BID Helps Warrington To Thrive

The Centre Director for the Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington, Ian Cox, has spoken about how the Business Improvement District is helping the area to thrive.

When Warrington BID had just begun in 2018, it was a very difficult and uncertain time for the world generally and for the retail and hospitality sector in particular. The outbreak of COVID, the introduction of lockdowns and restrictions and changes to the levying system for businesses meant that the initial plans for the BID almost had to be completely overhauled.

Thriving local economy

Seven years on, the BID continues to go from strength to strength, fostering a thriving local economy and proving a catalyst for positive change.

Ian Cox is the Centre Director for the Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington. Having worked in the area for 20 years, Ian can offer a unique perspective when it comes to summarising the impact that the BID has had in the last 7 years.

Ian takes up the story ……

Ian says “Before the BID there’d been many previous attempts to bring businesses together in a coordinated way to deliver positive change. Ultimately, despite the will and the skills of everyone involved, these efforts were either unsuccessful or short lived, largely because businesses were not working together in a joined-up way.”

“The BID and Groundwork have fundamentally changed this. They have brought everyone together, identifying key issues like marketing and crime reduction and involving them in developing and delivering effective solutions. Working in a more cohesive way has created positive relationships between different
stakeholders and also improved communication. Whereas people previously acted independently, they now work together. This means that events and other initiatives are more coordinated, expertly project managed and ultimately more successful.”

Groundwork has done an amazing job co-ordinating the BID and I have nothing but praise for the hard work and commitment of everyone involved.

‘We Are Warrington’

“The BIDs work in developing a positive brand and an identity for Warrington, as a well as a social media presence has also made a massive difference. ‘We Are Warrington’ has helped to instil pride in the local area and a recognisable banner under which to communicate the positive changes that are taking place, as well as promoting our regular events.”

“As the BID has developed, so has the business community’s confidence to develop and invest in big events that encourage visitors to the area. Examples like the Christmas Light Switch On and Krazy Races have not only attracted huge crowds, but have also helped Warrington to raise its positive profile across the North West region and beyond.”

Whereas people previously acted independently, they now work together. This means that events and other initiatives are more coordinated, expertly project managed and ultimately more successful.