The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 6: Winter 2017/18 | Page 5

BUSINESS NEWS Invest in Bath update A positive 12 months for Invest in Bath- and there’s more to come.... Invest in Bath has seen a lot of positive business change in Bath & North East Somerset during 2017. There has been a range of new businesses coming to the area with home-grown companies finding premises to accommodate expansion. Office rentals in the city of Bath itself have hit new highs, with the top floor of 20 Manvers Street achieving £31 per square foot and a number of developments close to completion with sites such as the Chocolate Factory in Keynsham already signing up brands including Pukka Teas. John Wilkinson, director of B&NES community regeneration, said: “We still need to meet the commercial space needs of our local businesses and this is why we are working towards our flagship business district at Bath Quays. “Bath Quays South now has planning permission and we have started the process of selecting a development partner for Bath Quays North which will happen in 2018. Together these developments will provide over 250,000 square feet of commercial space.” Development is also planned in rural areas such as at the An Illustrative view from Churchill Bridge of the North Quays project 13 hectare Somer Valley Enterprise Zone, which will deliver a mixed-use industrial park, giving residents from Paulton, Radstock, Midsomer Norton and surrounding communities the chance to access new employment opportunities locally. The team has also been working hard to support residents and businesses by providing the information, advice and guidance to help them start and grow businesses. Over 400 enterprises and residents have been supported by the business growth team over the last 12 months. A comprehensive package of support is planned to help even more during 2018 through the new free European Regional Development Fund growth service - Enterprising West of England. John said: “It’s been an exciting year for the Bath & North East Somerset economy with great progress across a range of our key sectors, from digital to advanced engineering. “We feel our developments and business support programmes are helping to lay the foundations for an even more successful 2018, where we can retain and attract businesses in order to ensure a sustainable economy for the future.” To keep in touch with the latest developments, business news and support, visit the website or follow them on Twitter. For more info: www.investinbath.co.uk @InvestinBath 2017 round-up from Visit Bath Leslie Redwood, Head of Business Development and Partnerships at Visit Bath reflects on the year that was. As we draw towards the close of 2017, and our focus turns to the New Year, I thought it would be wise to look back at what has been a truly amazing year for Visit Bath. We have delivered more marketing campaigns than ever for the city, including the hugely successful Great Bath Feast, a bigger and better Bath Christmas Market and a great independent retail campaign working with incredible partners such as Nicholas Wylde Jewellers. We’ve also had the most successful Bath Comedy Festival ever, thanks to our partnership with festival director, Nick Steel. We have also attracted the first Country Living magazine Summer Festival (May 11-13, 2018), by working in partnership with BID and B&NES to attract £350,000 worth of city advertising. Our Visitor Information Centre and our offices, have recently relocated, with the tourist information centre now being based on Terrace Walk and the Visit Bath back office on Stall Street. This has increased the company’s efficiency and ways of working, saving Visit Bath cash at a critical time, to be re-invested in the city and region’s marketing. FRESH THINKING FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT In 2017, our membership has grown and we are working with more partners than ever before, including Novia Financial with our Bath Balloons hot air balloon, GWR, National Express and the indefatigable Lovehoney. So, what is there to look forward to in 2018? A newly refreshed Visit Bath website will be launched soon, a new head of marketing for Visit Bath, and a new marketing and events strategy for the city and region. I wish the Bath & Somerset business community a magical Christmas and a great new year on behalf of all the team at Visit Bath. For more info: www.visitbath.co.uk [email protected] @VisitBath UP TO 300 DELEGATES WITH FREE PARKING HOST A MEETING WITH A DIFFERENCE A truly unique, stylish and versatile venue. Ideally located only 7 miles from the M4 motorway and 4 miles from Bath City. Enquire today 01225 424609 | [email protected] bath-racecourse.co.uk THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017 5