Meet up in BID to drive west London businesses forward

BY YANN TEAR
yann@slpmedia.co.uk

Hammersmith’s business leaders are planning to use an autumn conference to showcase the work being done to make their town centre a thriving financial hub.

The second annual Capital West London Growth Summit is to be chaired by the BBC’s media editor Amol Rajan, with keynote speakers involved in progressive projects across the region taking part.

The one-day conference on October 29, to be held at Hammersmith’s Lyric Theatre, will air business opportunities and initiatives across six west London boroughs – Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow, Ealing, Harrow, Barnet, and Brent.

The event is also set to include a panel discussion about ‘Town Centre in a Changing World’ with the local Hammersmith BID (Business Improvement District), keen to show off the work that is being undertaken to create a vibrant and prosperous town centre.

Its director, Patricia Bench, said: “Town centres are constantly evolving, and businesses must follow suit. BIDs have a unique role to play in this rapidly changing environment, with the ability to deliver innovative and cutting-edge projects that benefit businesses, and the town centre as a whole.

“The Hammersmith BID team talks with local businesses to support the growth of a vibrant town centre.

“Our partnerships enable us to drive campaigns to improve air quality with our award-winning parklets and Business Low Emissions Neighbourhood (BLEN), fund town centre police officers and security initiatives to protect businesses, and offer free cultural events.”

Speaking about the conference, she added: “I am delighted to be a part of the Capital West London Growth Summit 2019 and the panel discussion is an exciting way to showcase our current projects and discuss exciting new opportunities for town centres.”

The BID’s work in building town centre success in Hammersmith has included a Summer Festival programme packed with a range of arts, cultural and entertainment activities.

The BID’s retail initiative Made in H&F, a pop-up shop that sells products created by local artists and makers, has also been held as a great success by the group, along with the annual I Love Lunch competition for bars, restaurants and cafés.

The business community has welcomed BID initiatives in improving town centre safety, creating a digital town and promoting sustainability through their cleaner, greener projects.

BID will be holding guided walks on the day of the event – tickets for which are £325 – and sponsoring the Growth Summit’s closing drinks reception.

Councillor Julian Bell, chairman of the West London Economic Prosperity Board, which is a cross-borough committee, said: “With the backing of our private-sector partners, this trailblazing, cross-borough approach allows us to encourage overseas investment, while continuing to support our local companies to thrive and prosper.

“Capital West London will help us showcase the fantastic community, culture and diversity we have in our area.

“We look forward to welcoming more businesses into the area and working with new investors as we continue to drive west London forward.”