ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS TOGETHER - BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
SUPPORTING
We offer our BID Members free training opportunities and host conferences which BID Members are free to attend
We offer free services and resources for BID Members as well as advice and support with saving money
We invest in the local Safe Town Partnership, we run town security patrols and will offer security grant support
We share relevant information and statistics (including town footfall data) and contacts for BID Members
We meet with and speak to key organisations, lobby and represent BID Member views to them
We invest in the local Safe Town Partnership, we run town security patrols and will offer security grant support
Training & Conferences
SEEDL
Free Online Training Partner
Our members receive FREE training provided by SEEDL with over 200 courses available to choose from including Microsoft 365, Health and Safety, Mindfulness, Customer Service and Leadership.
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BID Member employees can sign up to as many courses, as many times as they wish, taking the courses at time of their choosing to support their development.
Free Learning Opportunities
We regularly canvass our members to ensure we deliver relevant conferences and training through our BID school. Courses to date have included free First Aid, Food Safety, Fire Marshal and Social Media Marketing.
Conferences
Bringing Expertise To Our
BID Members
In 2023, we launched our inaugural BID conference, focusing on the impact Artificial Intelliigence will have on our business community. We brought in key speakers who are specialists in their field and over 60 members enjoyed a half-day of learning and asking questions of the panel. Following its success, we will look to provide two free conferences each year to BID members,
Other training providers
New Skills & Specialist Training
There are a number of other organisations in RTW offering training which BID members can also benefit from, like the West Kent Business Partnership (funded by Government).
Saving You Money
Free Services
RTW Together will run free services for its BID Members where we can benefit from economies of scale.
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The first set of sessions took place in February 2024 with free professional studio quality headshots being offered to all BID Member businesses. If you would be interested in this, click the link below.
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Venue Frontage Grants & Support
Following the 350+ wreaths that we handed out for free across RTW winter 2023, 2024 will see RTW Together offer out small grants to businesses wishing to invest in Christmas decorations for outside their venue.
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We are also committed to a targeted approach for frontage painting on some of the streets in the town and will offer free painting support to target those requiring updating.
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Sustainability Grants & Support
As part of encouraging increased sustainability, in addition to our partnership with Amplifi, we will offer small grants to support businesses to have a reduced impact on the environment.
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The first programme will be assistance in procuring and supplying water butts to reduce water and energy usage.
Procurement Savings
RTW Together takes its responsibility for sourcing cost savings for BID Members seriously. We aim to do this by utilising the economies of scale through acquiring group discounts from service providers wherever possible.
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A range of programs will be offered out going forwards. Please click below to see our waste collection flyer.
Signposting external initiatives
Through our excellent connections with the Council and other national bodies, the BID is committed to sharing information about grants, savings opportunities and projects that our members can get apply to including campaigns like:
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Energy Claim Refunds
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Grants from West Kent Partnership
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Nursery saving schemes for employees
Business Security
Safe Town Partnership & Radio System
Supporting business security
The Safe Town Partnership provides businesses with access to a town wide radio network which includes the town CCTV unit and can help them keep informed about town security issues. From 1st April BID members will automatically benefit froma 20% discount on their radio invoices.
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It also provides access to security information sharing and advice from the partnership which will be extended to all BID members free of charge from 1st April.
Security Patrols
Detering crime and antisocial behaviour
In conjunction with Safe Town and TWBC, RTW Together has engaged professional security firms to run regular patrols across the town to deter crime and engage positively with youngsters who have caused issues with businesses. Businesses can call them for support when on patrol.
Security Equipment Grants
Developing your systems
In addition to investing in the town wide CCTV system, the more CCTV there is across individual business units the more crime will be deterred so RTW Together will provide advice, support and small grants to organisations looking to develop their venue systems.
Police Engagement
Maximising the benefit for businesses
RTW Together engages with the police to help represent their interests including working with TWBC and MP – Greg Clark to lobby for more resources for the town centre however also to provide a conduit for advice, engagement and support e.g. running free training on what rights businesses have when dealing with antisocial behaviour.
Information, Data & Contacts
RTW Business Pack
The Economic Development team at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have helpfully created this pack for operating in the town.
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We will be working with them to expand this resource in an effort to ensure that businesses have easy access to all contacts and information they need to operate in RTW.
Footfall Counters
RTW Together invested in footfall counters across RTW Town Centre in order to be able to measure footfall into the town to inform members about peaks and troughs for staffing and planning. In March 2023, we formed a partnership with Springboard and from April 2024 we will have annual comparative data which will inform our promotions and that we will regularly publish for members to review.
Town Statistics
Following the launch of town footfall data, RTW Together will discuss with members and explore what other town statistics it can populate and share that will be useful for local businesses.
In person support
RTW Together will share updates here on our website, in our newsletter and on other digital channels but its not the same as seeing someone face to face.
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If you have issues which affect your operation due to external factors, get in touch and we will explore if the BID can help you and others affected.
Representing Businesses
Local Council
Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council
We meet monthly with the TWBC Chief Exec and bi-monthly with its Leader as well as regularly with other officers including planning, parks, economic development and culture.
We work constructively to influence their strategy in the interests of the business community e.g. with the 2040 Town Plan, licensing and planning as well as collaborate on joint projects such as street scene investment.
County Council & Government
Kent County Council
and our Local MP
RTW Together meets with our MP Greg Clark one-to-one bi-monthly to raise issues and awareness with him of any local business interests. He has raised issues in parliament which have had crucial impact on local business e.g. during Covid and our voice can influence this important voice.
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By speaking together, we are also able to communicate more strongly with KCC on key issues such as transport and road infrastructure.
Utility Companies
Water supply, water waste and others
Businesses have raised issues with larger companies as a result of water cuts impacting their ability to trade and flooding when water drainage proves insufficient for need.
The BID representing hundreds of voices is well placed to influence behaviour and research potential refunds/claims which individual businesses may find it difficult to find the time for.
Local Landowners
RVP, Pantiles and
Camden Road
RTW Together invests time in speaking to key local stakeholders to try and support their objectives as BID members themselves as well as look to connect their visions into a wider one for the town that benefits the wider business community.
Recruitment & Networking
Job Fairs Support
We will collaborate with and support the local authority - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council with running local job fairs to help recruitment in the town.
HR Support
Running a business has many challenges and so RTW Together wants to help lighten the load for local businesses wherever possible.
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We will invest in providing access to HR documentation and support with taking on work experience and apprentices.
WhatsApp Community
RTW Together runs a WhatsApp Community for RTW town businesses as an opportunity to learn and access our resources and services but also to connect directly with one another.
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The community includes a core group as well as multiple others to allow for focussed conversations. BID Members are welcome to join any of them.
Business Community Offers
RTW Together embraces the principle of working collectively and is keen to encourage a community spirit for the town.
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BID Members are welcome to promote special deals and offers to the rest of the RTWT BID community.