Our March Newsletter is currently being distributed by hand to your business by our volunteer Street Reps – you should receive yours by the end of March. If you’re a voluntary Otley BID Member or you haven’t yet received your copy, you can read it here. Any questions, just email us at info@otleybid.co.uk : […]
Thank you to those who attended our Annual General Meeting last Thursday. To enable you to stay up to date on how your BID levy is being spent and our plans for 2026/7, please see below a link to view the Director’s presentation slides along with the AGM Minutes of the meeting – https://otleybid.co.uk/agm/ If […]
If you didn’t see a copy of our November Newsletter which was distributed by our Street Reps w/c 24th November 2025 – please see below:
You are invited to our Annual General Meeting on Thursday 22nd January 2026 at The Rookery. Please join us for a welcome drink at 6pm with the AGM starting promptly at 6.30pm and closing at 7.30pm. See below Agenda and please RSVP using the link below by Monday 19th January. RSVP HERE
Following requests from several local businesses, we’re delighted to share that Otley BID has taken over the Christmas Window Competition from Otley Chamber this year, ensuring the tradition continues and the town feels festive for residents and visitors throughout December. We’ve refreshed the format slightly to make it easier for businesses to get involved and […]
Business Summary & What You Need to Know It was more a case of what didn’t change in this year’s budget as far as businesses are concerned. Many firms were looking for some respite from the Chancellor on Wednesday to ease the pressure on rising costs. In the end, there was little Christmas cheer […]
The part of Otley Town Council’s StreetVision 2030 proposals relating to the widening of the pavement on the east side of Kirkgate, and consequent changes to parking restrictions on the west side, were debated at Leeds Civic Hall on 14th October 2025.
Please note: Xmas Tree orders for 2025 ARE NOW CLOSED. If you would still like to order a Xmas Tree please email: info@otleybid.co.uk.
We are delighted to announce that ALL businesses within LS21 can now sign up to become a Voluntary Member of Otley BID. This includes your business if you: – work from home – are a tradesperson, or – are located outside of the BID levy area The reason for this is that following the demise […]
*NEW* – Otley’s Music in the Market Place brings a relaxed Summer vibe to your Saturday independent shopping experience this July and August.
Our ‘FREE’ Kids Summer Funzone is back! Join us every Wednesday throughout the August school holidays with the fun starting at 11am until 2pm, for kids aged 2-13 years.
Our Summer Newsletter is being delivered to your door!
The most recent 2024 Otley Benchmarking Survey Report is out!
We are delighted to welcome a new member of our team – Linda Sharp – as our Administrator.
The presentation slides from our recent AGM held on Thursday 24th April 2025 are now available to view on our website https://otleybid.co.uk/agm/. If you have any questions or would like a director to visit your business, please email info@otleybid.co.uk.
Great fun was had by all at our Eco-Boost Your Business Workshop on Wednesday. We were joined by the following businesses, who are already doing fantastic work on striving to be more sustainable, but by working collaboratively we were on fire with even more ideas that they can implement straight away: 💚 Sinclairs 💚 Althams […]
For more information see below and to RSVP please click HERE.
The next Emergency First Aid at Work Course will take place on Tuesday 25th February. This is a FREE course for Otley BID levy paying businesses and their staff. For more information and to book, click the link below. BOOK NOW
Otley BID Ltd are looking to appoint a person to support the directors with administration support. We are looking for someone who would be self-employed and we would pay an agreed hourly rate for work as needed. We estimate approximately 8 hours per month, but this may vary depending on the Events Calendar. […]
The directors of Otley BID Ltd are currently budget planning for the financial year 2025/6, and require your feedback as to whether you still find some of our key Annual Projects a benefit to the town’s economy. We’ve created a short 2 minute survey for you to complete, but please do bear in mind […]
We continue to represent our member’s views on Otley projects that impact businesses. We would therefore like to understand your views on the Kirkgate Project highlighted in the current Otley Matters Magazine issued by Otley Town Council. This involves some active travel plans on Kirkgate, and we would like to understand how this will impact […]
The annual Otley Benchmarking Survey is currently being sent out to ALL BUSINESSES within the town to understand Business Confidence and Performance compared to the last few years and other towns up and down the country. By establishing the trading conditions within the town centre, stakeholders (Otley BID and Otley Town Council) can focus their […]
We’ve had a few businesses asking about what the rules shop signage are recently. If you’re considering new shop signage please be aware that if signage is unlawful Leeds City Council can make the owner take it down or they could take legal action, so best to check first. As most of Otley town […]
Our 2023-4 Financial Accounts are now available to view HERE.
Our Kids ‘Free’ Summer Funzone is back! Join us every Wednesday throughout the August school holidays with the fun starting at 11am until 3pm, for kids aged 2-13 years. There’s something different every week: WHAT’S ON – WEDNESDAY 7TH AUGUST: Climbing Wall by Herd Farm Activity Centre Crafts by Puffin Pottery Kidzone Party Bus by […]
For this month’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on Sunday 12th May, we are branding the Market Place as the official spectator point for Otley – funded and organised by Otley BID to encourage visitors and residents into the town to watch, celebrate and donate to this fantastic event. We have Your Harrogate and Rombalds Radio […]
At our recent AGM sadly our longest standing Director stood down; Tom Hatley – owner of Christopher Little & Co Financial Advisers. We would like to seize this opportunity to express our gratitude to Tom for his unwavering support, dedication, and commitment. Over the past 11 years, not only has he been an invaluable asset […]
The presentation slides from our recent AGM held on Thursday 25th April are now available to view on our website https://otleybid.co.uk/agm/. If you have any questions or would like a director to visit your business, please email info@otleybid.co.uk.
We’d like to introduce our newest Otley BID ‘Events’ Champion – Martin Smith. Martin will be supporting the directors with events for the town and for Otley BID; such as: Childrens events in the Market Place during summer (August) Otley Business Awards (bi-annual in February) Otley 800 (town wide celebration of market charter in 2027) […]
For more information see below and to RSVP please click HERE.
All the information you need to know regarding the timings and road closures (for Otley and the full event) for this year’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon/Half Marathon, from the organisers.
The 2023 Otley Benchmarking Survey Results are now available to view HERE. In summary, this report shows that the business climate in Otley continues to show positive signs of growth despite the prevailing winds of the current recession and the deepening of the cost-of-living crisis. The following key takeaways are: Market day footfall is the highest […]
Our next Monthly Drop-In is this Thursday 7th March: Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: The Rookery, Kirkgate Come and meet our directors, ask us any questions you may have about Otley BID, how we can help you or just come for a drink and an hour of networking after work. We’d love to see you!
Otley BID have secured 20 FREE tickets to the brand new Otley Ghost Tours for BID levy payers, as a thank you for your support and to give you a flavour of what the tour is about so that you can help spread to word to your work colleagues, family, friends and customers. The […]
Lili Waste have kindly offered a series of preferential rates for all our Otley BID Levy Payers – see below booklet for more information.
Otley BID Ltd are looking to appoint a person to support the directors with events for the town and for Otley BID.
Otley Business Improvement District’s (BID) Financial Accounts to end March 2023 are now available to view HERE.
Please see below letter from the team at Otley Courthouse regarding their upcoming 20th Birthday – Sponsor an Umbrella Campaign!
This Invitation to Tender is for the planting and installation of assorted floral displays in Otley town centre from the period Spring to Autumn 2024.
*UPDATE* – The ‘Free’ Business Parking Trial has been extended to March 2024. Over 100 ‘FREE’ parking spaces near Otley town centre are available for the use of retail and service-based business owners and staff.
Following the removal of the Kirkgate planters and the completion of the new double yellow lines on Sunday 17th December by Otley Town Council and Leeds City Council, please see official statement by the Directors of Otley Business Improvement District in support of our business community.
We are delighted to announce that the Renewal Ballot for Otley Business Improvement District (BID) to continue for another 5 years has been approved today (Monday 13th November 2023) by Leeds City Council’s Deputy BID Ballot Holder. THE RESULTS: As outlined in our 2024-29 Business Plan, for the ballot to be approved, two tests […]
Thank you to those who completed last week’s ‘FREE’ Business Parking and Kirkgate Planters Survey. As promised, please see below the ACTIONS we will be taking on your behalf following your important and insightful feedback, along with a summary of the SURVEY RESULTS: KIRKGATE PLANTERS As OTLEY TOWN COUNCIL are the owners of, and the organisation who continue to […]
The Otley BID Third Term Ballot is well underway You will now have received your Ballot Papers which need to be signed and returned by 5pm on Friday 10th November to be counted. If you have any questions about the proposed 2024-29 Business Plan or the ballot process please don’t hesitate to get in touch […]
You’re invited to come and join our Chair, Katie Burnett of Courtyard Planters at one of our upcoming RENEWAL BALLOT DROP IN SESSIONS: Thursday 26th October – 12 noon til 2pm at Wharfebank Business Centre in the shared kitchen on the 2nd Floor of Pegholme Thursday 2nd November – 5.30pm – 6.30pm at The Rookery, […]
*UPDATE* – The ‘Free’ Business Parking Trial has been extended until mid-November, and in the meantime will have a conversation with the land owner as to whether they would like to continue with the current situation given the disappointingly low uptake. ______________________ STARTS MONDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2023 We are pleased to announce the provision […]
A reminder that our Drop In Meeting is this evening 5.30pm – 6.30pm at The Rookery Bar & Venue. Come and join us for a drink after work, get to know the directors and ask us anything about our current projects: – Our upcoming 3rd Term Ballot (begins this October) – Pending Otley Banking Hub […]
A quick update on the Banking Hub proposed for Otley you might have seen something about earlier in the year. Cash Access UK, an initiative set up earlier this year and run jointly by all the big banks in the UK, announced that they had chosen Otley and seven other towns to open Banking […]
‘FREE’ Live Music for All Every Saturday in August from 11am to 1pm around the Market Town of Otley. SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST – Buttercross : Leeds Folk Fiddles – Orchard Gate : Gamini Khurani – New Inn Court : Nat Fletcher SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST – Market Place : Firebird – Orchard Gate : […]
For transparency and to keep our stakeholders informed, please see below a letter which has been sent to the Administrators dealing with the sale of the Cross Pipes Pub on 15th July 2023, in support of keeping the building as a public house and selling it to an operator capable of bringing the building back […]
Otley’s Kids ‘Free’ Summer Funzone is back! Join us Wednesday’s throughout the school holidays on the following dates: – Wednesday 9th August – Wednesday 16th August – Wednesday 23rd August – Wednesday 30th August *The fun starts at 11am until 3pm* Funded and organised by Otley Business Improvement District, in collaboration again with […]
There’s a lot of work goes on behind the scenes, but we’ve realised that you don’t often see much of our volunteer directors. They are all fellow business owners who give their time in various ways to helping Otley to be a wonderful place to work, live and visit.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 1st June with our Directors, Greg Silverwood and Kathryn Armitage. Meet them at The Rookery Bar & Venue at 5.30pm – 6.30pm. Join us for a drink and to meet our directors for an informal chat after work. Ask Greg or Kathryn any questions you may have about the BID, our […]
For more information and to RSVP please click HERE.
🍻SAVE THE DATE🍻 You’re invited to join our Monthly Meet-up on the first Thursday of every month! Our next meeting is on Thursday 4th May with our Directors, Katie Burnett and Kathryn Armitage. Meet them at The Rookery Bar & Venue at 5.30pm – 6.30pm. If you’re a new or an existing business and would like to […]
🍻PLEASE JOIN US🍻 – Drop in, have a drink and a chat with our Chair, Katie Burnett and Director, Tom Hatley , on Thursday 6th April from 5.30pm at The Rookery Bar & Venue, Kirkgate, Otley. Katie and Tom would love you to join them after work to ask any questions you may have […]
As a well-known businessman in the Otley community, we were delighted when Alan Sowden of Sowdens Plumbers Merchants agreed to step up as one of our directors, to share his years of commercial knowledge, expertise and to volunteer his time to helping Otley to be a wonderful place to work, live and visit.
There’s a lot of work goes on behind the scenes, but we’ve realised that you don’t often see much of our volunteer directors. They are all fellow business owners who give their time in various ways to helping Otley to be a wonderful place to work, live and visit. First up is Jennifer Pugh of […]
🍻PLEASE JOIN US🍻 – Drop in, have a drink and a chat with one of our Directors, Tom Hatley, on Thursday 2nd March from 5.30pm at The Rookery Bar & Venue, Kirkgate, Otley. Tom would love you to join him after work to ask any questions you may have about the BID or Otley in general, offload […]
In December 2022 we sent out a survey with the aim of gathering feedback from our levy paying businesses, as we begin the process of putting together a Business Plan for a third five year term which will run from April 2024 – March 2029. Levy paying businesses will receive this new Business Plan in summer […]
Drop in, have a drink and a chat with 2 of our Directors, Katie Burnett and Tom Hatley on Thursday 2nd February from 5.30pm at The Rookery Bar & Venue, Kirkgate, Otley.
Otley Business Improvement District (BID) strongly urge Otley Town Council to remove the planters from Kirkgate. Despite what may have started with good intentions it is clear, to Otley BID and the businesses we represent, that the planters on Kirkgate are having a negative impact on trade. Christmas is fast approaching and this is […]
At our recent Disability Accessibility Meeting on 5th October, we shared a helpful 1 pager which lists some super easy QUICK WINS that you can implement into your business at NO COST to yourselves to help you become more accessible, open up your business to a whole new community, and as a result generate more income – DOWNLOAD IT […]
We’ve got LOTS going on at the moment, so we thought we’d put together a short round-up so that we can help you to get involved in some of the fantastic projects we are currently working on, and have coming up over the Christmas period to help generate footfall.
Otley’s Kids ‘Free’ Summer Funzone is back! Join us Wednesday’s throughout the school holidays on the following dates: – Wednesday 9th August – Wednesday 16th August – Wednesday 23rd August – Wednesday 30th August *The fun starts at 11am until 3pm* Funded and organised by Otley Business Improvement District, in collaboration again with […]
As you can see from our Director’s Gallery, at the recent AGM 2 of our Directors (Rory McQuaid and Elspeth Harrow) both stepped down. At the moment our 4 Directors provide the following areas of expertise – 2 in retail, 1 in the service sector and 1 in events. Several of these directors have been […]
Welcome to our round-up of Otley Business Improvement District news and updates on projects we have been working on over Autumn/Winter months. “Business of the Week” Promotion January sees the start of our “Business of the Week” promotion where Otley businesses will feature on the home page of the town’s business directory – the […]
Otley is inexorably turning into a commuter town as housing burden is heaped onto the area and businesses relocate to nearby conurbations for want of modern accommodation. Our report – Employment vs Housing – prompted by the impending East of Otley development, details the effect over the last 10 years or so:
It’s fantastic that many Otley businesses are opening each Sunday during December to encourage more residents and visitors to #shoplocal for their Christmas presents during the busiest festive period of the year. SUPER SUNDAY DATES Otley’s Super Sunday opening will take place on the following dates: Sunday 5th December Sunday 12th December Sunday 19th December […]
Otley Town Council and ourselves have again for the 2nd year instructed People and Places Insight to undertake a Benchmarking review in Otley town centre. Benchmarking has been conducted in over 350 other locations in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, including Otley in 2020. Data is gathered on Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to […]
Otley Town Council and Otley Business Improvement District (BID) have commissioned People and Places Insight to undertake a second (year 2) review of Otley Town Centre and its visitor attractions. As part of the process, the following short survey has been devised to allow users to provide their ratings and views on various aspects of […]
We are pleased to confirm that, following the success of the last batch of the large “Buy In Otley” bags, we have taken delivery of an additional 5,000 ‘twist handle’ recyclable paper carrier bags, to distribute amongst retail businesses. As previously, these bags are FREE to our levy paying businesses. The aim is […]
To assess how a town is changing over time it’s necessary to measure it first. Otley Town Council and Otley Business Improvement District (BID) commissioned People & Places to undertake a Town Benchmarking study between August and October 2020, measuring such metrics as car parking spaces, visitor numbers, footfall, current and empty shops and a […]
We are delighted to be organising and subsidising the project to light up business premises through the town with mini Christmas trees once again! If you would like to add a little seasonal sparkle to your business please order your tree TODAY. How to Order Click the link below for more information and to complete […]
Welcome to our round-up of Otley Business Improvement District news and updates on projects we have been working on over the Summer.
In the words of David Rockefeller “Success in business requires training, discipline and hard work.” To help you keep evolving and succeeding, see below details of 2 fantastic training and business support opportunities: Leeds Micro Business Support Programme – Starts This Month The Leeds Microbusiness Support Service are launching their virtual programme this month (September) […]
We would really appreciate our Otley BID members completing this survey to help us understand how we can best support you bouncing back from the Covid pandemic over the coming months. PLEASE TAKE OUR 3 MINUTE SURVEY The survey will close on Wednesday 1st September and results will be collated and fed back shortly afterwards. […]
Summertime is here and Otley’s annual Kids Funtime is back! Taking place every Wednesday throughout the school holidays between 11am and 3pm in the Market Place, we will have a wide range of activities suitable for all children aged between 2 and 13 years old. Please note that parents or carers must supervise their children […]
Now that businesses are re-opening and things are beginning to get back onto an even keel, we are turning our attention to how we can support Otley’s businesses going forward as part of the town’s overall Covid-19 Recovery Plan. We are therefore resurrecting our Monthly Updates which will be communicated here on our website, as […]
Based on pre-application information available from the development consortium, as of 12th February 2021, Otley BID made the following observations on the proposed East of Otley development. Please see below the 2 page document. As of Monday 17th May 2021 you are now able to view the official Planning Documents on the Leeds City […]
Businesses that were forced to close during the national lockdown can now receive a Coronavirus Restart Grant from Leeds City Council to help them reopen.
Today (Wed 3 Mar) the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced his 2021 Budget, which most importantly sets out the Government’s new measures to help businesses and jobs through the Covid-19 Pandemic and support the UK’s recovery.
Yesterday the Prime Minister outlined a roadmap on how lockdown will be lifted throughout England over the coming months.
In our February Update we’d like to fill you in on our new website developments, how you can watch our recent AGM, our Hospitality Survey in anticipation of the Government’s announcement on Monday, as well as how we are looking to keep in touch with you whilst there are still lockdown restrictions in place:
As an Otley business owner, and a stakeholder in the Otley Business Improvement District (BID), you are invited to our Annual General Meeting which will take place on Tuesday 2nd February from 6pm on Zoom. The agenda for the evening will be as follows: Start prompt 6pm Welcome Apologies for Absence Previous AGM Minutes Introduction […]
Dear Otley Businesses Since the Lockdown 3 announcement on 4th January 2020, we have received quite a number of enquiries from Otley business owners seeking help in relation to the financial support that is available. I have, therefore, been in weekly contact with the Business Rates Department at Leeds City Council to understand what support […]
As you are aware, the Prime Minister announced last night a further National Lockdown from today (Tuesday 5th January) until at least February half term (mid Feb). This is a huge blow and disappointment for all our local Otley businesses and to help you understand what this means for you I have gathered the most […]
Dear businesses The 3rd grant for the Self Employed Income Support Scheme is now open for applications. Please see below some key points to be aware of: The criteria for this grant is different; “impacted by reduced demand” is the important measure. The time period that this grant covers is between 1st November 2020 – […]
Dear businesses I’m sure you’ve already heard the sad news that Otley will be in Tier 3 – ‘Very High Alert’ from next Wednesday 2nd December. This will be reviewed on 16th December. Below are links to information that you may find helpful regarding this new update: Tier 3 poster which gives a summary of […]
Dear Businesses, CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO OTLEY! Otley Light Switch On Monday 23rd November 2020 at 7pm – 7.15pm Otley’s Christmas festivities start this coming Monday at 7pm with the switch on of the town Christmas lights, that will also be commemorated with a special one-minute Otley Clap for Christmas. So if you have a Christmas Tree […]
Dear Businesses, Leeds Council Business Support Grant We have been informed by Leeds Council Business Rates Department that Applications for the Covid-19 Lockdown 2 Business Support Grant is now live on their website. If you ‘registered your interest’ in receiving this grant on LCC’s website last week, you should have received an email from them […]
Dear businesses We would like to know if your business is trading during this November lockdown and we will add these details to the Buy in Otley Business Directory website and promote it via Otley’s various social media channels (Visit Otley, Otley Chamber and Otley Business Improvement District). This will enable us to support you, […]
Dear businesses Following the Chancellor’s announcement today, the Government’s have confirmed that the Furlough Scheme has now been extended to Spring 2021. Read more here : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-extends-furlough-to-march-and-increases-self-employed-support
Dear businesses, We have been informed by Leeds Council that they will again be providing businesses with National Lockdown Grants as per the support they provided in the first lockdown. These grants are still being developed so we would urge you to please: save the link below and check back regularly for updates read […]
Dear businesses Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday confirming a 2nd nationwide lockdown, we are truly sorry to hear that many of our local businesses are again required to close and our thoughts are with you and your families during this tough time. We know some of you are able to remain open as […]
Dear Businesses, Otley Benchmarking Survey Otley Town Council, Otley BID and People and Places Insight are currently undertaking a Benchmarking Review in Otley Town Centre. This type of benchmarking has been conducted in over 350 other locations in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Data is gathered on Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to measure town […]
Dear Business This afternoon we have received the news we were hoping wouldn’t arrive! The Government has this afternoon announced new local restrictions for Leeds which will take effect from tomorrow (Saturday 26th September). Otley is included within these restrictions as we fall under the ‘bin rule’, ie. we have our bins collected by Leeds […]
Dear Businesses, As Autumn fast approaches, we turn our attention to the ‘C’ word….yes, Christmas and in particular the ordering of Christmas Trees! Otley Christmas Trees Otley Business Improvement District have taken over the administration of the display of mini Christmas trees on the fronts of business premises, from Otley Chamber of Trade. We have […]
Dear Otley BID Levy Payer, I am writing with an update to the 2020/21 Otley BID Levy invoice you will have received in April. Thank you if you have already paid your invoice, you can ignore the rest of this email. In light of the COVID-19 impact on day to day running of business we […]
Dear Otley Business, We are now urging all businesses who HAVE NOT yet collected your COVID-19 Business Support Pack, whether you are open yet or not to please collect it on: FRIDAY 17TH JULY BETWEEN 10AM TO 2PM ONLY FROM OTLEY TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES THE CORE, UNIT 11, ORCHARD GATE, LS21 3NX* *Please note that the office […]
Dear Otley Businesses, Tomorrow (Friday) is your last chance to collect your Covid-19 Business Support Pack. You are eligible for a pack if you: Pay the Business Improvement District Levy Have NOT yet collected a pack We are now urging all businesses who haven’t yet collected a pack, whether you are open or not planning […]
Dear Businesses, From Saturday 4 July, the Prime Minister has announced that: Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines – updated guidance for all workplace settings can be found here: https://bit.ly/sectorsocialdist Two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures – […]
Dear Businesses, Phase 2 Covid-19 Business Support Pack Collection Dates Thank you to the 138 businesses who came and collected their Covid-19 Business Support Packs recently. As promised, we have sourced a Phase 2 Support Pack which is for available for businesses who: Pay the Otley Business Improvement District levy, and Are already open Are […]
Dear Otley businesses At the end of May we informed you that Leeds City Council had put live their Small Business Discretionary Grant. This grant is available for small businesses and charities in Leeds and you can apply until 28 June 2020. You fed back to us and it became clear that there was some […]
Dear Businesses, Your Covid-19 Business Support Packs are nearly ready! Thank you for all your positive comments about the Covid-19 Business Support Packs we’re putting together. It’s great to hear how helpful they are going to be to all our businesses. Today Jason Knowles from Otley Town Council, and I put together 200 packs. We’re […]
Dear Businesses, Thank you for your feedback Firstly, we’d like to thank you for taking the time to reply to our recent ‘Returning to Work Post-Lockdown’ Questionnaire which gave us some insight into the type of support and PPE you need to help you to re-open your business safely. We had a total of 74 […]
Dear Otley businesses We have just been informed today that Leeds City Council now have the eligibility criteria live for the Small Business Discretionary Top Up Grant. This grant is available for small businesses and charities in Leeds. You can apply from 1 June 2020 until 28 June 2020. CLICK HERE to check if […]
To help support those businesses who are still closed we are postponing the bills which were initially extended to end May, these have now been further extended to end August.
Yesterday evening (Mon 25th May) the Prime Minister set out a timeline for retail to re-open from 1st June and further guidance has been published for how to operate safely to protect staff and customers.
Dear Otley Business As the UK begins to gradually open businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government have issued the following guidance on how to work safely.
Please see below a recent announcement from the Government relating to rent collection on business premises. Under the new temporary measures: Statutory demands and winding up petitions issued to commercial tenants are to be temporarily voided; Changes are to be made to the use of Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery, building on measures already introduced […]
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now open for applications, 10 days ahead of schedule. Employers can now go online to claim cash grants worth up to 80% of wages, capped at £2,500 a month per worker. 5000 HMRC staff will operate the scheme, which is expected to help thousands of firms across the UK. […]
Dear Otley Businesses, We have been approached by one of our Otley businesses to offer Free HR Advice to you, our members, during this unprecedented and difficult time. However, before we take up this offer we would like to understand if it is a service that you would use. We have created a very quick, […]
We have been working closely with Leeds Council Business Rates Team this week to give them as much assistance as we can to ensure their records are correct with regards to our Otley levy payers. This is to ensure that the below Business Grants which are about to be issued are mailed out to the […]
Dear businesses, The Government has updated the guidance on the new measures the PM introduced on Monday 23rd March: 1. Requiring people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes; 2. Closing non-essential shops and community spaces; and 3. Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public. This link provides […]
Dear Otley Businesses, During these unprecedented times the Government have asked us all to take extraordinary measures. I know that most, if not all businesses have taken this advice and acted accordingly to protect our NHS, vulnerable members of society and each other. Thank you for doing this. As a Reminder Unless you are providing […]
Dear Otley BID Member We are continuing to gather information from official sources that will help all our Otley businesses during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Please take a few moments to review the information below and we will continue to bring you updates on additional support and Government announcements as soon as we are […]
Dear Otley BID Member Following our email on Tuesday, we are continuing to gather information that will help all our Otley businesses during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Please take a few moments to review the information below and we will aim to bring you update on support that is available to you as soon […]
This page has been created to help our independent businesses and our community to find the services they need quickly and easily during this difficult time. Last updated Monday 18th May. Please note: The below information is accurate at time of uploading, however, as the current Coronavirus situation is changing on a daily basis, please […]
A message to Otley Businesses from Otley Business Improvement District (sent via our website, email, Facebook & Twitter accounts on 16/3/20): Dear Otley BID Member We know that the next few months will be extremely challenging for most of you, but please be aware that Otley Business Improvement District are here to help wherever […]
Keep up to date with what’s been going on at Otley BID this Winter; from our 2020 Business Training Programme, to supporting Otley Events and much more…
Keep up to date with what’s been going on at Otley BID this Autumn; from our sponsorship of the Otley Business Awards to all things Christmas, Rent & Lease Agreement Support to Business Training!
Keep up to date with what’s going on at Otley BID this Summer; a round-up from our recent AGM, Free Kids Holiday Entertainment, Business Training Workshops and an update on lighting up Otley for Christmas!
Introducing our Annual General Meeting date, how to book, Market Square Summer Entertainment, and more updates on all our ongoing projects.
Welcome to the Otley Business Improvement District January 2019 Update, which keeps you abreast of BID projects that are currently underway and information that affects our BID levy paying businesses. 2018 Visit Otley Festive Guide We have heard from a few of our retailers that the “Make Yours An Otley Christmas’ brochure, which was funded by […]
Otley BID Wins Vote for 2nd Term On 9th November voting closed for Otley businesses to decide whether Otley BID should continue for a 2nd term. Steph Lee, Chair of Otley BID announced: “We are delighted with the ballot results which gives Otley a further £375,000 to spend over the new 5 year period beginning […]
Last week voting closed for Otley businesses to decide whether Otley BID should continue for a 2nd term. Steph Lee, Chair, announced today: “We are delighted with the ballot results which gives Otley a further £375,000 to spend over the new 5 year period beginning 1st April 2019.” The results of the ballot were as follows: 543 […]
West Yorkshire Police have carried out some research recently and have circulated this helpful document on how retailers can reduce shop theft. We hope you find it useful.
It’s just over 4 weeks until voting begins! It is up to the businesses of Otley to decide if the Otley Business Improvement District (Otley BID) will be renewed for another 5 year term! If successful, the BID will continue to invest circa £375,000 into our beautiful town. Our plans on how this funding will […]
Otley BID Holds Its 4th A.G.M. The 2017/18 BID A.G.M. was held on Tuesday 17th July at the Falcon Sports & Social Club, it was also the bi-monthly Chamber of Trade meeting. There were 35 people in attendance of which most, although not all, were BID businesses. During the formal parts of the A.G.M. the […]
Otley BID Accounts 2017-18 Following our recent AGM, please see the filed accounts for Otley BID Limited, for the year ending 31st March 2018.
Disability Access Study Disabled people, the BID and a group of pupils from Prince Henry’s Grammar School are undertaking a disability access study of the town in the near future. As part of the study the pupils will use wheelchairs and goggles that simulate loss of sight, amongst other things, in order to replicate the […]
STAKEHOLDERS INVITE TO OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING We will be holding our AGM on Tuesday 18th July at the The Black Horse, starting at 6.30pm. The normal Otley Chamber of Trade meeting will follow at 7.30pm. So that we are aware of numbers and know how many copies of the 2016/17 Accounts to print, we […]
Kid’s Summer Funtime has been organised following the success of last year’s children’s entertainment. We have launched a fun packed programme of FREE kid’s entertainment every Wednesday 10am-3pm in the Market Place. The style of entertainment will be suitable for toddlers (during term-time) & primary school children (during school holidays) and, will be run by Otley […]
Welcome to our May 2017 Update, this is a round-up of all the projects we have been busy with throughout last month. Otley Events Otley BID are delighted to have designed & distributed the new Events poster throughout May showing all the large annual events going on in the town throughout the year. Thank you […]
Welcome to the Otley BID March 2017 Update, which keeps you up to date with business information and BID projects that are currently underway. 2017/18 Otley BID Levy Bills Are Out The 2017/18 levy bills have now been delivered to all our businesses. If you are a new business in town and have not yet been […]
Read the Otley BID February 2017 Update on what’s happening with projects that are currently underway: FREE Business Advice Pop-Up Cafe Further to discussions with the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) we have agreed that they can run a FREE Business Advice Pop-Up Café at the Otley Courthouse on Thursday 2nd March between 9am-12.30pm. The […]
We are delighted to welcome the Otley Business Advice Popup Cafe which will be held at The Courthouse on Thursday 2nd March between 9.00am-12.30pm. FREE to local businesses, the Advice Cafe will have local experts waiting to give practical answers to your questions on a range of business topics. Totally informal, non-sales, turn up when you like, leave when […]
Otley Launches Their Biggest Sale Yet! The team here at Otley BID have come up with the idea of bringing a unique and consistent Sale message to Otley, under the banner of “The Big Otley Sale”. We are aware that businesses will have their own Sales on the New Year, but this message will help […]
Artistic Light Display in Orchard Gate As part of our Art in Empty Shops initiative, we are delighted that Graham Tansley, a former lecturer at Leeds College of Art and organiser of Leeds Lights, has agreed to bring one of his awe inspiring light displays to Otley. The display is now up and running from […]
A Message on Behalf of ShopAppy….. Dear Otley shopkeepers The new online click and collect site shopappy.com is now live in Otley – helping support local independent businesses by selling online. This new site is also being marketing on social media and Twitter, and there are leaflets in town for you to pick up. It is […]
We wanted to produce a full update document of work that has been done between 2014-2016, as well as projects currently underway. It includes views from businesses and wherever possible these are the same businesses who expressed hopes for the original BID Business Plan. This PDF can be downloaded and viewed at your own leisure. OtleyBID Update […]
Otley BID Business Plan Update Way back in 2014 the Otley Business Improvement District (BID) was launched to improve the local economy and make Otley an ever nicer place to trade. As we are committed to keeping our shareholders abreast of our work, we are in the process of producing an Update Booklet which will […]
For those interested, please see the filed accounts for OtleyBID Limited, for the years 2015 to 2016. OtleyBID accounts 15-16
Street Furniture As you are aware we now have good ongoing relationship with Leeds City Council and the Community Service team. Following the fantastic work that the team have undertaken throughout the Spring and Summer months, we can now confirm that the 2nd phase of painting work will start very shortly.
For those interested, please see the filed accounts for OtleyBID Limited, for the years 2014 to 2015. bid-accounts-2014-15
August was a very quiet month for the BID. Most if not all of our Directors took the opportunity to get away with family or friends. Street Entertainment These ran every Wednesday from the middle of July to 31st August. The feedback we have received from the mums, dads, grandparents and carers has all been […]
Street Entertainment Throughout the school holidays every Wednesday from 10am – 2pm we have arranged for toddler and primary entertainment to be available in the Market Place for FREE. Over the weeks there will be a variety of different attractions such as:
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Street Entertainment We are delighted to announce that the internationally acclaimed Daft as a Brush street entertainer Maynard Flip Flap visited Otley on Saturday 11th June, performing on Newmarket.
We are delighted to announce that the internationally acclaimed Man in a Box act will be coming to Otley on Saturday 18th June. The World’s only living box has audiences curious and draws in the crowds as they wonder what he will do next.
Welcome to the May 2016 update. Tour de Yorkshire We are delighted to inform you that during Saturday 30th April when the Tour de Yorkshire came to Otley our Footfall Monitors recorded 18,000 people came to cheer on our very own Lizzie Armitstead for the start of the Women’s Race, and a staggering 25,000 people […]
The evening of Monday 9th May saw our second AGM following another busy year implementing projects relating to our 5 year Business Plan. Our Accounts are yet to be completed, however, we are happy to share with you the ‘unofficial’ figures that were presented at the meeting.
We’re looking for volunteers, do you know someone who, like you, is supportive of the town, would like to meet new people, have a say in what happens at events, wants to learn new skills and has an hour to spare each month?
Welcome to the April 2016 update. As another fantastic Tour de Yorkshire comes to a close, we continue to build on its success, working towards creating a more vibrant town so that visitors and residents are enticed to visit and #BuyInOtley.
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Otley BID has joined forces with Ripon based company ECON to paint 8 bicycles which will be positioned in different locations throughout the town in celebration of this weekend’s Tour de Yorkshire celebrations.
Otley BID has collaborated with students at Prince Henry’s Grammar School to design 50 unique flags to celebrate Otley starting Stage 2 of the Tour de Yorkshire.
Welcome to the March 2016 update. As you all know this month is the lead up to another exciting Tour de Yorkshire event for Otley on Saturday 30th April. With both the men’s and women’s race starting in the town we are expected to welcome a large number of cyclist and family visitors who will […]
Welcome to the February 2016 update… Painting of Street Furniture – We are delighted to confirm that we have arranged for the refurbishment of street furniture throughout the town, prior to the eagerly awaited Tour de Yorkshire. This work will be completed by the end of April and will be undertaken partnership with Leeds City Council, […]
Welcome to the January 2016 update. Otley Business Directory – At last Otley has its own online business directory showing the shops, offices and companies paying business rates in the town. So whether you’re looking for a local or national company with premises in the town, www.visitotley.co.uk/businessdirectory opens up a world of nearly 400 firms […]
Welcome to the December 2015 update. Otley Business Directory – We are delighted to announce that the Otley Business Directory will begin to be advertised via Stray FM throughout January and February. Our exclusive Otley Business Directory Marketing Packs will also be distributed to businesses in the New Year to help with it’s promotion to our […]
As you will have seen around the town over the last couple of weeks, the newly formed Otley Marketing Committee, have received approval from Leeds City Council to allow free parking within designated car parks throughout the town during December.
Welcome to the November 2015 update. Otley Business Directory – If you are a BID levy payer, don’t miss out on advertising your business for FREE within Otley’s largest Business Directory. We now have approximately half of the businesses listed on the directory which can be viewed on 2 websites; www.otleybid.co.uk and on the Visit Otley […]
Welcome to the October 2015 update. Otley Lido For Sale – You will have seen recently that the former Otley Lido/Rainbow Leisure at Wharfemeadows Park is now up for sale with Leeds City Council. Otley BID is pleased to have helped finally get all the relevant parties around the table to make this happen. Although this is […]
Welcome to the September 2015 update. Your Ideas are Wanted! – Otley BID Manager Pete Mudge is out and about meeting business owners, updating them on the BID’s activities and getting individual’s views on what could be done to improve trading and the appeal of the town. Dozens of ideas are coming forward and range from first […]
Welcome to the August 2015 update. Footfall Analysis – To get an idea of the number of people coming to Otley town centre, the Chamber and the BID are trialing innovative and affordable footfall counters, which give data on how many people have passed key locations in the town centre. The monitors note the number of people […]
Welcome to July 2015 update. ATCM Annual Conference Visit – Dublin, Birmingham, Warwick, Paignton and Bath were among 35 locations visiting Otley town centre on Thursday 2nd July. The visit was part of the ATCM (Association of Town & City Centre Management) Annual Conference that took place in Leeds this year. The prestigious group of town centre […]
Our Business Directory is ready and waiting, however we need your email addresses to start the process. Each individual business will have their own unique login information to input anything and everything about their company into the Database.
The first full trading year of Otley BID finished on 31st March 2015. We informed all members that the Otley BID Ltd 2015 AGM will be held on Monday 27th April at Otley Town Partnership, 7 for 7.30 pm via letter sent out in early April. Please note this is a change of the advertised date. […]
Welcome to the March 2015 update. Thank you for your patience during our first year of existence. The year started slowly as we organised all the legal requirements to run a limited company. We have made every attempt to spend your money wisely and, as you will see from the statement of our accounts (not […]