Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID launches new tool to encourage city centre loyalty and support the business community

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID has unveiled a new online resource - a Business Directory - that lists all of the services available in the city centre, and are strongly encouraging locals to utilise it the next time a service is required.

It can be accessed here: www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk/directory.

The Business Directory lists all the services an individual could need within the city centre, neatly categorised for ease of use, alongside a handy 'search by keyword' function to make it extra user-friendly. This new tool, which can be found on the BID's website, will help people to identify services local to them, encourage spend in the local economy and support and strengthen the business community.

Services and facilities showcased on the Directory include: 

• Solicitors, accountants, and estate agents
• Conference spaces, hospitality venues and catering services to support work functions and parties
• Dentists, doctors, opticians, and other healthcare services
• Hairdressers and beauty salons
• Garages and mechanics
• Accommodation
• Car parks and ATMs
• And much more

It is hoped that the directory becomes the first port of call for anyone who wishes to learn more about the services and facilities available within the city centre.

Jonathan Bellamy, Chairman for the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID believes that the directory will go a long way to instilling city centre loyalty and encourages people to support their high streets, particularly during these challenging times.

“Our city centre is made up of hundreds of businesses and thousands of local jobs. It is vital to our local economy and has never been more dependent than today on loyal Stokies sowing into the future of our city by faithfully spending their Stoke Pound locally.

"So we've produced this cracking, all-encompassing directory, which showcases every city centre business, profiling their services and making it easy to discover, find or contact them. We ask people to take a look at this new online directory, try out the search options, see what it has to offer them, and proudly get behind their local businesses!"

Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and the Lead Director for the BID’s Business Community Support priority, says:

“The city centre is home to hundreds of varied businesses, many of whom are struggling in the wake of the COVID pandemic, and so there’s no better time to extend a helping hand and support our local businesses wherever we can, than now.

“Change first has to happen locally and so we call upon readers to utilise this new tool and note that everybody can play a part in shopping locally and energizing the City Centre.”

“We ask people to get behind the BID’s #LoveMyCityCentre message which is concerned with the importance of supporting the local business community given the financial implications that COVID-19 will have had on the high street.”