A message from the outgoing BID Manager
It has always been very important to me that we have a welcoming, transparent approach that is collaborative, data driven and led by best practice. Most of all, I wanted to ensure we demonstrated the value of the BID to our community by achieving the KPIs in our business plan, and actively responding to our members and community partners, so that everyone understands that when they invest in their high street, they know they are investing in themselves.
In today’s digital world, we have so many choices, but when we choose to support our local accountant, our local cinema, our local market, our local optometrist, our local solicitor, our local independent whatever, that we not only encourage economic growth, we also build community relationships where those advocates become brand ambassadors for our businesses and the town. Everyone wins.
We have a symbiotic relationship, businesses and the local community.
We have worked hard to support a high street that is safer, greener, tidier and responsive to the needs of its customers. We are so very lucky with beautiful Dorking. I’ve worked in and visited so many towns for my high street transformation engagements – and Dorking is truly beautiful.
We have so many lovely vibrant shops and services, experts who offer great customer service and who really understand how to help their customer succeed, solve their problem, or have a great experience. We must continue on this journey, working together, persevering. Shop owners and solicitors, accountants and retailers, cafes owners, chefs, hairdressers and bakers who aren’t just selling ‘things’ but who are true pioneers in their craft. Sustainable superheroes. Experts in their field who provide experiences and knowledge that might be life-changing or offer services that make lives easier, simpler, healthier and happier for you, your neighbour, your father or mother, your friend.
Dorking is full of caring, compassionate, fun, knowledgeable, innovative, award-winning, brilliant businesses and community partners who work hard, every day. I am proud to know them and our whole team work hard to raise the profile of our town. With your continued inspiration and help, I think that our town can continue to thrive.
We have done it all despite extremely trying times that we have seen economically, politically, socially, and environmentally. In spite of it all, our dedicated team has accomplished the following over the past year and a half – and I am so proud to have been part of it.
Thank you for sharing this time with me and I wish you all the very best moving forward.
Please refer all emails to info@hellodorking.com for now. In the meantime, our wonderful marketing, PR and tech team will remain on board and our new BID Manager will be announced in due course. It has been an absolute pleasure to support the Dorking BID.
All my best wishes,
Kathy
•Championed and successfully executed the BID business plan, supported strategic placemaking efforts in Future Dorking and inculcated a collaborative, partnership and community driven approach to drive investment to the town and raised its profile.
•Consistently submitted best practice and innovative ideas to local government leadership; regularly encouraged collaboration, partnership, and a common sense approach to working together to support businesses.
•Streamlined internal processes that made cost savings and efficiencies both internally and with our partners.
•Significantly improved relationships with partners through a carefully managed stakeholder management programme.
•Built strong relationships with a broad stakeholder community, increased pride of place, and established brand ambassadors.
•Composed the business plan and established KPIs.
•Established and executed an integrated omni-channel brand development and grassroots advocacy programme.
•Established monthly meetings with the council chief executive and head of the district council.
•Our work raised the profile of the town and enabled the BID to be shortlisted for two national awards; the Chairman was nominated for a BBC Surrey community award.
•The BID received more earned media coverage than its previous five year term combined. This week secured coverage in The Business Magazine for a local business.
•The 2024 Christmas Festival received the BBC Radio Story of the Day and the Times photo of the day (digital edition). The event drew 10,200 people on the day (footfall estimated by the High Streets Task Force Footfall counters).
•The 2023 Dorking Coronation was recognised the Royal Family; The BID and the town received a letter from the Royal Household.
•Our Small Business Britain (SBS) UK campaign was picked up and shared on Instagram and Twitter with an overall reach of over 110,000 followers. We were interviewed by SBS and our creative campaign and interview were both shared by the brilliant Small Business Saturday team, shining a light on our client and town.
•In addition to improving awareness regarding retail, we also celebrated the town’s pride in place with the Community Spirit Awards. We celebrated businesses, community and partnership, which was well received.
•Our initiative to bring the businesses closer to their customer base in the community was aimed at shining a spotlight on the incredible businesses, individuals and volunteers making a real and recognisable difference Dorking. We held awards at both the Coronation and Christmas events. This approach helped to demonstrate the value of BID businesses to the community and was recognised by others around Surrey.
•We spearheaded a variety of new initiatives and events to build community, drive footfall, and increased awareness of local offerings: restaurant week, a summer music programme, town trails, photoshoots, and competitions.
•We welcomed 11 new voluntary members to the BID Business community.
•We recruited three new Board members.
•We published 127 newsletters with an average open rate of 47%
•We generated over 40 pieces of earned media and the head of the BBC Southeast served as our compere for our Christmas event (and will again). He also joined our Guild Talk as our featured speaker.
•We hosted a series of guild talks and networking events for our businesses, 10 total.
•We have coordinated policing and safety programme in partnership with businesses and the Surrey Police.
•We hosted three litter picks and subsequent campaigns, managed all aspects of recruiting up to 30 volunteers per litter pick and generated earned media for the events.
•We organised and planned the Coronation 2023, Christmas Festival 2023 and composed and submitted the plans for the 2024 event and also ran the consultation for 2024.
•We advocate on behalf of businesses, signpost and build positive relationships with our stakeholder community.
•We report on our results and champion each other. We provided and continue to provide weekly comms, PR and socials results continue to surpass expectations.
