I’m delighted to have the opportunity, as Chair of the Weston Business Improvement District (BID) to have a new monthly column and to be able to share news, updates and information about some of the great things going on in our town centre.

For those who haven’t heard of a BID, they originated in Canada and have spread across the world as a way for businesses to work together by a simple principle of every business in a defined BID area contributing a levy towards a fund that collectively has the power to make a difference in the designated area.

Weston BID is just one of over 320 BIDs that operate in the UK and we have successfully been operating in the town centre and seafront area for 12 years, delivering projects and services to support our local business community in our great seaside town.

Our dedicated BID Street Wardens are a vital part of keeping our town safe, secure and clean and can be seen patrolling 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Whether it’s with our Radio Link services supporting businesses in conjunction with the police, reuniting lost children, helping visitors or simply caring for all of our  floral displays amongst other things.

Whilst at a more strategic level, we are a key player alongside North Somerset Council and the Town Council in bringing together the ‘SuperWeston’ initiative – an ambitious placemaking strategy that continues to highlight all that Weston has to offer in terms of being a great place to work, live and visit.

In next months’ column you will hear more about the exciting events we have coming up this year. In the meantime, I hope you can all enjoy our town centre and seafront during the somewhat quieter months, ahead of what I hope will be a busy season ahead for our businesses.