Foreword

Since October 2012 we have comprehensively delivered the business plan successfully put to ballot in July of that year. We have delivered a range of activities and services against the backdrop of economic uncertainty and when the challenges for high streets have never been greater. We know from your feedback that you value what we have achieved and believe that Sutton town centre has benefitted as a result. We firmly believe that Successful Sutton is now an integral part of Sutton’s community.

Our Shopper Shuttle service has been incredibly popular with visitors to the town centre, and in 2016 won a prestigious British BIDs National Award in recognition of the contribution it has made to Sutton. We know from all the testimonials we receive that the service encourages more elderly and less mobile visitors to Sutton and enables them to access shops, restaurants and services they would otherwise not be able to.

We also launched and manage the ‘Enjoy Sutton’ brand for the town centre which is visible on lamp-post banners, posters and promotional materials. Our Enjoy Sutton website, business directory and social media campaigns also raise the profile of Sutton and drive footfall. Our annual events programme, including the monthly Farmers’ and Artisan Market, Easter activities and Christmas events increase both footfall and dwell time – more people visiting, staying longer and spending more money in the town centre.

Our business support workshops, accredited training sessions, free mixed recycling service, town centre radio scheme and additional cleaning services provide added value to our levy payers. All our activities are focused on helping improve our visitor experience, ensuring the town centre is a safe and clean place to live, work and visit.

But we are not resting on our laurels; we have ambitious plans for Sutton, and for you our levy payers. Our town centre is changing, with the impact of £400m of private sector investment already being felt – Subsea 7’s new offices, the redevelopment of Sutton Point, Times Square Shopping Centre, and the Old Gas Works redevelopment (including the new Sainsbury’s). We aim to continue to promote Sutton, improve our visitor experience and provide added value services for all our levy payers. We must strive to ensure Sutton is a destination of choice, not a destination of habit, and react to competition from our neighbours. Croydon, Kingston and Wimbledon also have strong effective Business Improvement Districts, and all these towns are going through continued regeneration and growth. We cannot allow Sutton to be left behind, which is why renewing Successful Sutton is so important.

When the ballot opens please give Sutton a vote of confidence and vote ‘YES for Success ’.

Craig Pretorius Chairman

Monica Tyler BID Manager