Support
HOLBA will provide exceptional support & services that help members thrive & strengthen the community network.
Achievements
Much was achieved and progress made over the last five years, including:
A ground-breaking and bespoke series of area performance reports with monthly updates for members on footfall, visitor behaviour and demographics
A bespoke series of insights reports focused on the real estate market in the Heart of London area
Helped members create promotional content for our Heart of London Club and consumer channels
Business visits and meetings with 379 businesses and a total reach of 2,144 people over 12 months
Hosted briefing and networking events that reached 242 businesses over 12 months
SWOT Summary
The summary SWOT analysis highlights that businesses in the Piccadilly & Jermyn Street District would benefit from support in dealing with crime and antisocial behaviour, as well as guidance on navigating planning and licensing policies. To read the full SWOT analysis, visit the main menu HOLBA area SWOT section.
- HOLBA is knowledgeable on every aspect of our area and its businesses and has good relationships with statutory bodies and other organisations, which is invaluable in resolving issues for members.
- We collect performance data and insights, which assist businesses in their decision-making.
- The Piccadilly & Jermyn Street District lacks coordinated services and is suffering from poor management and control measures yet is a popular evening destination. This, compounded with duplication of services, means there are important gaps that need to be resolved.
- Expand initiatives such as the net zero and buildings retrofit programme, the privilege discount scheme, discounted waste collection and crime reduction and safety training for front line staff.
- Attracting millions of visitors each year, the West End is a target area for criminals who target businesses and customers, indulging in shoplifting and theft.
- Businesses face challenges on several fronts including environmental, employment and tax staff shortages, rising costs and regulatory restrictions.
Delivery Plan
Over the next five years HOLBA will focus on:
- A one-stop shop of business support
- Area intelligence & insights
- Networking & partnerships
- Dedicated member communications
One-stop shop business support
A dedicated team to provide a one-stop shop to deliver business support and a wide range of services to help members save time, money, resolve issues and improve everyone’s experience of trading in the district.
Over the next five years HOLBA will:
- Deliver a comprehensive on-boarding service for new businesses in Piccadilly & Jermyn Street District, proactively connecting them with their neighbours, stakeholders and the wider community.
- Identify, advise on and secure external funding for initiatives such as energy saving measures in buildings.
- Ensure that member issues are escalated to the relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Area intelligence & insights
Share data and insights to support members in making business decisions, forward planning and investment.
Over the next five years HOLBA will:
- Produce Area performance reports such as footfall, dwell, sales, consumer type, trends and behaviour, travel and ridership numbers.
- Produce Real estate performance reports including sector trends, economic profiles, occupancy rates, benchmarking, area consultations, planning and licensing applications.
Networking & partnerships
It is important for businesses to have a platform to meet, share experiences and knowledge, develop partnerships and a community.
Over the next five years, HOLBA will:
- Deliver an annual programme of business events, socials, meetings and networking.
- Facilitate business introductions, allowing members to build new strategic partnerships.
- Promote community volunteering and sponsorship opportunities.
Dedicated member communications
It is essential that businesses have the relevant information, news and alerts about what's happening in the district.
Over the next five years HOLBA will:
- Provide weekly communications to help businesses keep up to date with what is happening in the district and neighbouring areas.
- Produce weekly operational updates, ensuring that members are first to know about upcoming roadworks, protests and demonstrations.
- Update on area and business relevant consultations and changes to policy and regulation that affect businesses.