After our recent AGM, we’re excited to share a look back at what Warrington BID has achieved in 2023/24 and where we’re headed next.
This past year has been full of standout moments, and we’re grateful for the ongoing support and trust from the Warrington business community.
Together, we’re shaping a lively, welcoming town centre that everyone can enjoy.
A Look Back at 2023/24
The past year marked the first of our second term, and it’s been a year filled with events, improvements and connections that have energised Warrington.
Standout events like Krazy Races, Warrington Pride and the festive Weekend Wonderland brought thousands into the town centre, each adding a special dimension to the local experience.
The first-ever Krazy Races event alone boosted footfall by an impressive 30% in June, attracting new visitors to Warrington. Warrington’s Weekend Wonderland, with its Christmas markets, parade and town hall light display, drew record crowds of 63,000, benefiting local businesses and creating a memorable festive atmosphere for all.
Our online presence has grown significantly, too. With over 3.1 million people reached on social media and video content viewed more than 480,000 times, our digital engagement has helped raise Warrington’s profile in the region.
The “We Are Warrington” website also saw a 67% increase in traffic, peaking during major events, and our “Things to Do in Warrington” page became the most visited, reflecting the strong local interest in what Warrington has to offer.
Beyond events, we have focused on keeping the town centre clean, safe and welcoming.
Projects like “Watch This Space” have improved both the look and security of key areas, in collaboration with Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire Constabulary. Our partnerships have been essential, with ongoing support from local services helping to address issues like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting creating a safer environment for businesses and visitors alike.
Supporting local businesses is a key priority, and we’ve continued to offer fully funded training, from First Aid to Fire Marshal certifications, helping to develop skills across the network. Our “Meet Your Neighbour” networking events have also provided a valuable opportunity for businesses to connect, share best practices, and explore ways to work together.
Looking Forward to 2024/25
As we enter the second year of BID 2, we’re excited to build on these successes and continue enhancing Warrington’s appeal.
Warrington BID remains committed to making our town a destination for residents, visitors and investors alike. Key initiatives for the coming year include:
• Expanding our marketing and PR efforts to showcase Warrington’s unique character across the North West, alongside enhanced social media campaigns and high-quality video content.
• Developing new events, including plans for a Food & Drink Festival, a heritage trail and a year-round seasonal event programme.
• Boosting town centre amenities, with projects like public art installations, improved signage, sustainable planting schemes, and more to elevate Warrington’s aesthetic appeal.
We’re also focused on data-driven support for businesses, with insights from visitor trend monitoring to help local businesses plan effectively.
Additionally, our partnership with Groundwork’s Race to Zero programme will continue to offer grant funding to support energy efficiency and sustainability improvements.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of Warrington BID’s journey and we look forward to making 2024/25 a year of growth, opportunity and renewed pride in our town centre.
Read our full 2023/2024 Annual Report here.