Updates
This page is dedicated to the latest news on projects and campaigns from the Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID).
we couldn't have done it without you
On Wednesday 13th November 2024 thousands lined the streets of our historic city as it lit up for Christmas.
We invited representatives from John Fowlers Solicitors and The George Hotel to join us at The Town Hall to say thank you for their support this festive season.
key dates for christmas
4.11.2024
Is your business ready for the festive footfall?
It's not long until the light parade hits our High Street and we light up Colchester with all things Christmas.
colchester awarded purple flag for second year
4.11.2024
Once again, our city is being recognised for its commitment to creating a dynamic, secure and vibrant evening and nighttime economy.
Safer business action week
25.10.2024
Safer Business Action Week took place from 14 - 20 October, and this year we took the opportunity to recirculate ShopKind materials, boost PeopleSafe SOS App sign ups, join patrols, practice walkie etiquette, shout about the benefits of Disc and launching Retail Reporting Packs exclusively for Colchester. A jam packed week!
British Bids business sustainability survey
14.10.2024
As part of the project led by British BIDs and the University of Essex we're conducting a survey to understand the sustainability practices, challenges and aspirations of SMEs.
Your participation will help shape future initiatives and policies that support a more sustainable, resilient business landscape in the UK.
planning for christmas in colchester
09.09.2024
This summer, at Our Colchester HQ we've been busy shaping what the Christmas campaign and wider print materials will look like. In order for us to shout about what you do, we need to hear from our Levy Payers.
If you're a BID Levy Payer or Friend of the BID, then read on for more details on how to share what you're up to this festive season.
goodbye ethan
28.08.2024
This week, we say goodbye to our longest serving colleague.
Ethan Naish has been an asset to Our Colchester since the BID was formed back in 2018.
Our Colchester appoints new bid manager
21.08.2024
Vincent Geaves has been appointed as the new BID Manager for Our Colchester.
final community clean of the season
20.08.2024
On Tuesday 20 August we hosted our final community clean of the summer. We'd like to extend our thanks to all those who have taken part in Operation Clean Colchester 2024.
Vinnie Geaves becomes National Ambassador for Ask for Angela
25.07.2024
This month, our very own Vincent Geaves has been recognised for his commitment, and invited to join Ask for Angela as a National Ambassador.
National Ambassadors pledge their support to the scheme, and share a mission to reduce violence against women, girls and other potentially vulnerable groups, and to improve public safety.
Second pot of funding for Shop Front Improvements now available
24.07.2024
Phase Two of Shop Front Grants opened on 19th July 2024, businesses have until 18 October 2024 to submit their applications.
Colchester soapbox rally moving to north hill
23.07.2024
Colchester's second ever Soapbox Rally has been postponed due to exciting developments in discussions with Essex Highways.
Last year's spectators, and kart teams will be pleased to know we have listened to your feedback and we're moving to North Hill!
applications open for new BID MANAGER
20.06.2024
Sam Good, Chief Executive of Our Colchester BID to leave role after six years.
The Board of Directors will be interviewing for Sam's replacement in the coming weeks but are committed to maintaining the existing level of service and business support.
Colchester business awards 2024
12.06.2024
On Wednesday 5th June 2024, Colchester’s City Centre businesses descended on Firstsite for an awards evening with a twist.
City Centre Skills & Employment Forum Launch
24.04.2024
City Centre Skills & Employment Forum brings together experts in the world of recruitment, skills and training. Together we discussed future partner working and ways to streamline support for businesses.
SHortlist announcement
22.04.2024
Colchester Business Awards 2024 are just around the corner, and the results are in from our first phase of voting and mystery guest visits. You’ll recognise some familiar faces as well as plenty of newcomers.
operation clean colchester 2024
09.04.2024
Give back to your local community this year by coming together with your peers to take part in Operation Clean Colchester 2024.
You can make a positive change by signing up to one of our five community clean dates
entries open for colchester soapbox rally 2024
26.03.2024
Are you ready to take to the track, go head-to-head and claim that number one spot in front of thousands of spectators? Applications are now open for Colchester Soapbox Rally.
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED.
oUR cOLCHESTER bid wiNTER OF SAFETY
01.12.2023
Our Colchester BID have teamed up with the Colchester SOS Bus to continue the Winter of Safety campaign that started on Halloween Weekend.
The SOS Bus team will continue to hand out information regarding being safe and feeling safe while socialising. Along with baubles that contain drink covers and a bottle topper known as a 'spikey' alongside Ask for Angela information. A secret Colchester Gift Card has been hidden inside one bauble that can be claimed by sending a selfie picture of the lucky winner outside the SOS Bus to hello@ourcolchester.co.uk
The Festive light parade brings cheer to the high street
16.11.2023
The BIG Festive Switch On event on Wednesday 15th November was a huge success, drawing in thousands of visitors to the city centre. Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) is proud to work with partners to deliver a now much-anticipated annual event for the whole city.
The Festive Light Parade, organised by the BID saw hundreds of participants from community projects, schools and the public, which lit up the streets with dazzling display of lights and colours. The parade was accompanied by partner events, including entertainment at Firstsite, Mercury Theatre, and the Lion Walk Light Switch On.
TAP2CHANGE NOVEMBER UPDATE
14.11.2023
A response to sacked home secretary’s controversial plans.
The team at the Colchester Business Improvement District (‘BID’) today responded to the comments made by the recently sacked home secretary Suella Braverman, that rough sleeping is a ‘lifestyle choice’ and the use of tents by homeless people should be restricted. Now Ex-home secretary, Braverman, sparked a robust debate about the government's approach to addressing homelessness and the need for more empathy and understanding in policymaking.
Beth Chatto Community Garden Project
13.11.2023
Our Colchester BID are proud partners of the new sustainable community garden development in the city centre,
The former bus depot at Painters Yard in the centre of Colchester is to be transformed into a unique urban garden by Beth Chatto Gardens, who have been granted a licence to install temporary planting on the currently empty plot between Firstsite, the Minories art gallery and the Curzon cinema.
COLCHESTER NIGHT TIME VENUES CELEBRATE BEST BAR NONE ACCREDITATION
19.10.23
On Tuesday evening (17.10.2023), Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) hosted the Best Bar None Awards at Three Wise Monkeys.
Best Bar None is a national scheme that helps customers identify well-run pubs, bars, clubs and other businesses that serve alcohol. Businesses on the scheme are assessed based on their venue management, staff training, customer welfare and safety.
Colchester is flying the purple flag in 2023
18.10.23
Colchester is celebrating as it proudly receives the Purple Flag accreditation, a recognition of its commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and night-time economy. Purple Flag – similar to the Blue Flag for beaches – aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am. This prestigious award highlights Colchester's blend of entertainment, dining, and culture, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in the evening and night-time economy.
Colchester Reatil Strategy Progresses
17.10.23
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) has launched a retail vision strategy to help support retail businesses in the city centre.
The strategy, released earlier this year, explores the key challenges faced within the Colchester city centre retail environment and a series of short, medium and long term recommendations.
NEW CITY CENTRE MONTHLY FESTIVAL STARTING IN NOVEMBER!
17.10.23
A FREE new monthly festival is starting in November, with events throughout Colchester city centre! First Thursdays is a new project to celebrate the city’s vibrant and diverse cultural scene, and will see venues across the city thrown open for the community, with fantastic performances, workshops and interactive experiences, all free to attend.
Christmas in Colchester 2023 Announced
09.10.23
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) & City Centre partners are excited to announce the return of the Big Festive Switch-on for Christmas in Colchester 2023. The City Centre wide event will start with the Festive Light Parade. Starting from 5pm at Firstsite, the parade will make its way up the High Street turning on the Christmas lights as it goes, finishing at Mercury Theatre.
Invitation to tender - we're independent
29.09.2023
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (Our Colchester BID) invites creative organisations and individuals to tender for an exciting new videography project celebrating and highlighting Colchester City Centres strong offering of Independent Businesses.
Colchester Women in Business 2023
26.09.23
On Sunday 24th of September Colchester BID hosted the second biannual Colchester Women in Business event with event partners Ambitious Women in Essex. Thank you to Ellisons Solicitors for their sponsorship of the awards.The event, aiming to extend recognition to Business Women in the City centre and celebrate their successes, was held at the Town Hall in Colchester City Centre. The day saw a mixture of celebrations including
Colchester soapbox rally saw thousands line the high street
19.09.23
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) held Colchester's first-ever soapbox rally on Sunday 17th September 2023. Thousands of spectators joined the Soapbox Entrants as the inaugural event took over the high street. The event, which was free to watch, featured some truly remarkable soapboxes that wowed the crowds.
Our Colchester BID hiring marketing assistant
08.09.23
Our Colchester BID is currently hiring for a Marketing Assistant; this role is for 25 hours a week and will be focused on supporting the current Marketing executive with communications and delivering campaigns.
You will be involved with a wide range of projects and initiatives in Colchester City Centre and will build a wide range of skills whilst working with a great and understanding team. If you think you would be a good fit for the role, look at the job description and contact the team.
SOS Bus recives new generator
17.08.23
Titans Security have kindly purchased and donated the Colchester SOS Bus with a brand-new generator to supply the Bus with power to help those in need.
The SOS Bus is highly valued within the communities that it serves. It is a volunteer run project, which is managed by Stacey Banner. All the volunteers that work on the bus are highly motivated, hardworking, and passionate about supporting vulnerable people.
New wayfinding artwork celebrating colchesters history installed on sir isaacs walk
27.07.23
New wayfinding artwork has been installed on Sir Isaac’s Walk as part of Our Colchester BID’s Indie Vision, created by local artist Ben Coode-Adams, and commissioned by Our Colchester BID.
A relief sculpture made from painted galvanised steel, the artwork features historical figures from Colchester's past and has been designed and made by local artist Ben Coode-Adams.
Our Colchester bid successful in renewal ballot
23.07.23
Our Colchester BID launch Retail Vision, a dedicated document focused on supporting the retail sector in Colchester.
In June 2023, Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) launched their 2023-2028 Business Plan detailing their ambitions for the City centre in the next five years. As per the regulations for a BID, a renewal ballot was then launched for all eligible businesses to vote on the future of the BID.
oUR cOLCHESTER bid lAUNCHES RETAIL VISION
17.07.23
Our Colchester BID launch Retail Vision, a dedicated document focused on supporting the retail sector in Colchester.
In light of the seismic and accelerated changes affecting the national (and international) retail industry such as changing consumer behaviour, an increase in out-of-town retail locations, the speed and ease of online shopping and rising supply chain costs, the ‘Our Colchester Business Improvement District’ (BID) company commissioned Savills Place to carry out research into the changes needed to support retail businesses in
BID MOVES TOWARDS EXCITING NEW FIVE-YEAR TERM
02.06.23
As the BID moves towards a new and exciting five-year term, the BID has adopted its new direction. The next five years will focus on supporting Colchester City Centre “to be a place where businesses of all shapes and sizes can develop and thrive in a collaborative, engaging, mixed-use environment, with people and business firmly at is heart; fit for now and fit for the future"
May Newsletter Released
12.05.2023
Our Colchester BID have published the May Newsletter feature events and projects in the city centre. Read the newsletter by clicking the image or the link below.
OUR COLCHESTER BID JOINS NEW #SHOPKIND CAMPAIGN UNITING THE RETAIL SECTOR TO TACKLE ABUSE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST SHOPWORKERS.
03.05.2023
Our Colchester BID and Colchester Business Against Crime; COLBACare supporting the #ShopKind campaign uniting the retail sector to tackle violence and abuse against shopworkers by asking people to ShopKind when in stores. If you are a City Centre business that would like to help support the #ShopKind campaign, please get in touch to learn more.
OUR COLCHESTER BID LAUNCH SHOPFRONT IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
25.04.2023
£121,000 is available to businesses within the city centre who want to invest in improving the appearance of the shopfronts. Working in partnership with Colchester City Council and with part funding from Central Government, applications are now open to businesses to submit their shopfront improvement proposals.
Entries open for the Colchester Soapbox Rally
13.03.2023
On the 17th of September 2023 a new and exciting event will be racing to Colchester High Street, and you can be part of it! The Colchester Soapbox Rally will see thousands of visitors to the city centre and handmade soapbox karts going head-to-head in time trials along the High Street. Entrants will face ramps, obstacles, and some surprises along the way to claiming that number 1 spot. Entries for the Soapbox Rally will open on the 14th of March 2023. So now is your time to get creative and think about your soapbox!
Our Colchester BID Launch 2023 create fund
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) has launched the application process for the March 2023 Create Fund initiative. The BID is welcoming applications from organisations looking for help in funding for projects and initiatives that will increase footfall and interest within the city centre. Previous projects that have had funding from the Create Fund include the Anti-Loo Roll Festival, Colchester Pride, Interactive storytelling performances from Funnelwick Limb, Colchester Fringe, Colchester Eco Festival and many more.
Colchester BID to bring soapbox rally to the high street
A brand-new public event will be racing to Colchester’s high street this Summer with the Colchester Soapbox Rally.
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) are behind the project aiming to bring thousands of visitors to the high street to enjoy the spectacular race day. Soapbox races are a unique event focused on Soapbox karts; non motorised, handmade, and decorated vehicles, going head-to-head in time trials. The 300m racetrack will be on the high street with time trials starting as early as 10am on the day. READ MORE
Read the February 2023 Newsletter
The February 2023 printed Newsletter has now been released. Click here to read a review of the BIDs winter activities and the exciting projects that have been planned for 2023.
Successful Support and intervention from Our Colchester BID
Staff at a venue in the High Street where being subjected to daily abuse and threats from a prolific shoplifter. Reporting to the police became a daily occurrence and the police response was seen as frustrating to the staff. The introduction of the COLBAC Radio system READ MORE
Our Colchester BID launches giving back campaign to support those in need.
16.01.2023
The team at the Colchester Business Improvement District (‘BID’) today announced the introduction of a new scheme
to support vulnerable local people in the city centre.
The 12-month scheme will launch in March and is operated via three contactless public donation terminals. The secure, contactless terminals will be located at key shop front locations.. Read More
The Colchester Business Awards Launch for 2023
25.11.2022
Following the success of the inaugural Colchester Business Awards in May of 2022 Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) have opened nominations for their 2023 awards event.
The 2022 awards saw over 500 nominations for local businesses in the BID Zone and a sold-out black-tie awards ceremony to celebrate the businesses in Colchester. Businesses have been invited to nominate themselves and their business neighbours for the 14 awards up for grabs along with the public. Nominating a business or businesses for the Colchester Business Awards helps to show your support for the local community and businesses in the city centre. READ MORE
iNTRODUCING THE COLCHESTER TRAVEL ASSISTANT
21.11.2022
The Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) incorporating the cities' consumer facing information and directory service, InColchester, has partnered with 'You. Smart. Thing' and destination management platform Destination Core to help promotes high street revival and boost the local economy.
We are delighted to announce an exciting new initiate from Our Colchester BID that will help promote sustainable and active travel to local businesses. READ MORE.
Our Colchester BID Launch Street Stories in Colchester
02.11.22
Street Stories’- Augmented Reality Art Trail transforms the city’s vacant units Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) has worked with design agency Arch Creative and Graffio Arts to deliver a spectacular new vacant units project, designed to improve the appearance of empty shops and unused windows in the city and transform them into points of interest. Working with seven local artists spanning a range of styles and mediums, Street Stories celebrates the innovative achievements of pioneering people from Colchester and explores some powerful themes including neurodiversity, identity, mental health, the city’s history and local icons. READ MORE
Festive Light Parade Timings Released
31.10.22
There’s not long to go until the launch of Christmas in Colchester with The Big Festive Switch On which will see a great range of events and activities coming to Colchester on Wednesday 16th of November.Festivities will start from midday with additional festive market stalls in Culver Square and later in the day the Magical VR Sleigh Ride will open for visitors to embark on an exciting VR journey. Culver Square will then also be turning their Christmas lights on around 4pm. The Festive Light Parade will start building up around this time with pre parade entertainment from 4pm to 4.30pm around the Mercury Theatre, stop by to see the acts and performers getting ready and then head to the high street for the best views of the parade. The Jumbo will also be lit up with a festive display AND an interactive light up Christmas tree! READ MORE
The Big Festive Light Parade Events Announced
26.10.2022
City Centre partners will be hosting the Christmas 2022 Big Festive Switch On event next month, with an evening of entertainment launching a fabulous season of festive celebrations within Colchester.Taking place on Wednesday, November 16, the Big Festive Switch On will see the start of seasonal fun, heralded by the city’s first night of late-night shopping and a spectacular collaboration of ceremonies to switch on Colchester’s Christmas lights. Partners in the Christmas 2022 Big Festive Switch On include Colchester Business improvement District (BID), the Mercury theatre, Actual Radio and the associated charity for the event, The Rotary Club of Colchester. READ MORE
Our Colchester BID launch late night economy support programme
10.10.2022
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) are leading on a training initiative to help improve night-time economy safety capabilities in leisure businesses in the city centre.
Our Colchester BID worked with partners including CBC and the Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner to put in funding bid to the Home Office Safer Streets 4 fund, which was successful gaining £200,000 funding for the city centre. Part of this bid was to develop an enhanced Ask for Angela scheme, where businesses in the town centre could get guidance and support to develop a response that is tailored to their venues, to support anyone that becomes vulnerable in their venue. READ MORE
Our Colchester BID launch Christmas in Colchester 2022
Christmas is back bigger and better than ever. Following two years of absence for the Town Centre light switch-on in Colchester, to mark the first year of Colchester being a city this years’ celebration will bring Colchester alive with lights and music. Celebrating the Colchester community like never before.
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) is proud to present Christmas in Colchester 2022, kicking off Christmas in the City with a light switch on extravaganza. Rather than a static light switch on event on the high street as seen in 2019, missed in the previous two years, this year’s community event will see a spectacular festive light parade through the city Read More...
BUSINESSES COUNT DOWN THE DAYS AS IMMINENT COLLAPSE OF THE HIGH STREET MAY BECOME A REALITY
08.09.2022
Following rumours of an energy prize freeze, over 150,000 businesses from across the UK are urging Government to act on spiralling energy costs which are proving more detrimental than the pandemic.
The #BusinessSOS campaign warns of mass closure and redundancies if immediate and effective action isn’t taken – the true situation that Britain faces today.
The newly formed #BusinessSOS campaign, founded by organisations representing over 150,000 retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses warns harm caused by the spiralling energy crisis is superseding the pandemic with the potential to cause irreversible damage to UK high streets and the economy. READ MORE
COLCHESTER TO BENEFIT FROM SHARE OF £2M TO MAKE PUBLIC SPACES SAFER.
01.08.2022
Colchester is set to benefit from a share of £1,182,795 from the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund to improve public safety.
The funding, which was secured by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst with the assistance of Colchester’s Community Safety team and local partners including Colchester BID, will be matched by £819,643 from Colchester Borough Council, Epping Forest District Council, Braintree District Council and Our Colchester BID bring the total funding to £2,002,438.
In Greenstead, £264,043 Safer Streets funding plus £226,492 match funding from Colchester Borough Council will be focused on public safety improvements in the Greenstead area. READ MORE
Colchester garden festival launches with new installations
21.07.2022
The Colchester Garden Festival launches Thursday 21st July with show stopping installations including pop-up pallet gardens, upcycled planters, and shop front murals.
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) have organised the Colchester Garden Festival which is set to be an annual event in the city centre with lots of free family activities. To kick off the festival local gardening personality, Lee Connelly aka the Skinny Jean Garden toured 13 local primary schools to help them design their pop-up pallet gardens. LEARN MORE
New Wayfinding Installation on Short Wyre Street
13.06.2022
A new artwork has been installed on Short Wyre Street to act as a wayfinding piece as part of Our Colchester Business Improvement Districts (BID) support for the independent sector. Situated at the Queen Street end of Short Wyre Street, the installation is designed to celebrate the vibrancy of the independent shopping streets in the town centre and act as a wayfinding piece to help visitors navigate through the town centre
The artwork has been designed and created by local Colchester artist and sculptor Nicola Burrell, supported by local architecture practice HAT Projects. The BID commissioned the artwork and have overseen the project delivery alongside Colchester Borough Council who have funded the project. Consultations in 2021 showed a positive public response to the artwork wayfinding piece. READ MORE
OUR Colchester BID LAUNCHES LEISURE RECOVERY STRATEGY
09.06.2022
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) has published its Leisure Recovery Strategy document following an in-depth research project with key stakeholders in the Colchester leisure industry.
Colchester’s leisure industry is made up from many different businesses including, food and drink, accommodation, pubs, bars, theatres, galleries, and event spaces. The leisure industry nationally pre-pandemic was estimated to be worth around £200 billion with millions lost because of covid. READ MORE
EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR BID MEMBERS WITH ACCEPTCARDS
25.05.2022
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) has a new offer for its members in partnership with acceptcards®. BID members can now have their card payment contracts reviewed by Accept Cards free of charge.Independent card payment experts, acceptcards® work to find businesses the best rates on their card payment contracts. BID Members can have their contracts reviewed for free and will receive finical advice READ MORE
OUR COLCHESTER BID APPOINTS SAVILLS UK TO SUPPORT THE CREATION OF COLCHESTER RETAIL VISION
08.04.2022
The Colchester Retail Forum was launched in October 2021 to bring together town centre retailers (both national and regional) including Primark, H&M, TKMaxx, Fenwick, Lush, and River Island amongst others. The Colchester Retail Forum aims to support businesses with general retail performance initiatives, training, crime prevention, READ MORE.
Our Colchester BID opens applications for the Create Fund
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) has launched the application process for the March 2022 Create Fund initiative. The BID is welcoming applications from organisations looking for help in funding for projects and initiatives that will increase footfall and interest within the town centre.
Previous projects that have had funding from the Create Fund include the Anti-Loo Roll Festival, Colchester Pride, Interactive storytelling performances from Funnelwick Limb, Colchester Fringe, Colchester Eco Festival and many more. READ MORE
Lighting The Lanes
01.02.2022
An exciting new project is coming to the independent streets in Colchester. 377m of festoon lighting will be installed along Sir Isaacs Walk, Eld Lane, and Short Wyre Street. The lighting comes as a result of a survey commissioned by Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) in 2020 that looked at street dressing and how to highlight the strength of the independent businesses in Colchester. The festoon lighting will highlight Eld Lane, Sir Isaacs Walk and Short Wyre Street as shopping destinations and provide additional lighting during darker periods. READ MORE...
Our Colchester BID launches the Colchester Town Centre Business Awards 2022
26.01.2022
Do you know a business that has gone above and beyond, and deserves recognition from the business community? Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) have launched a brand-new business award to celebrate business excellence in Colchester town centre.
You can nominate your favourite businesses to be in for the chance to win one of 13 awards including Best New Business, Best Employer, and the Service Excellence award. If you know a person who has gone above and beyond in their work, they can be nominated for specific awards too including Businessperson of the Year and Leader of the Year... READ MORE
Our Colchester BID launches exciting new Street Stories campaign
24.01.2022
Calling all local artists to get involved with an exciting new community project ‘Street Stories Colchester’ which will be launched in May 2022.
Our Colchester are working on a spectacular new vacant units community project called ’Street Stories’. The concept has been designed to improve the appearance of empty shops by large scale artwork installations across the city centre. To further enhance these pieces of art, there will be an interactive Augmented Reality (AR) twist and each piece of art will be brought to life as an immersive multi-sensory experience which will be triggered by a free downloadable smartphone app.
Street Stories is a creative and innovative project which will help to highlight commercial space, create an attractive environment and give residents and visitors an insight into Colchester’s rich heritage. The trail will launch at a critical time in the... READ MORE
Our Colchester BID Backs Business Booster Campaign
20.12.2021
Our Colchester BID is backing the #BusinessBooster campaign, calling on the Government to provide additional measures and support for businesses as stricter Covid-19 measures have already caused large issues for many businesses.
The #BusinessBooster campaign is supported by BIDs countrywide in association with Croydon BID and its partners British BIDs, BID Foundation, Association of Town & City Management, Night Time Industries... READ MORE
ARTIST DESIGN FOR EXCITING NEW WAYFINDING ARTWORK RELEASED - Sir Isaacs Walk
17.11.21
Our Colchester BID is asking residents for their views on an exciting new artist designed wayfinding artwork on the junction of Head Street and Sir Isaac’s Walk in the town centre.
An online survey will be open from Wednesday 17th November 2021 until Wednesday 24th November. Residents will have the opportunity to see initial proposals for the piece, which forms part of a wider strategy by the BID and Colchester Borough Council to make improvements to the town centre and support local independent businesses, particularly in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic... READ MORE
ARTIST DESIGN FOR EXCITING NEW WAYFINDING ARTWORK RELEASED
13.10.21
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) is asking residents for their views on an exciting new artist designed wayfinding artwork on the junction of Short Wyre St and Queen St/St Botolph’s St in the town centre.
An online survey will be open from Thursday 14th October 2021 until Thursday 28th October 2021. Residents will have the opportunity to see initial proposals for the piece, which forms part of a wider strategy by the BID and Colchester Borough Council to make improvements to the town centre and support local independent businesses, particularly in the wake.. READ MORE
Parklets installed on the high street
23.09.21
Parklets and Greenery Installed on the high street.
A new installation of parklets has happened on Colchester high street this week in four locations. This new initiative has been led by Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) in collaboration with Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council creating additional green space and public seating in the heart of the town centre.As a result of the pandemic, a need was seen for a greater variety of outdoor seating in the town centre. The installation of parklets aims to produce many positive benefits to the public and visitors in Colchester. Increased greenery and planting will feature within the parklets furthering the BIDs... READ MORE
BID REVEALS COLCHESTER GIFT CARD DESIGN
24.06.21
Our Colchester BID reveals the design for the Colchester Gift Card
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) are launching The Colchester Gift Card in collaboration with Town and City Gift Card in late summer this year as part of the town centre recovery plan. Recently the BID launched a tender for local creatives to submit designs for the gift card making sure that the design was strongly linked to the town centre. Local design firm Digital Reflow submitted the winning design which shows iconic town centre buildings including the Town Hall, Castle, Firstsite and the Jumbo in bright colours celebrating both the new and old heritage of the town... READ MORE
Colchester Town centre on the rise
04.06.21
Our Colchester BID appoints Leisure Advisor as part of the creation of the Covid-19 Leisure Recovery Strategy for Colchester Town Centre.
Nationally throughout the pandemic businesses have suffered billions of pounds in losses and uncertainties surrounding lockdowns have created extra hardship for business owners and their employees. However, Colchester town centre has proven resilient during this time. Despite some large name closures, since March 2020 Colchester town centre has seen a wide range of new businesses opening in the town centre. Including Victoria Yum Cake, Home Kitchen Eco, The Cake Box, Kintsu, Cuckoo Dough, Sir Isaacs Artisan Coffee and more. From the beginning of Our Colchester Business Improvement District's (BID) term the team have been monitoring and running a vacant unit survey throughout the BID zone. READ MORE
OUR Colchester BID APPOINTS SIX TILL SIX DIRECTOR Sylvia Oates AS THE LEISURE RECOVERY ADVISOR.
18.05.21
Our Colchester BID appoints Leisure Advisor as part of the creation of the Covid-19 Leisure Recovery Strategy for Colchester Town Centre.
The Leisure Recovery Strategy is a dynamic strategy to help support the leisure sectors recovery from the effects of the pandemic in Colchester. A Leisure Recovery Board, consisting of representatives from Food and Beverage, late night, and accommodation businesses in the town centre, has been brought together by Our Colchester BID to work collaboratively towards a recovery strategy for the sector. As part of this an independent advisor, Sylvia Oates from Six Till Six, has been appointed to help lead the development of the Recovery Strategy, conduct research, and guide the Leisure Recovery Board. READ MORE
OUR COLCHESTER BID ASKS LOCAL CREATIVES TO SUBMIT DESIGNS FOR THE NEW COLCHESTER GIFT CARD.
12.05.21
Our Colchester BID has launched the tender for Colchester creatives to submit their ideas for the new Colchester gift card.
The gift card is set to launch in early August this year and will be available to spend in participating businesses throughout the town centre. Working with the Town and City Gift Card from Miconex, it has been shown that local gift cards bring an extra 65% spend on top of the gifted amount and the current gift card market is worth £7 billion.The BID is looking to work with a local artist or organisation who will produce an iconic design with clear branding for the Colchester Gift Card. Colchester has a rich offering of heritage, arts and culture, and a wide variety of businesses in the town centre. The design for the card will need to represent the wide offering and recognisable town centre. READ MORE
Our Colchester BID awards the covid-19 recovery fund
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) opened the first Covid-19 Recovery Fund for applications in March 2021. The funding was adapted from the previously available Create Fund with the new aim of supporting events and projects which would help town centre recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The scheme received a large amount of interest from local businesses and charitable organisations. We are pleased to announce following a panel review, nine events and initiatives have received funding from the BIDs Covid-19 Recovery Fund.
To read more CLICK HERE.
Our Colchester BID publishes the april 2021 quarterly newsletter
The BID has just released the April 2021 quarterly newsletter for members, the newsletter includes projects the BID are running alongside a look back at Christmas and the Welcome Back Colchester campaign.
You can read the latest newsletter by CLICKING HERE.
Our Colchester BID launches collaborative board to guide recovery of the hard-hit leisure sector.
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) is launching the Leisure Recovery Board, a group of 25 stakeholders, to produce a focused and dynamic recovery strategy for Colchester leisure businesses.
The leisure sector across the UK has lost on average £90m a week. From severe restrictions and lack of funding pubs, eateries, cinemas, and theatres, all within the leisure sector, are estimated to be over a year behind in recovery from the effects of the pandemic. As other sectors within the town centre move into the recovery stage of the BIDs’ 4 stage Covid-19 Recovery Framework, the Leisure sector is still facing the crisis stage and likely has a long journey of recovery ahead... READ MORE
pavement policy - Our Colchester Q&A with Colchester Borough Council -
The BID spoke with Colchester Borough Council to highlight the pavement policy. CLICK HERE to read more about this.