- Merry Merry Month of May-

With the recent weather it's not been the merriest May. However, we've welcomed back indoor hospitality and leisure and our city centre is feeling good, to quote Steve Knibbs 'There really is a buzz about the city' . Next month the planters return, full of bee friendly, colourful flowers adding to the buzzz.

- Discretionary Grants -

Calling non-essential retail businesses

Do you have a retail business which was mandated to close during lockdown? If so, and you don’t pay business rates, then you may be entitled to a discretionary restart grant. Find out more here (23 May deadline).

Even if your business has previously had a grant, you must submit a new application for a restart grant.

- Street Scene Updates -

The council have been working with Urbaser to keep the city tidy and clean. We are working hard with Gloucester City Council to get the city centre car parks cleaned more regularly. Please let us know if there are any 'grot spots' that you feel need attention.

We are supporting the council's Economic Development team who are leading the 'Empty Shop Window Project'. This project will add colour and art to dormant shop windows, a much needed project that will help transform certain parts of the high street.

As part of the council's 'Binfrastructure' Gloucester BID is funding 6 of the 12 dual purpose bins (one side recycling, one general waste) that will be replacing existing bins on the gate streets. We will let you know when they will be installed.

- UK Indie Day -

This Independent's Day is over a weekend and we would like to promote and celebrate the indie businesses in the city. 

Independents’ Day UK is a campaign taking place on 3rd and 4th of July 2021, celebrating and promoting Britain's independent retail businesses. To find out more please visit here.

We will be collating and promoting all indie businesses that want to be involved - please get in touch via the button below.

- Events 2021 -

Yes - events are slowly returning to the city, with a bumper of a summer collection being planned, including the return of Gloucester Blues in July and Gloucester Goes Retro in August. To whet your whistle for half term:

21 May - 6 June: Glossy the Rabbit's Book Trail

And of course, don't forget the Gloucester Art Trail

- High Street Heritage Action Zone -

The heritage team at the council have put together a fantastic quiz and they are distributing beer mats to cafes, pubs and venues and tote bags to shops in the Cathedral Quarter. 

Gloucester City Council are reviewing the City Centre Conservation Area and want to hear from you regarding the city centre and what it means to you. A questionnaire is available online, please use this button to access: 

- Spend It Campaign -

#SpendIt is a nationwide initiative which encourages people to use local Gift Cards to back the businesses at the heart of their communities.

The Gloucester Gift Card is part of the scheme and can be used at almost 40 shops, salons, pubs, restaurants and more supported by Gloucester BID around the city centre.  

Idun Spirit, a spiritual wellbeing shop on Westgate Street, has been part of the Gloucester Gift Card scheme since November and co-owner Libby Austin-Foley said: “We love being part of the gift card, not only does it give our customers a way to spend money in store and online with us but it also allows them to support our business community here in Gloucester, especially the small shops and restaurants. 

“We don’t think there is anything more rewarding than seeing the high street buzzing with those who want to support their local independents.’’

If you are a business in the BID area and would like to accept the gift card please get in touch - it's free to be part of.

- Date for your diaries 19-27 June National Picnic Week -