Royston First is a Royston’s Business Improvement District (BID), delivering on projects that help to keep Royston a clean, safe, vibrant, and promoted environment for all to enjoy and organisations to prosper.
The new BID term has just started and runs until 2029, and Royston First are working on a number of projects for the business and wider community. It is the BID’s view that developing the vibrancy of our town helps to boost our local economy.
First up is of course the topic that everyone is talking about – the Royston Umbrellas! The inspiration for the Umbrella Sky Display can be traced back to mainland Europe before coming to the UK a few years ago. The displays have proven a popular tourist attraction that helps to bring more visitors to our town centres. Not only do the umbrellas brighten up our town but also increase footfall, and encouraging people to shop locally.
To coincide with the Umbrella Sky Display, Royston First are organising TWO Umbrella Parade Children’s Trails this summer, where children and families can search for the umbrellas hidden within the shop windows.
The trails take place between 19th July and 3rd August, and later in the school holidays with a second trail running from 16th-31st August. BID Manager Paul Brown explains, “The Town Trails and the Umbrella Sky Display are one way of increasing footfall into our town centre, and to encourage people to shop locally. Royston 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, so encouraging people to shop locally is good for the whole community.”
Royston First is again celebrating Royston Independents Week, from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th July.
Paul will be visiting independent, premises-based businesses in Royston throughout the week, along with Royston Mayor Cllr John Rees, and his visits will be shared out on the Royston First social media pages, to showcase the individual, independent businesses within Royston Town Centre.
Finally, Royston First is thrilled to announce the inaugural Royston First Business Awards on Thursday 19th September. This prestigious event will be held at the beautiful Burloes Hall, in Royston. The event is open to all Royston businesses, including those working from home, and promises to be the perfect occasion in an idyllic setting to celebrate the achievements of Royston businesses. The evening includes Guest Speaker award-winning food entrepreneur and author, Claire Brumby, who will share her story of success and innovation, entertainment and a three-course meal, followed by the award ceremony itself.
The event is sponsored by C4B Media as the main event sponsor and support from Award sponsors Cambridge Wine, Caro Group, Flok Marketing, Hardcastle Burton, Sartorius, Tees and The Listing.
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
• Best Emerging Business
• Indepedent Business of the Year
To make a nomination for a business or purchase tickets for the event, visit roystonfirst.com/awards
To find out more information about Royston First visit roystonfirst.com also follow on Facebook @roystonfirst and Instagram @roystonfirst
