Business owners have been given the opportunity to vote in favour of a new £2.3million investment into the town centre, with the aim of making Luton a more welcoming place to shop, work and visit.
Three clear objectives, focusing on reputation, place and community, were unveiled at the launch of Luton Business Improvement District’s latest prospectus and business plan as it looks to secure a new five-year term.
The event, held at Luton’s Hat Factory, saw the publication of a fully costed, business-led plan to promote and celebrate Luton, improve the look and feel of the place whilst continuing to support businesses.
Gavin O’Brien, chair of Luton BID, said: “We are committed to using the strengths of the town to provide an exciting, attractive and vibrant place where businesses can thrive and people can enjoy themselves living, working or visiting Luton town centre”.
“Following surveys, consultations and meetings, the BID Board has established clear objectives and identified how the BID will deliver them, through ambitious initiatives and careful investment.
“As a BID, we strive to do all we can to support businesses and give them a sense of pride in the Luton town centre. By working closely with the local authority and other key organisations, we can drive key projects and plans that will shape the future of Luton town centre.
“The BID has helped Luton become a more attractive town through additional and targeted cleaning, floral displays and installation of Christmas trees and lights, created a more welcoming town through the great work of the BID Ambassador, and staged and supported multiple events that have positively driven visitor footfall.
“The Luton BID has also provided a range of business crime initiatives to support retail, leisure and hospitality, such as Luton Business Against Crime and funding a Neighbourhood Enforcement Team Officer.
“Over the next five years, we want to build on what we have done even further, through a business-led programme supporting business growth and investment in the town centre and building pride, loyalty and positive perceptions of Luton.”
Meanwhile, the event also saw town centre retailers recognised for their commitment to providing an exceptional visitor experience with the BID’s annual Mystery Shopper awards, with four businesses receiving the highest possible accolade of the Platinum Award.
During May and June, mystery shoppers visited 45 businesses across Luton town centre, evaluating them on customer service, local knowledge, business awareness, and friendliness.
The Mystery Shopping results showed that standards are even better than they were five years ago with the average score for the retail visits of 83 per cent being 2.5 per cent above the level of 2019. Key sectors of service and sales showed rises of seven per cent and three per cent respectively, against scores in 2019. These improvements supported a five per cent rise to 84 per cent in ‘Overall Impression’ while 12 per cent more businesses were rated as ‘Good’.
Jacki Flower, Luton BID Operation Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the hard work of our retailers who have made customer service such a key focus of their business, ensuring a visitor experience packed with the personal touch that simply cannot be replicated online.”
Full list of all winners.
Platinum: The Mall Ask Me Point, Howden Insurance, HMV, Costa
Gold: Vodafone, Vibe Juice, Pandora, Bubble Citea, Luton Central Library, Shoezone, Timpson, Wilko, Laser Clinics, Better Brows, The Castle Tavern
Silver: Smart Mobility, Primark, Peacocks, Warren James, The Works, EE, Delikatesy Smaczek, Metro Bank, H.Samuel, AW House, Vision Express, Tasty’s, Cafe Smaczek, Esquires coffee, Starbucks, The Flame
Bronze: Vulcauff, Scott’s Menswear, Cakebox, Lewis Foundation, Footlocker, Superdrug, The Perfume Shop, Farmfoods, One Beyond, Poundland, New Look, Sports Direct
For more details about Luton BID please visit www.lutonbid.org
