As the Harley Street Business Improvement District reaches its midpoint, marking two and a half years out of our five-year term of impactful initiatives, we take this opportunity to reflect on all that we have achieved together.
As a not-for-profit organisation comprised of businesses, landowners, medical organisations, charities, and the wider Harley Street community, we have worked diligently to establish a clear vision for our area. Building on our legacy as a pioneering and world-leading centre of medical excellence, we remain committed to delivering tailored activities that support business growth while maximising unique opportunities and addressing the challenges our area faces. Our goal is to enhance and improve the entire Harley Street area, transforming it into a distinctive and fulfilling destination for all.
Below is a roundup of some significant strides we have made across our four key themes.
Safety and Business Resilience have been a primary focus for us. We’ve established a seven-day-a-week accessible security team that patrols the BID footprint, ensuring a safe environment for both businesses and visitors. Our Emergency Notification System, which is GDPR compliant, has grown to over 150 users, providing a secure communication channel for local businesses. We have also addressed environmental concerns through our janitorial cleansing services, reporting more than 1,800 environmental issues, collecting nearly 700 bags of litter, and removing over 1,400 instances of graffiti. Furthermore, we offer security and safety training events, including counter-terrorism, women’s safety, and first aid. Our planned and reactive cleansing services, along with the provision of lone working devices for levy-paying businesses, underscore our commitment to safety. Collaborating with key stakeholders, such as the West End Security Group, Safer Business Network, and the Metropolitan Police, has enhanced our operations and overall effectiveness.
In the realm of Business Sustainability and Connectivity, we have organised a series of community events promoting well-being and mental health, engaging over 700 participants. Our seasonal activities aim to bring the community together and foster connections. The launch of the Harley Street Rewards App has been a significant advancement, offering exclusive deals that have led to over 200 downloads and more than 50 redemptions within just three weeks. Additionally, we have embarked on a learning platform to empower individuals by providing access to quality courses, with over 200 participants choosing to upskill. We also created a Business Directory and Venue Page to highlight the diverse business opportunities in our area.
Our efforts in National and International Marketing have opened new avenues for growth. By attending Arab Health, we initiated discussions about expanding Harley Street’s offerings in med tech and new businesses. Our collaboration with the local community during the Miracles in Marylebone Christmas appeal has raised over £20,000 in gifts and funds for vulnerable individuals and families over the past two years. We have effectively utilised social media for digital marketing, promoting local activities and increasing engagement. Our partnership with London & Partners aims to enhance Harley Street’s visibility on a global scale, and our newsletters have reached over 1,500 subscribers, keeping the community informed about events and opportunities.
Finally, in the area of Public Realm and Wayfinding, we have introduced a Smarter Recycling Scheme that offers substantial discounts for waste and recycling services, potentially saving businesses up to £950 each month. The Paddington Street Gardens project lays the groundwork for future enhancements, while our Strategic Master Plan research programme will help define principles for placemaking in the short, medium, and long term. Workshops supporting Westminster City Council’s ambitions for zero-carbon emissions and a sustainable city by 2040 further demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility. Collaborative efforts have also led to potential improvements on Moxon Street and the introduction of summer seating, providing free deckchair usage in Cavendish Square Gardens and St Marylebone Parish Church gardens.
As we look to the future, our ongoing initiatives aim to create a safer, more connected, and sustainable environment for businesses and the community alike. The Harley Street BID is dedicated to building a thriving area that benefits everyone involved.
We would love to hear from you!
Please fill in a quick survey and see some key highlights that the BID has delivered over the term so far. Feel free to share this widely with your teams and colleagues so we can get the full breath of opinions from our business community. The deadline is Friday 29 November, and everyone will be entered into a free prize draw.
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