Annual Report for Victoria BID

Annual Report

This booklet is printed on carbon balanced paper

CBP0006610906114042

Contents

01. Foreword 03

02. Introduction 04

03. Safe & Secure 07

04. Clean & Green 11

05. Visitor Destination 15

06. Showcase Victoria 19

07. Prosperous Economy 23

08. Board of Directors 26

09. Financial Information 28

This is our first Annual Report and it marks a significant milestone for Victoria BID. Having completed our first year in operation as a BID and generating over £1.3 million of income from the levy raised, the Victoria BID has developed some unique and innovative projects helping to position us as one of the country’s more innovative BIDs.

This is an exciting and challenging time, providing an opportunity for business to work collectively together as a united voice, investing and influencing the social, economic and policy agenda for Victoria. As a BID we are preparing to engage with the Government's agenda on The Big Society and localism which promises to benefit those who live, work and visit SW1.

Guided by businesses and organisations based within the SW1 area, the Victoria BID team capitalise on the individuality and unique selling points of the area. In working to help shape Victoria’s future progress and development, a full programme of initiatives, services and events have

been delivered during the BID’s first year of operation. These will be further complemented by amazing new proposals for regeneration that will help reposition and strengthen Victoria as a central business district over the next decade.

With such exciting plans for the area and innovative projects being rolled out by the BID, I can say on behalf of the Board of Directors that we are all committed to being a part of the transformation of Victoria as it becomes one of London’s chosen destinations. The role of the BID will be fundamental to the success of the development phase, working to mitigate the impact on the local area and to keep our members informed and updated about the development process as it unfolds.

This Annual Report sets out what has been achieved during the last year and what will be delivered this year, the second of our first five-year term.

Mike Noakes, Chairman – Victoria BID

01 | Foreword

02 03Annual Report 10/11

Top: Mike Noakes, Chairman.

Above: "Welcome to Victoria" is a guide produced for visitors and has proved very popular with the hospitality sector, especially hotels in the area who have placed it in hotel rooms for their guests.

The Victoria BID has worked hard to position itself as one of central London’s largest BIDs and to demonstrate to business the added value the BID levy will achieve. Our purpose is to provide a collective voice for business and drive forward positive change in and around Victoria. In order to achieve this our business plan sets out 5 strategic themes delivering a series of projects over the life-time of the BID term.

Safe and Securei. Clean and Greenii. Visitor Destinationiii. Showcase Victoriaiv. Prosperous Economyv.

Over the past 12 months we have appointed a BID board and a number of subcommittees to oversee implementation of individual projects. The BID is on track, delivering a range of activities as set out within the business plan.

In 12 months we have rolled out over 40 projects, facilitated over 10,000 hours

of volunteer time, worked in partnership with Cancer Research UK in support of an event that raised over £200,000. We have embarked upon innovative areas of activity such as the Green Infrastructure Audit, that leads the way to building increased sustainability across the BID district. The BID has led this process creating a partnership of local businesses to work together for a sustainable outcome.

We have been instrumental in bringing together both the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police, working in partnership with business and other public service providers delivering a comprehensive agenda aimed at business policing across the district. As a result the BID was shortlisted for The Mayor of London’s BID award for partnership working, after only 8 months in operation.

A key objective for us this year has been to maintain and demonstrate excellent communication with our members in delivering on our mandate. The groundwork has been established to tackle the challenges and opportunities that will be generated by

02 | Introduction

Annual Report 10/11

Top: Ruth Duston, Chief Executive.

Above: "London starts here" puts an emphasis on this being a great place for any business or visitor to base themselves.

Opposite: Looking down from the bell tower of Westminster Cathedral to the Piazza below and Cardinal Place, across Victoria Street.

04 05

the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This report shows how the improvement process to reposition Victoria through a business collective has been started and how we can now begin to measure and evaluate the work done set against a number of Key Performance Indicators.

In addition to the key activities and tangible achievements demonstrated over the last 12 months great inroads have been made to position Victoria through both online and print media. We have featured in a range of national, local and trade media outlets. Radio and TV broadcasts have added to our reach beyond 9 million.

Going forward into our second year, a key point is to create, maintain and develop relations with all stakeholder groups and businesses in SW1, delivering initiatives that build the BID's commercial profile.

Ruth Duston, Chief Executive – Victoria BID

As the Victoria Partnership we established a dedicated Safer Neighbourhood Business Police Team. With Victoria highlighted as a high profile area in terms of security the police team is complemented with a very comprehensive CCTV system. The Victoria BID has invested in the police teams and associated facilities to ensure all crime including low level crime and anti-social behaviour is addressed.

Year 1 Actual Delivery

2 year secondment of a Police Sergeant •from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).A range of events have been held •throughout the year from ARGUS through to Fraud Seminars and staff safety awareness days.A homelessness sub-group has been •established bringing together all stakeholders across the area.Business Policing has been rolled out to •deliver on the following projects:

Purple Flag −Diverted Giving −Community Safety Accreditation Scheme −Table Top business continuity −Radio Link −Facewatch −Pubwatch/Safer Socialising − Community Safety material distributed −across the BIDCrime and Design Audit −


03 | Safe & Secure

Top, right: Metropolitan Police Officer on patrol, Buckingham Palace Road.

Right: Diverted Giving donation boxes have been distributed across the BID area.

Opposite page (Clockwise from top left): Victoria Street, alongside Cardinal Place; The British Transport Police and Metropolitan Police Services are working more closely under a new initiative funded by the BID; Victoria Station with the award winning Peak building on Wilton Road; a member of the public being assisted by one of the Safer Neighbourhood Police Team.

A high volume of international tourists and business travellers pass through our doors every day. We have been working closely with the BID to ensure that when our guests step outside our hotel, that their experience of Victoria is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We have been impressed with the work delivered to date. Malcolm Hendry, General Manager of Rubens and 41 Hotel

I’m giving my full backing to this scheme to help the homeless in Victoria. Diverted Giving is an excellent way to encourage people who live or work in the area to make a positive contribution to help the most vulnerable people in society.

Rt Hon. Grant Shapps MP, Minister of State for Communities and Local Government

As the Victoria Partnership we established a dedicated Safer Neighbourhood Business Police Team. With Victoria highlighted as a high profile area in terms of security the police team is complemented with a very comprehensive CCTV system. The Victoria BID has invested in the police teams and associated facilities to ensure all crime including low level crime and anti-social behaviour is addressed.


2 year secondment of a Police Sergeant •from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).A range of events have been held •throughout the year from ARGUS through to Fraud Seminars and staff safety awareness days.A homelessness sub-group has been •established bringing together all stakeholders across the area.Business Policing has been rolled out to •deliver on the following projects:

Purple Flag −Diverted Giving −Community Safety Accreditation Scheme −Table Top business continuity −Radio Link −Facewatch −Pubwatch/Safer Socialising − Community Safety material distributed −across the BIDCrime and Design Audit −


03 | Safe & Secure

Top, right: Metropolitan Police Officer on patrol, Buckingham Palace Road.

Right: Diverted Giving donation boxes have been distributed across the BID area.

Opposite page (Clockwise from top left): Victoria Street, alongside Cardinal Place; The British Transport Police and Metropolitan Police Services are working more closely under a new initiative funded by the BID; Victoria Station with the award winning Peak building on Wilton Road; a member of the public being assisted by one of the Safer Neighbourhood Police Team.

Outputs

A • Police Sergeant has been working with colleagues to develop a more joined up approach between the British Transport Police (BTP) and Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) providing a unique and holistic approach to policing in Victoria.10 Safe & Secure events have been held •with over 1,700 people attending.Additional Patrols• and a coordinated approach through partnership working was undertaken to address the concerns of the business community around Howick Place. Hot washes and additional patrols were undertaken. This complemented the pilot scheme being implemented by Westminster City Council (WCC) and UK Border Agency (UKBA) to tackle homelessness amongst the migrant population. We are currently exploring support of the bye-laws which are out for consultation.

Purple Flag• – promotion of the evening economy/kite marking a destination. Our submission was made in early 2011 followed by an assessment that took place on Saturday 5 March 2011. The final outcome is yet to be announced.Diverted Giving• – 3 floor standing boxes and 25 counter top boxes are in place across the area. Administered and managed by the passage this scheme was launched by Rt. Hon. Grant Shapps – Minister for Housing in January 2011. All donations go to The Passage for their work in finding long-term, sustainable solutions for the homeless.Community Safety Accreditation Scheme• – 15 security guards have been awarded seven accredited powers to deal with anti-social behaviour. The scheme went live on Monday 21 March 2011.Radio Link• – the system went live at the beginning of January 2011 with 136 radios issued to key individuals among Victoria's business community, linking them directly with the local police team.

03 | Safe & Secure08 09

Facewatch• – reported crime system primarily used to prevent/deter theft from licensed premises. 31 premises have joined the pilot scheme for Facewatch which went live in November 2010.Pubwatch• – 25 licensed premises have been invited to join the pub watch scheme. First meeting took place in mid-March 2011 with 16 in attendance and consensus to work together.A range of safety materials• have been produced from bar runners through to bag holders and matrix signs reminding people to look after their mobile phones, bags, wallets etc…

Opposite, top: A British Transport Police officer on patrol at Victoria Station, May 2011.

Opposite: An officer of the Victoria Safer Neighbourhood Business Police team.

Right: Commuters at Victoria Station.

Annual Report 10/11

Victoria is a key gateway to the capital, delivering numerous functions and services that meet a number of social and environmental agendas. The Victoria BID is keen to enhance the area’s appearance and environment. We are championing a sustainable green agenda for SW1, looking to deliver in line with the government's agenda on climate change. Victoria BID will be seen as a leader in sustainable business environments. Initiatives range from monitoring and reducing the area’s carbon emissions, to decreasing signage clutter and promoting a cleaner, more efficient and accessible street layout.

The BID has developed and implemented a number of projects in line with our business plan objectives. This includes the Green Infrastructure Audit – the first comprehensive study of its kind undertaken in Europe across a business district.


To implement Legible London, a new way •finding system, across the SW1 area by late summer 2011. A Green Infrastructure Audit of SW1 and •the surrounding area was undertaken in the Autumn of 2010, identifying a number of greening opportunities.A feasibility study has been undertaken •to ascertain the benefits of a Resource Efficiency Club – the aim is to increase joint procurement opportunities and demonstrate cost savings to business. This includes a service for recycling.

Continued on page 12

04 | Clean & Green

10 11

Right: Christchurch Gardens, Victoria Street.

Opposite (clockwise from top left): Lower Grosvenor Gardens, Victoria; One of the many garden squares to be found in SW1, this one is Chester Square; the Barclays Cycle Scheme has many docking points across the Victoria area; Victoria BID has arranged a series of walking tours to garden squares in the run up to Chelsea Flower Show, 2011.

Annual Report 10/11

Green Infrastructure (GI) lies at the heart of this Government’s Climate Change and Sustainability agenda. We have plans to retrofit a range of GI – from green roofs to tree planting – making Victoria more attractive to visitors, workers and residents.

Martin Kelly, Capita Symonds and Chairman of Victoria BID’s Clean & Green Steering Group

The Victoria BID is a fantastic opportunity for business to be a voice within their communities and delivering on the Government’s agenda through local a collective approach, demonstrating the BIDs contribution to The Big Society

Mike Noakes, Optimum and Chairman of Victoria BID

Victoria is a key gateway to the capital, delivering numerous functions and services that meet a number of social and environmental agendas. The Victoria BID is keen to enhance the area’s appearance and environment. We are championing a sustainable green agenda for SW1, looking to deliver in line with the government's agenda on climate change. Victoria BID will be seen as a leader in sustainable business environments. Initiatives range from monitoring and reducing the area’s carbon emissions, to decreasing signage clutter and promoting a cleaner, more efficient and accessible street layout.

The BID has developed and implemented a number of projects in line with our business plan objectives. This includes the Green Infrastructure Audit – the first comprehensive study of its kind undertaken in Europe across a business district.


To implement Legible London, a new way •finding system, across the SW1 area by late summer 2011. A Green Infrastructure Audit of SW1 and •the surrounding area was undertaken in the Autumn of 2010, identifying a number of greening opportunities.A feasibility study has been undertaken •to ascertain the benefits of a Resource Efficiency Club – the aim is to increase joint procurement opportunities and demonstrate cost savings to business. This includes a service for recycling.

Continued on page 12

04 | Clean & Green

10 11

Right: Christchurch Gardens, Victoria Street.

Opposite (clockwise from top left): Lower Grosvenor Gardens, Victoria; One of the many garden squares to be found in SW1, this one is Chester Square; the Barclays Cycle Scheme has many docking points across the Victoria area; Victoria BID has arranged a series of walking tours to garden squares in the run up to Chelsea Flower Show, 2011.

Annual Report 10/11

04| Clean & Green

Year 1 Actual Delivery (continued)

Freight Movement and Consolidation• – to explore the feasibility of more consolidation surrounding freight distribution and services that can realistically be joined together for a more coordinated approach to deliveries. The study will also assess the impact of the 2012 Games on deliveries and what freight passes through Victoria en route to their final destination.

Outputs

Traffic Management• – to complement the current public realm strategy being devised by Land Securities; The traffic management study which Grosvenor are exploring and the BIDs strategy surrounding movement and wayfinding, discussions are underway to look at traffic management in Victoria.Legible London• – to install approx. 30 new signs split into 6 monolith; 0 midi; 20 mini and 4 finger posts across the BID. 21 old style finger posts will be removed to de clutter and showcase the new signage system.Green Infrastructure Audit• – identified considerable opportunities to enhance green infrastructure to include:

Creating over 25 hectares of green roofs − Creating over 1 hectare of new green −infrastructure Enhancing over 1.5 hectares of existing −green infrastructure

Fundraising• – We have been successful in accessing £20,000 of funding from Drain London and £5,000 from Natural England

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Top: An example of the type of rain garden being considered in the retrofit of green infrastructure into Victoria.

Above, left: a sample of the Legible London signage system being installed into Victoria.

Opposite, top: A habitat, green roof which lies on top of the TfL building, 55 Broadway, Victoria. This is the type of roof garden the BID is looking to retrofit across the BID area.

Opposite: St James's Park.

to assist with project implementation. 15 roofs are currently being identified for structural surveys across the BID area. This will be completed by June, 2011.Ground terrain• – new or enhanced greening schemes are being identified which includes greening of public areas at Buckingham Palace which will be designed and linked to the Diamond Jubilee in 2012.Resource Efficiency Club• – the club is now being implemented with the first phase assessing the feasibility of a recycling service for businesses. This work is scheduled to be completed before year end, 2011.Movement• – It has been agreed that the BID should explore the opportunity for freight consolidation where possible and to assess the impact of people movement around Victoria Station, focusing on the Olympics. A brief will invite companies to tender for this area of work and will look to complement the wider activity currently being undertaken such as the Land Securities Public Realm Strategy.

Annual Report 10/11

Victoria is a major gateway for visitors to experience some of the country’s most iconic tourist attractions. Home to an abundant mix of hotels, restaurants, bars, leisure and entertainment venues throughout the SW1 area, the BID has developed a strategy that builds upon this strong offer. The BID events have been designed to engage audiences from the business community, to encourage increased footfall and visitors into the area.

Year 1Actual Delivery

A team of Street Ambassadors were •introduced at the end of June 2010.3 seasonal markets were held during the •Summer, Autumn and Christmas periods.A number of events were held over the •course of the Summer and Winter including gospel choir concerts, as well as a celebrity Christmas lights switch on in Westminster Cathedral Piazza in November 2010.Focus on Fitness.•Diamond Hunt.•Victoria Station exhibition and competition.•Walking Tours.•

05 | Visitor Destination


Top right: Seasonal Market in Cardinal Place, Victoria Street.

Right: Mozart resided in a house, near Orange Square whilst composing his first symphony.

Opposite (clockwise from top left): Street Ambassadors assisting visitors at Buckingham Palace; The BID installed festive lights from House of Fraser down to the Piazza in celebration of Christmas 2010; Westminster Cathedral; Billy Elliot the musical, continues to play to packed houses at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

04| Visitor Destination

Outputs

The• Street Ambassador Programme went live in the 2nd quarter of the financial year with 4 out of 5 Ambassadors recruited. Interserve were contracted to manage and deliver the Ambassador programme. An evaluation of the scheme has been completed demonstrating the value placed on providing a street concierge service in Victoria and benefits of having a dedicated Pod or focal point to provide information to a range of different audiences. The Pod was installed on 6 June, 2011 and located outside of the main entrance to Victoria Station.Food and Gift Markets • – Over 600 people have attended the markets which have been held at both Cardinal Place and Lower Grosvenor Gardens in partnership with the Royal Warrant Holders Association.A• Focus on Fitness campaign was run in March 2011 with the aim of engaging local employees. The scheme was very successful with over 271 individuals booking classes. We are due to repeat this in Summer 2011.

The Victoria BID Diamond Hunt• went live in April linked to the Royal Wedding with £6,000 worth of prizes donated by local business – including Fitness First, Philip Treacy, Wicked the Musical, Billy Elliot and the Rubens Hotel. Participants explored and learned more about Victoria whilst racing against the clock. The top prize of a diamond worth £3,000 was donated by the Diamond Store. Local press coverage gave us a reach of over 160,000 households in the Westminster area. Over 50 local businesses took part in this innovative hunt using mobile phones, run by Hidden City.A Concourse Exhibition• ran over several days in Victoria Station and engaged with over 17,000 people. We ran a competition with prizes donated from Wicked and Billy Elliot as well as The Rubens Hotel. We received over 600 entries and we were able to add 350 to our mailing list as a result.Ticket Gateways• were branded over a 4 week period, with a reach of almost 1.5 million according to monitored figures.Walks Programme• – More than 240 people participated in the BID's scheduled walks.

16 17

Top: Lemar was the guest of honour at the launch of Christmas in Harmony, November 2011.

Above: Focus on Fitness, March 2011.

Opposite (clockwise from top left): The BID installed festive lights on Victoria Street, Christmas 2010; Street Ambassadors assisting visitors at Buckingham Palace; Westminster Cathedral; Billy Elliot – the musical continues to play to packed houses at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

Victoria has a rich cultural offer and some of London’s best kept secrets. We have been promoting Victoria as a destination of choice, providing a sense of place and ownership by those who work, live and visit the area.

Embarking on a comprehensive marketing and promotional campaign we are encouraging employees to take advantage of the area they work in. The BID has delivered high quality marketing materials, including a state of the art website, regular e-newsletters, a range of promotional brochures, leaflets and our quarterly magazine inSW1. These are delivered to stakeholders on a regular basis.

Our Visitor Guides and street maps are aimed at people visiting the Victoria area, whether for business or pleasure and encourage a shift in the way people perceive the area. Our strategy adopted a multichannel approach from the outset imparting news and information about the BID through print and online media.


To agree the 5 year marketing and •communications campaign.To assess website hits and information •being downloaded, making adjustments and improved delivery of key messaging.To produce a range of marketing •materials and tools for distribution in showcasing Victoria and the SW1 area as a vibrant business district within central London.To implement a press campaign both in •local, national and trade publications to raise the profile of the BID and draw in attention to its initiatives.

06 | Showcase Victoria


Opposite (clockwise from top left): Our quarterly Magazine inSW1; The home page of our website www.inSW1.com; Branding crest used for marketing the run by the BID.

We are quite new to the area and it’s important for us to join forces with other organisations, we have just been introduced to the Victoria BID which is doing an unbelievable job for the area. We are looking forward to actively participating.

Alex De Blonay, Co founder & Director of 1508 London

The BID is commended for its seamless transition from partnership to BID, delivering over 40 projects, demonstrating innovation and best practice in its first year of operation. I am delighted to be involved in shaping and establishing what will be one of the countries more prominent business improvement districts.

Ruth Duston, Chief Executi ve of Victoria BID

Victoria has a rich cultural offer and some of London’s best kept secrets. We have been promoting Victoria as a destination of choice, providing a sense of place and ownership by those who work, live and visit the area.

Embarking on a comprehensive marketing and promotional campaign we are encouraging employees to take advantage of the area they work in. The BID has delivered high quality marketing materials, including a state of the art website, regular e-newsletters, a range of promotional brochures, leaflets and our quarterly magazine inSW1. These are delivered to stakeholders on a regular basis.

Our Visitor Guides and street maps are aimed at people visiting the Victoria area, whether for business or pleasure and encourage a shift in the way people perceive the area. Our strategy adopted a multichannel approach from the outset imparting news and information about the BID through print and online media.


To agree the 5 year marketing and •communications campaign.To assess website hits and information •being downloaded, making adjustments and improved delivery of key messaging.To produce a range of marketing •materials and tools for distribution in showcasing Victoria and the SW1 area as a vibrant business district within central London.To implement a press campaign both in •local, national and trade publications to raise the profile of the BID and draw in attention to its initiatives.

06 | Showcase Victoria


Opposite (clockwise from top left): Our quarterly Magazine inSW1; The home page of our website www.inSW1.com; Branding crest used for marketing the run by the BID.

20 21 04| Showcase Victoria

Outputs

A marketing plan has been devised, •reviewed annually, actioned and agreed by the steering committee.The website went live at the official launch •of the BID in June 2010 and in a 9 month period we have received over 13,000 visits with more than 51,000 views across the website.We have issued 10 e-Newsletters to a •regular and steadily growing subscriber list of almost 1,700 recipients throughout the business community.Distributed 12,900 magazines over •3 quartersDistributed •

9,800 visitor guides −1,000 map pad packs −27,000 travel wallets −18,600 promotional leaflets −500 Employment Charter brochures − 2,000 leaflets have been distributed −relating to the safer neighbourhood business police team 5,000 Business directories −

The BID has been successful in attracting a •range of media coverage throughout year. Media interest has been generated across diverse projects carried out by the BID. Articles and features have been placed online, in print and broadcast media. There have been numerous articles in trade press, including the property, retail, security and hospitality sectors. Broadcasts have been secured with Sky News and affiliated radio stations, ITN London Tonight and BBC Radio London during the year. These have covered key initiatives, particularly within the safe and secure agenda. National coverage has been achieved in print, including the Sun, Daily Star and The Voice. Stories taken up by local press have appeared in London Metro, Westminster Chronicle, Kensington & Chelsea News and Belgravia.

Top: An employee from the Queen Mother Sports Centre

Above: Westminster Abbey

Opposite (clockwise from top left): The Victoria BID e-newsletters; Seed packets were branded and used as a Spring promotion marking the opening of Chelsea Flower Show; Viral video marketing is presented throughout the website and on our branded YouTube channel, inSW1; Front cover of the Victoria BID Business Directory and Diary, covering the London 2012 Games period.

The Victoria BID is working hard to boost the local economy and shape SW1 as a thriving commercial hub for business by bolstering footfall for retailers, developing business networks and securing inward investment. Victoria BID is on track to seize opportunities that will cement the area's commercial prosperity for the long haul, safeguarding viable opportunities arising from global events like the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

One priority is to support and strengthen local employment opportunities generated in the business district. In November 2010 we launched our Employment Charter working in partnership with a range of local businesses to advertise local vacancies within the local area to help provide employment opportunities for local people.

With the planned redevelopments and investment in the SW1 area, the BID, working in partnership with public service providers will ensure that we help create a positive “first” impression. From inward investment, to increased footfall and customer spend, as well as the work we do on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – including volunteering, the BID is working hard to develop a strong mix of assets to maximise Victoria’s potential.

07 | Prosperous Economy


Top, right: T M Lewin have several shops in the Victoria area.

Right: The Luna Simone Hotel on Belgrave Road, Pimlico is one of a number of boutique and family run hotels that sit alongside some of the larger establishments.

Opposite (clockwise from top left): Interior design and specialist shops make up a significant portion of local business. Nicky Haslam's shop in Belgravia; Gastronomica cafe and delicatessen in Pimlico; We have supported Whizz-Kidz and BBC Blue Peter's Go-Cardz Appeal 2010; Hotels, like the Lime Tree, continue to be an important part of the local economy.

Victoria BID responds effectively to changes in the business environment making Victoria a prime location for businesses to relocate, invest and prosper. Working with the BID is a positive step of ensuring we embrace the opportunities ahead – especially the London 2012 Games next year.

Debbie Akehurst, Chair of Prosperous Economy Steering Group

Victoria is often underrated as a destination within London, but that is set to change as the area fast becomes a rival to the capital’s other top business districts. Grosvenor sees that through the BID’s activities, Victoria will undoubtedly continue to prosper.

Nigel Hughes, Grosvenor

The Victoria BID is working hard to boost the local economy and shape SW1 as a thriving commercial hub for business by bolstering footfall for retailers, developing business networks and securing inward investment. Victoria BID is on track to seize opportunities that will cement the area's commercial prosperity for the long haul, safeguarding viable opportunities arising from global events like the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

One priority is to support and strengthen local employment opportunities generated in the business district. In November 2010 we launched our Employment Charter working in partnership with a range of local businesses to advertise local vacancies within the local area to help provide employment opportunities for local people.

With the planned redevelopments and investment in the SW1 area, the BID, working in partnership with public service providers will ensure that we help create a positive “first” impression. From inward investment, to increased footfall and customer spend, as well as the work we do on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – including volunteering, the BID is working hard to develop a strong mix of assets to maximise Victoria’s potential.

07 | Prosperous Economy


Top, right: T M Lewin have several shops in the Victoria area.

Right: The Luna Simone Hotel on Belgrave Road, Pimlico is one of a number of boutique and family run hotels that sit alongside some of the larger establishments.

Opposite (clockwise from top left): Interior design and specialist shops make up a significant portion of local business. Nicky Haslam's shop in Belgravia; Gastronomica cafe and delicatessen in Pimlico; We have supported Whizz-Kidz and BBC Blue Peter's Go-Cardz Appeal 2010; Hotels, like the Lime Tree, continue to be an important part of the local economy.

24 25


To investigate a joint procurement •programme through the Resource Efficiency Club (REC)Development of the Employment Charter•A number of CSR projects were •implemented throughout the year.A Christmas campaign was implemented •to assist local charitiesInstallation of footfall counters in Victoria•

Outputs

The Employment Charter• was launched in November, 2010 working with Land Securities and the London Employer Accord. To date we have worked with Marks & Spencer and Buckingham Palace who are currently interviewing 6 candidates.Volunteering• – Land Securities, provided a large space in one of its buildings for the Whizz Kids/BBC Blue Peter Go Cardz Appeal activity, involving over 700 volunteers who

handled the packaging of 150,000 cards designed and sent by children which were then sent on for sale in Tesco supermarkets around the UK. A total of 10,000 hours of volunteer working hours was recorded.CSR• – brokerage of a 2 day event to assist The Passage involving over 60 volunteers from a local business, at a calculated in-kind cost of £3,000.Secret Santa• – sponsoring 3 local charities with over 200 donated gifts with an estimated in-kind value of over £2,000.Cancer Research UK• – The BID co-sponsored this flagship event with 18 BID Board and Steering Group members attending a spectacular carol concert. Over £200,000 was raised for the charity.Footfall Cameras• – 5 cameras have been installed, recording footfall. Combined with ongoing sales figures will give a measure of economic performance for the area.Resource Efficiency Club (REC)• as reported on page 13, looks at joint procurement options such as courier services; stationery. We have 50 businesses signed up to the REC. Year 2 will see this service rolled out.

06| Prosperous Economy

Top: Gift Drop boxes were placed in receptions of commercial buildings and St Peter's Church Eaton Square. Employees and visitors were encouraged to drop off extra gifts as part of the BID's Christmas 2010 activities in support of local charities.

Hesperia hotel bar, Bridge Place, Victoria

Opposite (clockwise from top left): The launch of Victoria Employment Charter, November 2010; a break from business in a local coffee shop; Victoria Street; Pret a Manger, Victoria

The board comprises BID levy payers from the local business community. Representatives from different sectors of businesses have joined the board with a number of partners from our public service providers taking observer status around the table.

The following members are all directors of the BID Company:

Mike Noakes, Optimum and ChairmanNigel Hughes, Grosvenor Estate and Vice-ChairMartin Kelly, Capita Symonds and Vice-ChairCalum Forbes, MicrosoftGeorge Lynne, Angel trainsClaudia Binkert, EDF TradingJamie Simons, Experian (seconded to the USA)Michael O’Brien, Hesperia London HotelAnthony Smith, House of FraserGary Merrick, John LewisAndrew Halford, Marks & Spencer (resigned)Murray Rae, Starbucks (resigned)Paul Green, Sainsbury’sDavid Morgan –Hewitt, The Goring HotelAndrew Mills, Victoria Palace TheatreRamesh Costa, Victoria Park Plaza

Colette O’Shea, Land SecuritiesNic Harper, Wetherspoons

In addition to the board there are four steering committees that oversee and manage how the BID levy is spent. The committees meet on a quarterly basis and monitor progress and delivery of initiatives by the BID team. All projects have specific KPI’s set and success is measured against these.

All committees are represented by a cross section of businesses but also invite wider representation to the table where common areas of interest lay, such as public service providers; resident or amenity societies and local charities.

08 | The BID Board

Annual Report 10/11

The Victoria BID Team

Ruth Duston, Chief ExecutiveZoe Collins, Economic Development OfficerScott Nixon, BID ManagerNicki Palmer, Office ManagerNina Provencal, Events & Marketing Officer Sergeant Karl Rogers, Business Crime Reduction OfficerRozanne Shipman, Business EngagementAnjana Shrestha, AccountsPaul Vater, Marketing & Communications


BID Company established and change of •name recorded at Companies HouseSteering groups established that include •residents associations as observersFinance agreed via the steering groups•BID meetings undertaken•

Outcomes

BID company established•Production of quarterly financial reports•A BID Board and 4 steering groups have •been established. All have met 4 times in the financial year. 40 businesses engage with the BID through representation on the Board and Steering Groups (23% of BID community). Over 248 hours of business time has been allocated to attend steering group meetings with an estimated in kind contribution of £7,500 All BID Levy paying companies have had •regular communication with the BID throughout the course of the year through a range of communication tools. Actual 1:1 meetings have taken place with 140 out of 179 businesses. The levy payments made by business are in respect of 246 premises.Grosvenor provides an in-kind contribution •of £24,800 through the provision of office premises in Belgravia.

26 27

28

BID Levy (£) Voluntary (£) Total (£)

TurnoverBID Levy 1,287,484 1,287,484Voluntary Levy and Other Contributions 49,499 49,499

1,287,484 49,499 1,336,983Cost of Sales

Safe and Secure 172,088 - 172,088Clean and Green 145,723 - 145,723Showcase Victoria 180,743 3,889 184,632Destination Victoria 192,141 - 192,141Prosperous Economy 79,977 - 79,977

770,671 3,889 774,560

Gross Profit 516,813 45,610 562,423

Administration ExpensesCore Salaries 106,435 45,197 151,632Rates 4,299 - 4,299Water and Electricity 3,067 - 3,067Printing 2,040 - 2,040Postage and Carriage 2,878 - 2,878Telephone 4,636 - 4,636Office Stationery 3,195 - 3,195Repairs and Maintenance 84 - 84Legal and Professional Fees 152 - 152Audit Fees 4,800 - 4,800Office Consumables 1,632 - 1,632Cleaning 2,527 - 2,527Bank Charges 213 - 213Insurance 1,122 - 1,122Subscriptions 1,893 - 1,893IT Running Costs 7,776 - 7,776Public Realm Development Costs 23,000 - 23,000BID Development Costs 10,403 413 10,816Office Remodelling Costs 7,410 - 7,410BID Levy Collection Fee 30,276 - 30,276Depreciation 2,895 - 2,895Taxation (1,691) - (1,691)

219,042 45,610 264,652

Surplus carried forward to 2011/12 297,771 - 297,771

09 | Financial InformationProfit and Loss Account For the year ended 31 March 2011

Victoria Business Improvement District (Victoria BID) 8a Lower Belgrave Street, London, SW1W 0LJ

T (44) 020 3004 0786 F (44) 020 7730 0311 E [email protected] www.inSW1.com

DESIGN © Sugarfree / www.sugarfreedesign.co.uk / Tel 020 7619 7430

TEXT 2011 © Victoria Business Improvement District (Victoria BID)

IMAGES © 2010 & 2011 Copyright remains with the photographers: Dominick Tyler, Richard Lewisohn, Paul Vater and Paul Barratt

© Published June 2011

Documents

Annual Report for Victoria BID