The vision and strategy we developed for the Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) is now going to be implemented with funding from Colchester Borough Council, among other sources.

Projects from our strategy that the BID aim to deliver in the next 12 months include specially commissioned new street signage artworks at key sites along the main independent shopping streets, from Crouch Street through Sir Isaac's Walk and Eld Lane onto Queen Street, and 'Lighting the Lanes' - a lighting installation project to make it feel more welcoming at all times of day and night.

Now more than ever, the 'shop local' message should be encouraged, and we recommended that local designers, makers, suppliers and fabricators should be commissioned to realise these ideas, in line with the remit of supporting and showcasing the independent sector in the town. We are excited to see the BID take these ideas forward, helping our fellow businesses to make the most of 2021 after this challenging year.

Our full report is available to view here.