Later this month we will be launching Watford BID’s annual Service Excellence Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate those organisations in Watford town centre that provide excellent service to their customers and clients. Deadline for businesses to enter is October 14, so if you want to nominate your business please make sure you return your application form. The awards will include a public vote and a mystery shopper. We are also looking for nominations for Employee of Year, which recognises a member of staff who goes above and beyond to deliver excellent customer service.

Last weekend Rock Up opened in the intu shopping centre. It is a great addition to the town, the buzz around social media prior to its opening was tremendous, and the excitement continues. Rock Up is a great example of how an experience can draw people into a town, and just before Christmas the Cineworld and Hollywood Bowl will be opening, adding further to the town’s offer. A healthy and vibrant town is a mix of retail, services and experiences, and Watford is certainly heading in the right direction. The level of investment in the town is tremendous, it demonstrates confidence by businesses in the town and its future, which shouldn’t be underestimated and is great news for residents and people who work in the town.

On a practical level the BID has started preparing for the festive season. Working with the council we are undertaking essential remedial and maintenance works to the lamp posts in the town centre, to ensure they are ready for the lights when they are put in place in October and everything is in working order when the lights are switched on.

Work is also progressing with the Watford Weekender, a weekend of offers across the town centre which takes place on October 20 and 21. If you are a businesses and would like to feature an offer please contact our office.

Finally, and as a reminder, if you are still experiencing issues with street drinkers and anti-social behaviour then please log the incident on the Hertfordshire Constabulary website, or call 101, the non-emergency number. The police have been very active in managing the situation, but they do need to have incidents recorded.

Watford Business Improvement District (BID) works for and is funded by town centre businesses, working together, investing in and improving the town centre. Keep up to date with BID activities by visiting www.watfordbid.co.uk.