Team work between the biggest brands and independents is the only way forward in 2019 for the Town Centre, says the Love Bedford organisation.

That “All for One’ approach is the only way to keep customers coming back.

“Now more than ever businesses need to be aware that only by working together can the town centre succeed.

“Big brands have enormous pulling power and if they are adding to footfall of town centre then that can be used to benefit the independents. While customers are drinking coffee in Starbucks and Costa, they can log on to www.lovebedford.co.uk or any of our social media sites and see the wide range of independents shops and unusual places to eat and drink.

“People need positive and persuasive reasons to come into the town centre rather than simply shop on-line or at Milton Keynes, Rushden Lakes or the retail parks.

“As one of the original Business Improvement Districts we at BedfordBID have been operating an ‘All for One’ approach since 2005. We use multiple platforms to advertise in a wholly positive setting free parking, deals and offers and what’s on where. Together we can work so much more effectively and convince people to come into town,” said Director of BedfordBID Christina Rowe.

BedfordBID represents 500 businesses and has board of volunteers from the same who make decisions about how to spend a levy paid by only the larger businesses – for the smallest the services are free.

The latest Love Bedford NOW! videos promoting businesses in the lead up to Christmas have been praised by Marks & Spencer, the Harpur Centre and the many independents to whom it gave a platform which might otherwise have been above their marketing budget.

Dan Fisher, owner of two town centre business said:

“As a town centre business we were delighted to take part in a Love Bedford NOW! film which shows that the BedfordBID is giving access to the latest advanced social media promotion to everyone in the town centre – large or small. We need to pull together as one to make Bedford a destination where we can all thrive.”