As my first full calendar year as Dorking’s BID Manager comes to an end, I’ve found myself reflecting – on what we’ve achieved, and what we can build next.
This year has shown what makes Dorking special when we work with a shared focus. I was incredibly proud to see two of our initiatives recognised nationally in the finals of the National BID Awards – our VE Day celebrations and our Walking Festival. Both captured something very real about Dorking – a town that pulls together and creates something meaningful that continues to benefit long after the bunting comes down – with increased footfall, goodwill and pride.
In 2026, we’ll keep building on that momentum. Plans are already underway for a Vintage Day, Food & Drink Festival and a Get Moving Month, alongside the continued evolution of the Christmas Festival as a day that delivers for the whole town (and community too!). We’re also exploring something new for February – a Festival of Light – to bring warmth, visitors and community at a traditionally quieter time of year. More on that soon!
This year also saw the delivery of our new planters, made possible through grant funding secured by Hello Dorking, and brought to life through joint partnerships with our talented local artists, suppliers, Dorking Men’s Shed and the South Street Gardens project. The summer hanging baskets (which thrived this year despite the heat!) were widely commented on by residents and visitors alike. They added a splash of colour and interest, supported by BID businesses who generously helped with watering and upkeep. These details matter. They show that Dorking’s businesses care deeply about the town they’re part of.
Our networking evenings have gone from strength to strength, with 40–50 businesses now attending regularly. What’s been most encouraging is seeing real relationships forming – leading to exciting collaborations, referrals and shared ideas. Next year, we’ll offer more sessions at different times of day, alongside First Aid and Mental Health First Aid training – details will follow in the new year.
Digitally, 2025 has been a standout year. Our social media content has reached over 5 million views, engagement has increased by 100%, and website traffic has grown by over 200%, reaching more than 110,000 page views. Hello Dorking is now ranking higher than both Dorking Wanderers and TripAdvisor for key Dorking search terms. That’s down to the hard work and expertise of our Hello Dorking team Rosie, Lisa and Joe, and I’m hugely grateful to them.
Hello Dorking represents over 320 businesses and we visit as many as we can as often as we can – we’d like to do more and want you to know that your ideas, questions and involvement are always welcome. Whether it’s one of our campaigns, events or initiatives, if you’re not sure how to get involved, just get in touch – I welcome all positive conversations about how we can make Dorking even better.
There’s no denying that 2025 has been challenging for many. But we’ve also seen resilience, creativity and collaboration in abundance. Over 20 new businesses have opened, relocated or expanded in Dorking this year including a games cafe, Pilates and yoga studios, IT suppliers and beauty services. This is alongside businesses achieving milestone anniversaries, awards and community-led initiatives that reflect the passion, knowledge and kindness that runs through our business community.
In 2026, the BID will continue to champion Dorking through town-wide promotion, digital amplification, ongoing public realm improvements, and opportunities for businesses to connect and access the support they need to thrive. Thank you for being part of it – and for everything you do to make Dorking what it is.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a peaceful and prosperous 2026.
Jo McGowan – BID Manager – Hello Dorking
Hello Dorking 2025 highlights
National recognition
Our VE Day event and Walking Festival were both finalists at the National BID Awards, reflecting what Dorking can achieve when the town pulls together.
Looking ahead to 2026
Plans are underway for a Vintage Day, Food & Drink Festival, Get Moving Month, an evolving Christmas Festival, and a new Festival of Light in February.
A town that cares
Artist-designed planters, summer hanging baskets and year-round planting have added colour and pride to the town – made possible through grant funding, local partners and businesses who help keep them thriving. At Christmas Hello Dorking funds the Christmas trees, wreaths and is the largest funder of the Christmas lights.
Stronger business connections
Our networking evenings now welcome 40–50 businesses regularly, leading to real collaborations, referrals and shared ideas. More sessions and training opportunities are coming in 2026.
Growing Dorking’s digital voice
In 2025, our content reached 5 million views on social media, engagement doubled, and website traffic rose by 200%, with Hello Dorking now ranking above TripAdvisor for key local searches.
Enhanced publicity
In 2025 Hello Dorking has run Wedding Week, Walking Festival, Food and Drink Week, Family Craft Events all designed to attract people into the town and discover the unique offering Dorking has. We have also introduced seasonal printed guides that are delivered door to door, handed out at events and left in businesses for visitors to pick up which has proved very popular.
Hello Dorking also represented the town at Great Big Green Week, Dorking Halls Family Fun Day and Surrey Hills Enterprises Conference.
A resilient business community
Despite challenges, Dorking welcomed 20+ new or expanding businesses this year, alongside milestone anniversaries, awards and community-led initiatives.
Looking forward
In 2026, we’ll continue to promote the town, support businesses, improve the public realm and create opportunities for Dorking to thrive.
