Support
St James’s BID will provide exceptional support & services that help members thrive & strengthen the community network.
SWOT summary
The summary SWOT analysis highlights that businesses, not-for-profit organisations and institutions in the St James’s 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 has built a strong knowledge of every aspect of the St James's District, its businesses and its organisations and has good relationships with statutory bodies and local authorities.
- Collection of performance data and insights, assisting businesses in their decision-making.
- The St James’s 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 makes St James’s District attractive to criminals who target business, workers and visitors.
- Businesses, not-for-profit organisations and leading institutions face challenges on several fronts including environmental, employment and tax staff shortages, rising costs and regulatory restrictions.
Delivery plan
Over the next five years the St James’s BID 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 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 the St James’s BID will:
- Deliver a comprehensive on-boarding service for new businesses in St James’s 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
Area and real estate performance data and insights is critical for making business decisions, forward planning and investment.
Over the next five years the St James’s BID will provide crucial data and benchmarking metrics including:
- 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 the St James’s BID 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 the St James’s BID 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.