Consultation.

Please tell us more! We have some good ideas for a Swindon BID based on the initial consultation and research of good practice from elsewhere. But what else? We will be very active in the area in the coming months seeking to meet with as many business people as possible to enrich the business plan further and we would love more feedback.

BID Aims

Based on the feasibility study, the BID would likely pursue a comprehensive set of themes to address key challenges and opportunities in the town centre. These themes are intended to be a foundation, with the final business plan to be shaped by further consultation with businesses.

A Brighter, Cleaner, Safer Town Centre

Enhanced Security and Safety: This could include initiatives like a dedicated BID-funded warden service to provide a reassuring presence, working in close partnership with Wiltshire Police to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime. The aim is to create a more secure environment for businesses, employees, and visitors.

Street Care and Cleanliness: The BID would work to enhance the physical environment beyond core council services. This could involve regular deep-cleaning of streets, removal of graffiti and fly-tipping, and the introduction of new planting schemes or landscaping to improve the aesthetic appeal of key public spaces.

Vibrant Places and Increased Footfall

Events and Activations: The BID would aim to create a year-round programme of events, markets, and cultural activations to attract new visitors and increase footfall. This would be a coordinated effort to animate vacant units and public spaces, providing a diverse offer that makes the town a destination.

Place Marketing and Digital Promotion: A BID would be able to fund and deliver a coordinated marketing and promotion strategy for the town centre. This would involve a new digital communications platform and using social media to highlight local businesses, events, and the unique character of Swindon.

Tailored Business Support and Advocacy

Sector-Specific Support: The BID would offer tailored support to different business sectors. This could include a 'Shop Front Grant Scheme' to improve the appearance of retail premises, business forums and training for traders, and group buying schemes to help businesses reduce their overhead costs.

Office Sector Engagement: While the office sector is often harder to engage, the BID would develop bespoke approaches to articulate its value, such as facilitating corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, offering employee wellbeing programmes, and providing recruitment support.

Advocacy and Partnership: The BID would provide a collective voice for businesses, acting as a crucial liaison with Swindon Borough Council and other stakeholders to advocate for improvements and influence policy.

These themes will evolve in response to feedback from consultation and are designed to deliver visible, lasting improvements to the town centre.