Business improvement districts have a ‘unique role to play’ in creating successful and thriving town centres, says the director of a leading West London business partnership.
Speaking ahead of the Capital West London Growth Summit 2019, Hammersmith BID Director Patricia Bench, who will be joining key players at the conference to discuss the evolution of the retail district, said: “Town centres are constantly evolving, and businesses must follow suit. BIDs have a unique role to play in this rapidly changing environment, with the ability to deliver innovative and cutting-edge projects that not only benefit businesses, but the town centre as a whole.”
Hammersmith BID’s work to create a vibrant and thriving town centre will feature in the panel discussion ‘Town Centres in a Changing World’ at Hammersmith’s iconic Lyric theatre on 29 October.
The Capital West London Growth Summit 2019 sets a foundation for regeneration, planning progress and economic development across the six West London Boroughs: Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hounslow, Barnet, Brent and Ealing. The BBC’s Media Editor Amol Rajan will be chairing the event which will include a host of keynote speakers involved in a range of progressive projects across the region.
As business-led balloted partnerships, BIDs can be a powerful tool that strengthens the business community and increases the capability to deliver significant improvements to the local trading environment. Hammersmith BID’s commitment and work has been well-received to date with initiatives including a Summer Festival programme and retail outlet Made in H&F, which is a pop-up shop selling products created by local artists and makers. The BID also runs an annual I Love Lunch competition for town centre bars, restaurants and cafés that has resulted in a thriving trade.
Other areas of work include improving town centre safety, creating a digital town and promoting sustainability through multi-award-winning cleaner, greener projects.
The BID will be holding guided walks through Hammersmith town centre on the day and is sponsoring the Growth Summit’s closing drinks reception.
Patricia said: “The Hammersmith BID team engages with local businesses to support the growth of a vibrant town centre. Our partnerships enable us to drive campaigns to improve air quality with our multi-award-winning parklets and Business Low Emissions Neighbourhood (BLEN), fund town centre police officers and security initiatives to protect local businesses, and offer free cultural events like the Summer Festival.”
Speaking about the conference Patricia added, “I am delighted to be a part of the Capital West London Growth Summit 2019 and the panel discussion is an exciting way to showcase our current projects and discuss exciting new opportunities for town centres.”
West London Economic Prosperity Board Chair, Cllr Julian Bell, speaking of the innovative Capital West London partnership, said: “With the backing of our private-sector partners, this trailblazing, cross-borough approach allows us to encourage overseas investment, while continuing to support our local companies to thrive and prosper. Capital West London will help us showcase the fantastic community, culture and diversity we have in our area.”
Cllr Bell. who will be sharing the vision for West London in his keynote address at the Growth Summit. added: “We look forward to welcoming more businesses into the area and working with new investors as we continue to drive West London forward.
To book your ticket for the Capital West London Growth Summit click here.
