A group of local independent businesses in town, who have formed the ‘Andover Indies’ are banding together and proactively looking at ways to increase footfall into the town centre and sharing ideas to benefit each other.
The ‘Andover Indies’ was formed to discuss ways that the BID can support independently owned businesses, whilst helping add vitality to the town.
The ‘Andover Indies’ met on Tuesday (15th October 2019) with a group of business owners showing plenty of enthusiasm and idea sharing.
An idea that will be rolled out from the group is 50,000 pocket map leaflets will be printed and distributed to highlight businesses in the town centre. They will be delivered to the SP9, SP10 and SP11 postcodes. With construction of houses being built this leaflet will advertise what businesses are in the town.
The idea of branded ‘Andover Indies’ Eco-friendly tote bags was also discussed and will be a great way to save on plastic while promoting local shopping.
One of the items that businesses wanted was a state-of-the-art radio system, Andover BID have delivered on this. This will keep businesses connected to tackle crime in the area. Forty businesses have signed up to this scheme which will launch tomorrow (23rd October 2109).
Funded by the BID, the scheme has already saved businesses money; Christine Mellor from David Mellor Family Jewellers said that from this initiative the company has already saved her business £485.60 a year.
Radios are provided to businesses in the business improvement district area at no charge to BID members.
The idea of a Christmas market was also discussed for the High Street. The next meeting this will be top of the agenda.
Ben Tuffin from Andover Radio and Love Andover discussed advertising opportunities, giving BID members the opportunity to advertise on radio a ‘Spotlight’ feature to drive awareness and footfall into the town centre.
Andover Radio has also committed to producing a special Christmas lip sync video to promote the High Street, which will be launched at the Christmas Lights Switch On on Friday 15th November.
Andover Radio director Ben Tuffin said, “After the huge success of our Valentines Day video where we had over 80,000 views, we have a unique opportunity for the local businesses here in the High Street to promote their business to a large audience and potential customer’s and we are delighted to be able to do this across our platforms, we all need to work together and we are here to deliver for these businesses too”
The next meeting of the Andover Indies is 5th November at 8:30am at The White Hart Hotel in Andover. For more information please contact Steve Godwin by email.
