HWBIDCo launches new five year plan for the future of the High Street

HWBIDCo has launched a new five year plan for the future of the High Street.

HWBIDCo, an independent, not-for-profit partnership which represents the voice of over 600 businesses situated within High Wycombe town centre, has unveiled its five year plan for the town centre.

The five year plan is part of the HWBIDCo renewal proposal to continue operating as a ‘Business Improvement District’ for a third term.

The plan focuses on initiatives which support the businesses within the district. This includes improving the environment that businesses operate in through tackling anti-social behaviours and working towards the Town being awarded Purple Flag status, street tidying and cleaning initiatives and enhanced green spaces.

The plan also includes expanding the events calendar and marketing campaigns and activities which promote the Town Centre to increase footfall and promote the businesses within it. Its vision is to continue to create an environment that is better for business and to continue to lobby the Council to improve on waste cleansing services and enhance greenery for the Town Centre and continue to fund the cardboard collection service which ensures free cardboard collection for BID member businesses.

HWBIDCo will also seek to influence and improve the Charter Market and work on the pedestrianisation of High St, Pauls Row & White Hart St.

HWBIDCo provides services and support which enhance the customer journey thus improving local business performance and customer service. From events and activities including Frogfest, Vegan Market, Desborough Carnival and Christmas Light Switch On to lobbying and public realm enhancements, the purpose of HWBIDCo is to offer an ‘added value’ service to BID members.

Melanie Williams, HWBIDCo Chief Executive, said: ‘Launched in 2012, we’ve invested thousands of pounds in local projects and events which improve the environment the businesses we represent operate in and increase footfall.

We provide bespoke training and business support and customise our offering based on our BID levy payers feedback on an ongoing basis. This means we offer a holistic approach to raising the bar in terms of how our town is managed so visitors see the benefits of having an attractive place for businesses to trade in and attract talent to the area, while the wider community experiences a greener, brighter, safer place to live, work and shop.‘

HWBIDCo is a business-led organisation, whose Company Directors are all volunteers, representative of the local business community.

In February 2022, HWBIDCo ran an extensive consultation process to communicate with all businesses who will now be voting in the renewal ballot to gauge their priorities over the next five years in order to shape the business plan being launched now. The majority of businesses must vote in favour of the proposal in a ballot beginning on Thursday 9th June 2022 for the plans to go ahead.

*Source of information : Press release from HWBIDCo.