Steering groups working towards improvement

SINCE the businesses in Stockport town centre voted in favour of Stockport’s first Business Improvement District, Stockport’s BID team Totally Stockport – have been working on initial projects that will help to create a vibrant, sustainable town centre for everyone to enjoy.

The steering groups Destination Stockport, Experience Stockport, Business Stockport and Digital Stockport continue to work on a number of initiatives.

This week I’ll explain a little about how the Experience Stockport group have been working with retailers to create a better shopping experience for all the family.

Through research, we found that two of the most common barriers to visit the town centre on a more frequent basis are parking and security. While these cannot be addressed and fixed overnight, they form an important aspect of the Stockport BID’s original business plan.

Working either independently or alongside partners, further initiatives include improving pedestrian routes, tackling empty properties, developing an evening economy and building a team of town centre volunteers.

But, as with all wellconceived business plans, projects will evolve over time, determined both by demand and technology.

The new Stockport Navigator Map – a handy A5 sized fold-out map – highlights the unique areas of the town centre for heritage, shopping, food and drink and leisure. The map is available at the entry points to the town, including the railway and bus stations and across the town centre: Tourist Information Centres, museums, libraries and hotels.

Through the BID’s introduction of the Meercat Joint Procurement scheme, business owners and their staff can enjoy savings of up to £600 per year at Merseyway Car Park. Tackling empty shops is a UK wide challenge and Stockport is no different. Stockport council have a conclusive plan in place and, working with the council and key partners, the BID are looking at ways to develop a business hub / pop-up shop opportunity for emerging retail, bringing a unique offer and encouraging more footfall into the town centre.

Quality of customer service can be a key factor in encouraging repeat visits to Stockport. We have some terrific retailers here and next year we are introducing the Totally Stockport Customer Service Awards.

Next week we will look at Business Stockport but, in the meantime, don’t forget to download Totally Stockport’s App with special town centre offers for everyone.

If you are in the BID area and want to promote your business, email Totally Stockport’s BID manager: paul.taylor@ totallystockport.co.uk