Welwyn Garden City Businesses Improvement District to run for a further five years

The vote gives the organisation - a collective of town centre businesses working together to enhance and promote the town - a strong mandate to continue investing in and championing the town centre from 2027 to 2032.

Since 2017, the BID team has worked alongside local businesses to make Welwyn Garden City a more vibrant, welcoming and successful place to shop, work, visit and do business. It has invested more than £3 million in the town centre, supported by business levy collections, sponsorship, grants, event income, its online shop and digital marketing channels.

Highlights of the team’s work include the popular World Food Festival and annual Christmas Lights event, which attract thousands of visitors, alongside award-winning floral displays, large-scale Christmas light installations, business support and year-round destination marketing through the Wonderful WGC digital channels.

The renewed term will focus on three core themes: Proud Place, Thriving Economy and Welcoming Environment.

BID Co-Chair Mike Paraliki said:

“We are absolutely delighted with this result and want to say a huge thank you to every business that voted YES and everyone who supported us. Having this level of backing means so much. It shows that businesses believe in what we do and share our ambition for the future of Welwyn Garden City.

 

“I am very proud of our town and the BID team and Board. Over the last ten years, we have worked so hard to support businesses, bring people into the town and put Welwyn Garden City on the map. I am so pleased our hard work and dedication have received this recognition, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the next five years.”

BID Manager Nicky Kane said:

“We are genuinely grateful to every business that has put its trust in us. We know how much our town centre businesses have to juggle, so the time they have taken to vote and show their support means a great deal.

 

“We have lots of exciting ideas for the next five years. Our signature events will remain a big part of what we do, but we also want to explore new ways to bring people into the town, support businesses to grow and make our town centre an even better place to spend time.

 

“We will continue to champion Welwyn Garden City through our WonderfulWGC marketing channels, build strong partnerships and work with businesses to make a real difference. This result gives us the confidence and opportunity to keep moving forward, and we cannot wait to get started.”

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Elections team managed the ballot of local businesses and helped to ensure that the process ran smoothly.

Councillor Rose Grewal, Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said:

“I am delighted that the WGC BID has secured another five years. The BID team have done a wonderful job in supporting local businesses and making Welwyn Garden City town centre a go-to destination for residents and visitors. Supporting vibrant town centres is a priority for the Council and we look forward to continuing to work with the BID and local businesses over the coming months and years.”

Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member Environment and Borough Councillor representative on the WGC BID Board said:

“The results of the ballot are a resounding endorsement of the great work that the BID team has done, working in partnership with local businesses, to promoting our wonderful Welwyn Garden City town centre.  I would like to congratulate the BID team on the result of the ballot wish them every success for the next five years.”