On Thursday 12th February, we hosted a regional roundtable event in Retford that brought together leaders from other local Business Improvement District (BIDs), business owners and key stakeholders to explore the future of town centres under East Midlands devolution.
We were delighted to welcome Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands and leader of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, whose attendance underlined the importance of the conversation and the growing role of BIDs within the devolved landscape.
The day began with a guided walk around Retford, led by Rick Brand of Retford Business Forum, providing an opportunity to showcase the town’s rich heritage, independent business base and continued investment in place-making. Along the route, attendees stopped to view several of Retford’s murals, reflecting the role that culture, creativity and strong visual identity play in strengthening civic pride and enhancing the visitor experience. The group also visited Penningtons Electrical, one of Retford’s long-standing and highly respected independent businesses, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year.
The roundtable discussion, titled ‘Reviving Our High Streets: The Future of Business Improvement Districts in a Devolved East Midlands’, focused on the theme ‘Power, Place and Prosperity: The future of local business under East Midlands devolution’. The session brought together a distinguished panel and contributors including Sally Gillborn MBE (North Notts BID), George Buchanan (North Notts BID and Hodsock Priory), Claire Ward (Mayor of the East Midlands), Alex Flint (It’s in Nottingham), Jay Rowlinson (Mansfield BID), Brad Worley (Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs in Derby), Professor Chris Turner (British BIDs), Penny Taylor MBE (Lincoln College), Diana Kaponas (Fusion Energy Café and Café Neo in Worksop) and Nicola Hudson (The Hummingbird Collective in Retford).
The discussion explored how BIDs can align strategically with the priorities of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, ensuring that town and city centres are positioned at the heart of regional economic growth plans. There was strong recognition of the practical, on-the-ground delivery role that BIDs play, from business advocacy and partnership working to events, environmental improvements and place marketing.
Contributors reflected on how devolution presents a significant opportunity to strengthen collaboration between local authorities, combined authorities and business communities, while ensuring that the voice of local businesses remains embedded within regional decision-making.
The event provided a valuable platform for open and constructive dialogue between policy leaders and those working daily to support businesses and town centres. As the East Midlands moves forward under its new devolved arrangements, North Notts BID remains committed to championing the interests of businesses across North Nottinghamshire and ensuring that our towns continue to thrive, innovate and prosper.