT training)
Cost: £900
2. Operation GRIFFIN seminar (CT Security)
4. Multi Agency Fraud seminar Output: 1. 60 BID members trained in management of counter terrorism 2. 50 BID members trained in CT security awareness 3. All of Cardinal Place shopping centre security & ground staff trained
Facewatch Delivery: CCTV crime management system.
Cost: £nil
Purple Flag Delivery: Accreditation of Purple Flag Status.
4. 35 BID members provided with fraud awareness training
Output: Awarded purple flag, branding to be used by BID members for their own benefit (tourism, footfall).
Cost: £6,211
Cost: £2,745
Cost: £5,425
Police Operations Delivery: 1. Crime driven police initiatives 2. High Visibility Patrols
Output: 1. OP Crathie to combat Homelessness issues using a multitude of partnership responses. OP Volute & Spiders web to combat theft related offences.
3. 15 businesses participated in BCM management training & BCP auditing. Cost: £14,324
2. Improve police visibility to 90% via extra patrols around core shifts.
Diverted Giving
2. Chelsea Clips
Delivery: 1. 4 Large collection boxes & 30 Desk top collection boxes distributed to the community
3. Police surgeries
2. Promotion of scheme
Output: 1. 700 bikes marked
Output: 1. In excess of £1,000 collected so far and redirected to the Passage day care centre
2. 3,500 theft prevention clips installed in all bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants in Victoria
2. 5000 leaflets provided to The Passage for distribution to commuters.
5. DVD’s.
2. BCM Tabletop exercise
2. 60 BID members participated & increased BCM awareness.
Cost: £2,000
4. Pub material
3. High Profile Operations
Output: 1. Receive BCM information feeds/opportunities for BID members to attend seminars.
Crime prevention material Delivery: 1. Bike marking kits
Delivery: 1. CSARN membership 3. BCM Forum
Output: Over 100 distressed and vulnerable people influenced by the pastors. Unable to measure crimes prevented and actions that diffused volatile situations.
Output: Over 100 low level Antisocial Behaviour incidents resolved without police intervention.
Output: Over 30 BID members used the system. Soon to be made available to all BID members.
Business Continuity
3. Operation Fairway seminar (Hostile recon/threat levels)
Delivery: Team of 4 Street Pastors patrolling Victoria during one busy Friday night per month.
Delivery: Home Office Accreditation of 15 security staff at Cardinal Place shopping centre. Plus community awareness campaign.
Output: 164 BID members now part of network. Cost: £20,583
Street Pastors
3. Approximately 20 police surgeries delivered to businesses which include several thousand alarms/bells/ chains/property marking kits handed out to staff. 4. 12 LED signs and 150 bar runners with crime prevention advice handed to licensed premises.
Web Changes & Promotional Brochures Delivery: 1. Website Updates
Cost: £2,155
2. Police Brochure & Postcard.
Association Of Business Crime Reduction Partnerships
Output: 1. New and improved look and feel to Safe & Secure web pages
Delivery: Accreditation of Victoria BID
3. High profile crime action days per year.
5. Two crime prevention DVD’s created and distributed to the community
2. 2,000 Brochures & 2,000 postcards delivered to the community.
Output: Accredited with Safer Business Awards.
Cost: £50,000
Cost: £33,468
Cost: £9,215
Cost: £554
Section 2
Section 2: Clean and Green
17
The Victoria Business Improvement District acts as a platform for business to take a lead in enhancing the overall urban environment in Victoria & helps shape the area for future development
Clean & Green
Martin Kelly – Chair of the Clean & Green Steering group
1.
The BID is championing a sustainable green agenda for Victoria and is looking to become the leader in the development of sustainable business environments through retrofitting of green and blue infrastructure, research and the promotion of greener business. 2.
3.
In Pictures 1. Tree outside St Peter’s church. 2. The Bat Conservation Trust
delivers a bat seminar for local VBID businesses, and bring along some furry friends. 3. The Sprucing Up for Summer
campaign, which cleaned Victoria top to bottom. 4. Victorias Beekeepers receive
some hands on training by Brian McCallum.
4.
The increased presence of a green infrastructure will benefit the environment, individual businesses and the workforce, residents and visitors in the area. The GI Audit is a groundbreaking piece of research that will enable us to promote a delivery strategy to the benefit of Victoria BID stakeholders in the area.
We are working closely with public and private sector partners to achieve a positive change in the physical landscape. The increase in green infrastructure will not only benefit the environment but also the workers, residents and visitors that come into Victoria on a daily basis A wide range of activity has been undertaken during 2011/2012, including • A range of exciting research including attitudinal surveys surrounding GI implementation, bat and insect population surveys, Green Roof urban microclimate research, an I-Tree Eco research report assessing the value of trees within Victoria from both an environmental perspective and a financial perspective.
• Planting of 33 new trees across the area • Installation of 9 beehives and the training of over 40 local workers and residents in bee management, including support of a social enterprise called the ‘Bee Collective’ which processes raw honey for London beekeepers. • A dedicated subsidised Recycling scheme for BID levy payers and SME’s • The development of green roof, living wall and rain gardens for central Victoria • Installation of 28 Legible London signs across Victoria in conjunction with Westminster City Council. • The development of a Green Business Exchange providing services such as green marketing, procurement, sustainability, energy management advice to business.
Section 2: Clean & Green
19
Green Business Network
Clean & Green
Outcome: –– Website redesigned –– Green business website launched.
Living walls
Environmental Ambassador
Outcome: –– Feasibility study completed for two potential living wall sites
Outcome: –– Dedicated Environmental Ambassador recruited
Budget spent: £1,000
Budget spent: £25,000
–– 6 seminars delivered
DEFRA research using VBID as case study Outcome: –– Tender documents issued, research agency recruited and project steering group is established Budget spent: £0
–– 8 fact sheets uploaded Budget spent: £8,000
Outcome: –– Funding allocated towards scoping exercise to promote best practice in water management, VBID to be case study and part of steering group.
Awards & Case studies
Budget spent: £5,000
–– Case study in Natural Environment White Paper
Outcome: –– 12 restaurants to be signed up to the SRA
–– Case study in Landscape Institute best practice guide
Budget spent: £5,000
Rain Garden: Buckingham Palace Outcome: –– Concept design for rain garden finalised and presented
Green Roofs Outcome: –– Concept design completed for 2 exemplar green roofs –– 2 structural surveys completed –– Visits to 3 additional roofs for feasibility assessment In kind contributions: £900.00 (Steering group time 6 members (10 hours x £15 ph))
Legible London
Research funded with CIRIA
Outcome: –– Finalist in Royal Town Planning Institute category for ‘Planning in Business’
Outcome: –– Legible London signage launched
Sustainable Restaurants Association
–– Case study in ‘Think BIG’ strategy
–– Removal of barriers along Buckingham Palace Road Additional funding levered in: £105,000 (WCC anf TfL)
Recyling scheme
Traffic Management study
Additional funding levered in: £21,000
–– Final design completed and planning application completed and prepared for submission
Outcome: –– Traffic Management study completed in conjunction with Grosvenor Estates and partners
Budget spent: £5,500
Budget spent: £12,000
Budget spent: £10,000
Outcome: –– Funding towards strategy to promote tree planting in cities
Tree planting
Budget spent: £2,000
Outcome: –– Tree planting strategy completed identifying all opportunities for planting –– Draft I-tree study completed
Budget spent: £4,000
–– Concept design completed
–– 20 signs removed as part of the decluttering process post LL installation
Budget spent: £100,000
–– Analysis of project impact on existing trees complete
Outcome: –– Topographical and underground survey completed
–– 28 signs installed (three remaining)
Bee programme
–– 33 trees planted in March 2012 (TfL red route locations (additional 50) are on hold
Outcome: –– 2 x 10 week ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ courses held
In kind contributions: Steering group attendance. £2,000
Budget spent: £1,000
Rain Garden: John Lewis
Trees and Design Action group ‘Trees in the Townscape’ strategy
Outcome: –– Recycling feasibility study completed –– Recycling scheme launched for BID members and SME’s in January 2012
–– 3 bee seminars held –– Feasibility for 10 beehive locations investigated –– Honey processing social enterprise and site to run project identified.
–– 15 businesses signed up to scheme
–– Honey processing equipment, 13 beehives and associated equipment purchased and distributed
Budget spent: £12,500
Budget spent: £8,500
Additional funding levered in: £5,000 Budget spent: £31,000
Baseline Bat research
Herb and wildflower Seed packets Outcome: –– Seeds sourced, packaging designed and circulated. –– 5,500 seed packets circulated to local workers and residents
Outcome: –– Bat detectors installed on 5 roofs
Additional funding levered in: –– £1,000 donation by Apollo theatre
Budget spent: £500
Budget spent: £6,500
Section 3
Section 3: Destination Victoria
23
There’s so much more to see in Victoria than meets the eye, the walking tours programme is a fantastic way to learn about the rich history and really get a feel for the area’s hidden gems.
Destination Victoria
Luke Shires – BID Board member
Victoria BID’s programme of activity has developed into a robust and vibrant menu of events ranging from historical walking tours, seasonal food markets with local traders, pop up and one off promotional activity with specific call to actions and events targeted to the larger corporates going into their offices delivering activities; all showcasing the area’s culture, open spaces, retail and leisure offer and more. 1.
These events were very successful in strenghthening the BID brand, increasing footfall and generating national PR for Victoria and the BID project.
In Pictures 1. Victoria BID achieves
2.
a Guiness World Record 2. Victoria Street, the heart of SW1 3. Spring market in Cardinal Place 4. Christmas lights outside
House of Fraser
3.
4.
As well as encouraging the wider community and visitors to engage with the programme through our marketing and PR we have seen a number of key events take place, which will gain momentum year on year within the BID community. We have sought ways to be creative with the space available to hold events as well as creating a programme which is relevant and interesting to our target audience whist achieving the BID’s core objectives for the Destination strategic theme. In response to the Visioning and Work programme
Development Workshop held at the beginning of the financial year, members were keen to see more BID branding throughout the events programme with more high profile content and impact. This year we’ve already delivered two key events of this nature to showcase Victoria in the run up to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. These events were successful in strengthening the BID brand, increasing footfall and generating national PR for Victoria and the BID project.
Section 3: Destination Victoria
Destination Victoria A wide range of events have been undertaken during 2011/2012 including:
25
Cultural Events Delivery: –– 8 cultural events have been delivered between 2011-2012 –– This includes the Christmas light switch- on event at Cardinal Place
Corporate engagement & team building events
Output: –– Overall approx. 650 people attended
The larger corporate members were targeted with team building events that were made accessible to them at their offices. This involved two key events in 2011 – Last Choir Standing and Focus on Fitness.
–– Stats provided by Land Securities, visitor numbers for the 2011 Christmas light switch on at Cardinal Place went up by 3% on the previous week. The average dwell time for the event day was 28 minutes, the highest for that week. An increase in footfall by 18%.
a) Last choir standing was a singing
Cost: £13,496
Walking Tours The programme begins in June and spans across to September. It incorporates Open Garden Squares Weekend and Open House in September. The schedule focuses on the history of Belgravia, Victoria and Pimlico and is again very well subscribed within the BID community. This year walks have been designed to be more interactive and eccentric with actors and music along the routes as well as competitions and an Olympic themed walk. The programme kicks off on June 10 with Open Garden Squares Weekend. Delivery: –– Annual walking tours programme – current 2012 programme will end in Sept 2012 –– In 2011 the amount of walks doubled and saw approx. 571 attend. 2012 has a target of 400 with a slightly reduced number of walks taking place due to the Olympic period –– Improved perception of Victoria within the office community Cost: 2011 walks £6833
2012 cultural events are focused in July with participation in the Cultural Olympiad. A programme of summer events has been put together offering art, history, comedy, team building, competitions and open air theatre.
Promotional Events Delivery: Victoria station jazz sessions. Two live music performances at lunch and dinner time. Output: 290 records collected from the audience for the BID database which prompted more pop-up low cost events to collate audience data whist raising the profile of the BID. Cost: £5,302 Delivery: Valentines rose promotion along Victoria Street peak time
Ambassadors Delivery: –– Patrol the VBID footprint with a main information kiosk based outside Victoria station. –– 5 Ambassadors currently cover the BID footprint. They work 7 days a week 10am – 7pm Outcome: –– 200,000 customers welcomed –– Business interaction 1325 –– Intelligence tallies 2123 –– 3,500 maps handed out each week –– Top 3 environmental issues are Graffitti/flyposting, Roads and Pavements, Street Cleansing –– Top Street issue is Homelessness and Begging
competition where businesses entered teams. They were given vocal coaching sessions over a 2 month period in preparation for a finale performance where a panel of judges decided the winner. This was a really good team building event and has gone a long way to instil confidence in the audience to take part in further events of this nature as they do require a certain level of commitment from participants. X4 corporates took part and 35 individuals – Engagement with participant for a duration of 2 months
b) X2 Focus on Fitness events were held in partnership with Fitness First and offered health checks, fitness classes and nutritional seminars all held at work premises. These sessions were well attended and enjoyed, with the fitness classes by far proving to be the most popular activity. X6 BID corporates engaged and approx. 277 individuals – Engagement with participants for a duration of 2 weeks. Delivery: Three Corporate engagement & team building events.
Seasonal food markets The significance of food markets in local communities is still much debated, and is centred on the nation’s love of quality, affordable British produce, sustainable resources, and social cohesion. During the second year of the events programme the BID made a partnership with Westminster Artisans who in 2010/2011 were delivering a pilot scheme for Westminster Council to re invigorate Tachbrook Street Market. The BID has held several pop up markets with Tachbrook Street traders which has helped to reach a new audience and raise awareness of the market. These quarterly markets are very popular with demand to hold them more frequently. The BID are key players in developing Strutton Ground Market with Westminster Council, Land Securities and Westminster Artisans and will be taking this forward for 2012/13. Delivery: Seasonal food markets 2011 – 2012 four markets have been delivered. Output: –– Approx 1,750 have attended the markets
Output: 263 records collected
–– Distribution of marketing collateral to 1,325 businesses
Overall outputs: 312 individuals participate across 10 corporates
–– Approx 1,000 items of BID materials have been distributed at the markets such as travel wallets, magazines, 100% Victoria brochures
Cost: £2,373
Cost: £176,000
Cost: £8,633
Cost: £6,963 for 4 markets
Big splash Events 2012 Members have fed back to the BID that they wanted to see more BID branding as it wasn’t always clear that the BID were organising the events. As well as this, people wanted to see fewer small events and more big impact activity.
a) Victoria’s Jubilee lunch. Part of the BID’s campaign to showcase ‘iconic Victoria’ in the run up to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. 100 people booked for the private dining marquee lunch at Lower Grosvenor Gardens, with a good mix of businesses, visitors and residents. Over 400 people enjoyed the hog roast alternative and deck chairs. £650 was raised for local charity Veterans’ Aid.
b) Guinness World Records attempt: Longest Line of Fanfare Trumpeters. In partnership with The Guards Museum and hosted at Wellington Barracks the world record was set last month with 91 fanfare trumpets from 7 different regimental bands all volunteering their time to take part. This generated a healthy amount of PR coverage, and positioned the area and the BID very well in the run up to the Jubilee.
Section 4
Section 4: Showcase Victoria
29
The events programme has really started to gain momentum and is proving very successful at engaging the business community in the area.
Showcase Victoria
Luke Shires – BID Board member
2.
The BID is implementing an ongoing marketing and promotional campaign that showcases the benefits of spending more time discovering all that Victoria has to offer.
1.
Victoria is a great place to do business and to spend more time in, whether for business or for pleasure
4.
In Pictures 1. The popular Victoria
inSW1 magazine 2. The jazz concerts performed
in Victoria station were enjoyed by thousands 3. Tom the Street
Ambassador on patrol 4. Local mapping system
paid for by VBID 3.
The Showcase theme is about changing perceptions of the Victoria area as a place to pass through quickly by working with local, national and international communications and press contacts via targeted outlets as well as selected social networks. Showcasing all that Victoria has to offer will ensure that a wider audience will discover what we already know – that Victoria is a great place to do business and to spend more time in, whether for business or for pleasure. The Showcase theme converges with the Visitor Destination theme so also encompasses promotion of events in the SW1 area, attracting visitors to the area as a destination.
Projects delivered have ranged from: • A quarterly magazine dedicated to communicating the work of the BID and raising the profile of Victoria in general. • A visitor guide and map to help tourists and visitors to the area navigate their way around the area and be more aware of the hidden gems. • A range of complementary marketing materials that showcase Victoria and aim to promote the area as a destination in its own right and increase footfall and dwell time in the area. • Public relations – to boost the status of Victoria on both the London wide, national and international stage.
Section 4: Showcase Victoria
Showcase Victoria
31
Marketing and Promotion
Business events and networking
Diverted Giving
Negotiating Styles at Work – aimed at PA & EA audience
Style inSW1: Fashion, Design & Art tours
This event saw over 35 local PA/EAs attend Alison Gibson’s workshop on how to work within teams and alongside people who are perceived as difficult. Feedback on the day was good, it was a good presentation that required a good degree of guest participation and the newly refurbished Grosvenor Reunion Bar at the Grosvenor Hotel was a big hit.
–– A series of guided tours delivered by Urban Gentry (UG)
Diverted Giving was launched by Grant Shapps MP in year 1 of the BID’s operation. A re-branding of the scheme was undertaken towards the end of year 2. All funding collected is donated to The Passage. Cost: £3,000
Purple Flag Following our award of Purple Flag status, we have received both local and national press interest. A comprehensive application and programme of activity for the assessors was drafted with an emphasis on showcasing all Victoria has to offer. There will be renewed effort to gain media interest during the next 12 months as measures are put in place to make the BID area’s Purple Flag status more visible and hopefully crime statistics will back up the introduction of the initiative. Cost: £5,000
CSAS Clean and Green Legible London signs were installed along with a new team of Ambassadors introduced with more of a commitment to customers and an information point from which they distribute marketing collateral outside the main entrance to Victoria Station. Ambassador uniforms developed by us for the BID have now been adopted by other central London BIDs like NWEC and HOL so that their staff are less like traffic wardens.
Royal Wedding celebration
Other events
–– Design Trails –– No of attendees: 40 Partners: 1508 London, Phillips de Pury, Pimlico Road Retailers Association: Jamb; Saone; Plus One Gallery; Hemisphere Gallery + other retailers
Fashion Trails No of attendees: 1 trail with 20 attendees Partners: Zara, House of Fraser and Retromania
Wicked Networking
Diamond Hunt in SW1
60 local businesses together with over 100 people enjoying an informal networking session and 90 people going on to see Wicked, the award winning musical at the Victoria Apollo Theatre.
Diamond Hunt in SW1 was organized to celebrate all things wedding related, prizes included a beautiful 0.55ct ‘emerald cut’ diamond from The Diamond Store, a Black Label Membership card from Fitness First and an elegant hat from milliner to the stars, Philip Treacy.
Marketing collateral was produced about the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme – CSAS. This is targeted to the business community in and around the main patrol area of the CSAS zone covered by Ultimate Securities, contracted by Land Securities. The CSAS scheme was launched in February 2011 with a number of key press stories which followed as a result of the work undertaken by VBID.
Cost: £1,000
Cost: £5,000
Cost: £2,000
Sharp Eye Photography Competition
This content continues to pull in visitors to the website and remains popular with visitors. We also gave a push to this section in issue 5 of the inSW1 Magazine which drove traffic to the website as we saw spikes of interest as copy appeared in circulation.
£500 was raised for Cancer Research UK, we had 300+ participants engaged, 25 teams got through to the final with 100+ participants taking part. The event gained great word of mouth, good engagement of stakeholders (winners Victoria Palace Team), organized by Hidden City, sponsored by The Diamond Store, and prizes were provided by several local businesses like Philip Treacy, Fitness First.
Cost: £3,000
Cost: £8,000
Cost: £6,000
Business of the Month
161 entries with over 341 views in Flickr and X2 exhibitions at 3 key locations in Westminster, at Kingsgate House Victoria Street, Westminster City Hall inside the Victoria BID zone and Westminster Reference Library, near Trafalgar Square.
Section 4: Showcase Victoria
Showcase Victoria
33
Main media channels
E-newsletters E-newsletter is a more regular general update circulated to the business community, keeping them up to date with news and events. Over 4,000 e-newsletters were emailed last year.
32,000
Cost: £5,000.00
page views
21,142
unique page views
Press and PR In addition to this we have achieved coverage for a number of initiatives over the year – especially in the local press/partner comms channels: below indicates a good cross section of PR activity for VBID –– Instyle/creative week, which then appeared online at Design Week
Magazine InSW1 Magazine, the primary means of imparting news and information about BID activities to local stakeholders and levy payers.
–– Guardian piece on GI event at Cardinal Place / Landscape Institute –– Green Building Press –– Living Roofs
The fourth and fifth issues of the magazine were compiled and distributed during the 6-month period. Feedback on both issues has been positive.
–– RESET Development
Increased advertising interest, from local businesses like Cubitt House and more prestigious organisations like The Royal Collection, as well as local restaurants.
–– Landscape Institute
Over 20,000 magazines were distributed throughout the year. Cost: £47,000
Website The website InSW1.com has had on average a 19 to 20% increase in user activity on this time last year, and a steady increase in user activity throughout the summer months, tailing off during August, which is to be expected, and increasing from September wherever an event attracts visitors to sign up, like Sharp Eye photography competition. Longer-term user figures are following an upward trend.
–– 4Scapes –– Capita Symonds –– Cross River Partnership –– Landuse Consultants –– Press around greening of Victoria –– Legible London –– London Informer – for the Christmas Lights, Christmas Carol Concert, Christmas in Harmony and Last Choir Standing
Social Media Twitter followers have increased by 100%. The mix of followers is increasingly in the hospitality and retail business sector. Followers have seen a 50% rise in number during the last 6 months. We are also seeing an increased engagement with local businesses and are seeing our tweets retweeted which increases the audience for our activities.
1.5 min
Average time spent on site
3.43 min
Longest time spent on Green info, on average followed by Safe & Secure (3.23 minutes) then Business Networking (2.34min)
1.21 min
Shortest amount of time recorded on Employment Charter and registration (1min 09 sec)
47%
increase in number of viewing of About the Board members
39%
increase in number of downloads from the website
29%
drop off in visits to About the BID (hence moving content into higher level)
619%
change in mobile users from 99 to 712 from 2010
264%
81%
increase in visits since 2010 – big increase in number of visitors to see Green Content as more activity through press work and reports appearing in public domain.
74%
Home Page Rotator
increase in Events/Walking tour visits from 2010
increase in number of viewings of magazine since 2010
news items bring in most visits
Section 5
Section 5: Prosperous Economy
37
The addition to our business community of more big names in high end fashion and media has built on Victoria’s reputation as a hub of creativity and enterprise.”
Prosperous Economy
Debbie Akehurst – Chair of the Prosperous Economy steering group
In Pictures 1. Host to the work of our
most creative designers
The BID has continued to champion the revitalisation of Victoria’s economy, encouraging a vibrant and rich mix of businesses that will continue to enhance Victoria as an attractive place to live, work and visit and reinforce SW1 as a destination of choice for new investors.
2. High quality bars and
restaurants for relaxing and catching up
2.
3. Ideal for purchasing gifts
and those little luxuries 4. Victoria interchange -
a gateway to locations right across the south east 5. Rich variety of top
entertainment 1.
3.
The Bid is driving forward with its CSR programme and has initiated a range of projects to integrate the BID business community with local charities and areas of deprivation in the area.
This year has seen: • The production of an economic baseline study, providing insights into the sectoral and demographic characteristics of our highly diverse area. • Recording footfall and sales figures, in order to identify peaks and troughs across the year, revealing that sales in Victoria had increased by 2% in the year from March 2011. • Preparations for the roll out of the Victoria Privilege Card, designed to drive up local sales. • Preparations for a suite of collective purchasing opportunities, designed to achieve savings for local businesses arising from economies of scale.
4.
5.
• 1 23 job vacancies identified across the area, available for local people. • Joint funding of The Passage Education, Training and Employment project worker, providing 118 homeless people with job search advice and supporting 32 into work. • Business leadership and personal assistant development workshops. • Volunteering promotional roadshows and preparations for an exciting new volunteering drive in 2012/13. • A Corporate Social Responsibility drive, including support for a sponsored gift drop campaign, Veterans’ Aid Carol Service, our own VBID Carol Service at St. Paul’s Church, and Westminster Boating Base Charity gifts.
Section 5: Prosperous Economy
39
Economic Development Officer
Prosperous Economy
Outcome: –– Support for Prosperous Economy Steering Group and co-ordination of work programme In kind contributions: £724 (Steering Group member time)
Corporate Responsibility/ Volunteering Outcome: 1. Support for 50% salary of the Project Worker at the Passage accessing 32 vulnerable people Additional funding levered: £15,000 Budget spent: £15,000
Budget spent: £34,000 2. 2 volunteering promotional roadshows undertaken November / October Budget spent: £595
Business of the Month Outcome: –– ‘Business of the Month’ featured 10 businesses on VBID website and other publicity materials
3. Volunteer opportunities secured with 10 organisations
In kind contributions: £168.60 – business time contributing to interviews
4. Recruitment initiated for Corporate Responsibility / Volunteer co-ordinator
Budget spent: £806
Budget spent: £13,182
DEFRA research using VBID as case study Outcome: –– Tender documents issued, research agency recruited and project steering group is established Budget spent: £0
Budget spent: £1,825
Purple Flag Outcome: –– Purple Flag awarded to Victoria BID. In kind contributions: Purple Flag Steering Group and assessment team: £2,000 of in kind support through time allocated.
5. Sponsored gift drop campaign; Veterans’ Aid Carol Service; VBID Carol Service at St. Paul’s Church, and Westminster Boating Base Charity gifts In kind contributions: £84 (Time contributions from other BIDs on development of concept
Business Networking events Outcome: –– Annual Business Networking Meeting for 100 employer representatives
Economic Health Check
–– Major Christmas shopping and retail promotional event
Outcome: 1. Economic baseline completed September 2011
–– 1 workshop for Personal and Executive Assistants
Budget spent: £4,950
Budget spent: £50,548
–– 1 business leadership workshop
2. Footfall recorded, collated and disseminated monthly from July 2011
In kind contributions: £1,534 (Time contributions from Non-BID team attendees)
3. Sales statistics collated and distributed from July 2011, with trends backdated to January 2010
4. Trackable Victoria Privilege Card concept designed for roll out in 2012/13 –– Work commenced to develop a suite of collective purchasing opportunities, designed to achieve savings for local businesses arising from economies of scale In kind contributions: £84 (Time contributions from other BIDs on development of concept)
Outcome: –– Partner workshop, designed to review the vision for Victoria BID –– Work commenced to refresh the BID’s vision and refine future strategic independent and partnership roles of the BID
Budget spent: £17,313
Budget spent: £7,369
Vision for Victoria
Victoria Employment Charter Outcome: –– 8 businesses signed up to the Employment Charter –– Workplace co-ordinator service appointed –– 123 Victoria-based job vacancies identified
£295 Stakeholder consultee time (one to one interviews) Budget spent: £2,500
Training and Development Outcome: –– Personal/Executive Assistant training session
–– 20 residents placed into employment (60% Westminster residents)
In kind contributions: £168.60 – business time contributing to interviews
Budget spent: £14,743
Budget spent: £6,846
Financial Information
41
Year: 2011/12
Profit & Loss Account
Comparative: 2010/11
BID Levey £
Voluntary £
Total 2011/12 £
BID Levey £
Voluntary £
Total 2011/12 £
1,418,985
–
1,418,985
–
118,126
118,126
1,287,484
–
1,287,484
–
49,499
49,499
1,418,985
118,126
1,537,111
1,287,484
49,499
1,336,983
250,428
–
250,428
172,088
–
172,088
Clean & Green
182,121
30,500
Showcase Victoria
170,647
–
212,621
141,834
3,889
145,723
170,647
184,632
–
184,632
Destination Victoria
271,315
–
Prosperous Economy
176,908
–
271,315
192,141
–
192,141
176,908
79,977
–
79,977
1,051,419
30,500
1,081,919
770,671
3,889
774,560
367,566
87,626
455,192
516,813
45,610
562,423
70,116
82,946
153,062
106,435
45,197
151,632
Rates
4,958
–
4,958
4,299
–
4,299
Water and Electricity
2,535
–
2,535
3,067
–
3,067
654
–
654
2,040
–
2,040
Postage and Carriage
6,654
–
6,654
2,878
–
2,878
Telephone
4,024
–
4,024
4,636
–
4,636
Office Stationery
2,365
–
2,365
3,195
–
3,195
Repairs and Maintenance
3,384
–
3,384
84
–
84
Legal and Professional Fees
1,694
–
1,694
152
–
152
Audit Fees
4,500
–
4,500
4,800
–
4,800
Office Consumables
2,273
–
2,273
1,632
–
1,632
Cleaning
2,694
–
2,694
2,527
–
2,527
Turnover BID Levy Voluntary Levy and Other Contributions
Cost of Sales
For Victoria BID Ltd. Year ended 31 March 2012
Safe & Secure
Gross Profit Administration Expenses Core Salaries
Printing
Bank Charges
321
–
321
213
–
213
Insurance
3,842
–
3,842
1,122
–
1,122
Subscriptions
3,221
–
3,221
1,893
–
1,893
IT Running Costs
9,950
–
9,950
7,776
–
7,776
Public Realm Development Costs
24,500
–
24,500
23,000
–
23,000
BID development Costs
41,605
4,680
46,285
10,403
413
10,816
–
–
–
7,410
–
7,410
27,854
–
27,854
30,276
–
30,276
3,448
–
3,448
2,895
–
2,895
Office Remodelling Costs BID Levy Collection Fee Depreciation Taxation
Surplus carried forward
154
–
154
(1,691)
–
(1,691)
220,746
87,626
308,372
220,746
45,610
264,652
146,820
–
146,820
297,771
–
297,771
Board Members
Board Members Ruth Duston (Chief Executive) Tej Notay Martin Kelly (Vice Chairman) Matt Hart Claudia Binkert Nigel Hughes (Vice Chairman) Antony Smith Gary Merrick Colette O’Shea Matt Broom Ramesh Costa Paul Green David Morgan-Hewitt Tom Foulkes (Chairman) Andrew Mills Luke Shires
Victoria BID Boots Capita Eat EDF Trading Grosvenor House of Fraser Stores Ltd John Lewis Land Securities Marks & Spencer Park Plaza Hotel Sainsbury’s The Goring Hotel Victoria BID Victoria Palace Theatre Wicked / Michael McCable Productions
Board Observers Alison Evans Paul Rickett Norrie Coutts Mick Clarke Fr Gerard Skinner Mike Fairmaner
British Transport Police Met Police Network Rail The Passage Westminster Cathedral Westminster City Council
Victoria Business Improvement District 2nd floor, 14 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0QP T 020 3004 0786 F 020 7821 5022 E info@victoriabid.co.uk
victoriabid.co.uk