October 2016 Update

October 2016 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 show all the work that has been done in the last 2 years, along with developments that are currently underway and details of some other projects that are coming to fruition.

You will also see a slight change to the look of Otley BID as we update our photography on the front of the booklet, on our website and social media to drawings of Otley by local artist Leslie Child. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Julia Odell for enabling us to utilise her work over the last 2-3 years and for her ongoing support of the BID.

We will be circulating this document around all our levy paying businesses very shortly, but will also be using it to encourage new businesses into the town.

Otley BID Update

Highways Enforcement

Last month we mentioned the BID had asked for a meeting with Leeds Council Highways Enforcement, Ward Members and the Chair of Otley Town Council. We asked LCC to suspend their demands for license applications for pavement cafes, ie. businesses having items on the pavement (tables and chairs).

The meeting was held with all of the above personnel and it was agreed that no charges would be imposed at this time.

A follow-up meeting will be held in January where your views will be represented. It would therefore be beneficial, if businesses have any thoughts on this, to contact Peter Mudge before the end of November. Peter can be contacted either by email peter.mudge@otleybid.co.uk or pop into his office above the Old People’s Welfare Centre on Crossgate.

Otley – One of The UK’s Top 10 Best Performing Suburbs!

We were delighted to see last month that Otley has appeared in The Times 2016 list of UK’s Top 10 Best Performing Suburbs!

It has also featured as one of 4 UK market towns in central government’s High Street Digital Hub investigation.

Many people, groups and businesses have helped keep Otley in such a prominent position. We hope you see the BID playing a leading role in this

The Times

Otley Museum

We have recently held a meeting with Les Winder from Cranberries and Andrew Howard to discuss how the BID can help with any introductions, which would enable Otley to have a temporary or full-time museum in the future. We are keen to explore possibilities going forward and will keep you updated with any progress.

Shopping App

Otley has been invited to take part in an online shopping pilot that is FREE for local independent businesses until Christmas. The site includes a ‘Click and Collect’ service and a chance for independent shops to easily pop their products online.

Jackie Mulligan, who has created the site, is an avid local shopper based in Saltaire and has developed ShopAppy because she is passionate about independent shops and supporting local high streets. She wants to help independent shops succeed online, even if they do or don’t currently sell online!

During the fast approaching Christmas shopping period, ShopAppy has potential to be a way for businesses to increase their sales through greater promotion of their products and services.

After talking to a few business owners about it over the last few weeks, we have found that there is an interest in trialing the app until Christmas (which will also be going live in Saltaire) to help capitalise on this busy trading time.

As a town Otley has good footfall throughout the week and on a weekend. However we still need to encourage people to shop here. Whether they be commuters working in Leeds and Bradford who live here but can only visit the shops on a weekend, or those from the surrounding areas (Guiseley, Menston, Burley, Pool, Arthington etc) who would benefit from the products available in our many and varied shops.

If you are a small independent business interested in finding out more about this pilot scheme please email Jackie at jackiemulls1@gmail.com or call her on 07920 045108.

shopappy-logo

New Business Registration

Register today and a member of the BID team will be in touch to book in an onsite visit.