Royston First is Royston’s Business Improvement District (BID), delivering on projects that help to develop the vibrancy of our town and boost our local economy.
Behind the scenes, Royston First have been working on a number of projects which come to fruition this summer.
First up is of course the topic that everyone is talking about – the Royston Crows!
Following last year’s colourful umbrella display, our skies have once again been transformed – this time by a flock of vibrant Hooded Crows (Corvus Cornix). Known locally as the Royston Crow, this bird is part of town’s rich heritage. You’ll find it on the town crest, in the name of our football team, and in the title of our local newspaper.
Also decorating the town centre, we’ve been able to double the amount of hanging baskets this year, thanks to a grant from the Shared Prosperity Fund via North Herts Council (NHC).
Building on last year’s extensive work to test and repair the existing posts and brackets, this year more brackets have been cast thanks to Royston based Caro group, and the baskets have been planted up by the team at Barbara’s Flowers, and installed and maintained by Lee’s Window Cleaning.
2025 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of King James I, whose associations with Royston are a rich part of our town’s history, and our Children’s Summer Trail ties this history together with Royston Cave, Royston Museum and the independent businesses.
Organised by Kelly’s Kitchen, participants can add on a hamper of interactive sweet treats as they take part in the trail and bring our friends from the past to life.
Children are invited to meet Jowler, King James’ favourite dog, who will transport you back in time into old Royston and introduce you to some of our most famous residents.
Dig for the Saint Catherine carved biscuit or experience the Gunpowder Plot with popping candy brownies. There’s lots of goodies to help you visualise these key parts of our history.
The trail takes place throughout the summer holidays, from 26th July – 31st August.
Find out more at www.roystonfirst.com/jowler
In early July we celebrate Royston Independents Week, when BID Manager Paul Brown will be visiting BID member businesses and creating a video to showcase what’s on offer here in Royston.
Paul explains, “All of our initiatives are designed to increase footfall into Royston, and to encourage people to shop locally. The town centre is home to over 100 independent businesses, and an increasing number of them are artisan or service-based – meaning that they offer something that just can’t be bought online. The more that we do to encourage people into the town and showcase what can be bought here in Royston, the better it is for our local economy. Evidence shows that for every £10 spent locally, £3.80 is recirculated within the local community. Encouraging people to shop locally is good for the whole community.”
Royston First launched the Free After Three parking scheme in 2010 and have funded it annually since. With the many parking changes happening in Royston, we are pleased to see that NHC have announced that “Free after Three parking will continue in Royston car parks due to ongoing subsidy contributions from both Royston BID and Royston Town Council.”
Royston First recently offered free First Aid and Fire Extinguisher courses for BID members. To register interest in future sessions, email info@roystonfirst.com
Finally, Royston First is thrilled to announce the second Royston First Business Awards on Thursday 18th September, held at the beautiful Burloes Hall, in Royston.
Tickets for the event are now on sale and include an evening of entertainment, a 3-course meal and the Awards Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of Royston businesses.
C4B Media are the main event sponsor, with support from Award sponsors Cambridge Wine, Caro Group, Flok Marketing, Hardcastle Burton, Sartorius, Tees, Glazed Creations, Limitless Academy, Johnson Matthey and The Listing
Nominations open until Friday 11th July, so please nominate your favourite businesses.
The twelve award categories are:
• Apprentice / Trainee of The Year
• Contribution to The Community
• Green Award
• Lifetime Achievement
• Best Hospitality
• Best Customer Service
• Employee of The Year
• Business Leader of The Year
• Independent Business of The Year
• Best Emerging Business
• Beauty and Styling
• Beyond Royston
Purchase tickets or make a nomination at roystonfirst.com/awards
To find out more about Royston First and upcoming events: roystonfirst.com | FB | Insta
