WORCESTER WAVES THE PURPLE FLAG

Worcester city centre has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy (ENTE), following a successful application process by the city.

The Purple Flag is a nationwide award; it recognises Worcester as a vibrant destination for dining, entertainment and culture between the hours of 17.00 and 05.00, successfully promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.

The accreditation process in Worcester has been led over the past seven months by Worcester BID, in partnership with other city organisations Worcester City Council, and West Mercia Police.

Sam McCarthy, Chief Executive for Worcester BID, said: “Purple Flag assesses all areas of the night-time economy, looking at safety measures and how partners work together utilising city resources such as CCTV and the CityNet radio scheme. They also look into city enhancements, ensuring a feeling of greater safety. For example, New Street and Friar Street’s festoon lighting recently added by Worcester BID creates a vibrant atmosphere but also adds additional lighting to the area, making it feel safer.”

Sam McCarthy continues: “Worcester achieving Purple Flag status reassures and builds consumer confidence that our city is a safe and vibrant place. It will also help to put Worcester on the map and encourage prospective investors to set up businesses, families to make Worcester their home, and students to select Worcester University as their first choice to study.”

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Joint Leader of Worcester City Council: “Worcester has a growing reputation as a great destination for shopping, sight-seeing, leisure and much more. Purple Flag status confirms that our city is a great place for a relaxing, enjoyable, and safe night out and provides a great basis for boosting Worcester’s popularity even further.”

Tackling the Cost of Living

Worcester BID has been supporting the local business community through implementing free monthly bill clinics by teaming up with local bill expert.

These clinics have been provided at no cost to help support our business community and their staff.

Worcester BID members have been able to book to meet on a one-on-one basis with utility bill expert Philip Fowler to look at ways to reduce bills within the business and at home. All BID business team members have also been able to utilise the expert help to tackle the rising costs associated with the home. The free clinics provide the user with a bill review, price checks to see where you can save in the current market, tailored advice on reducing bills and ongoing support and advice.