Last month the town saw the opening of Debenhams and the intu extension, a real landmark for the town. The other units are gradually opening, adding to the town’s food and retail offering. Over the next few months we will see a marked change in town especially when the cinema opens in December – it is all very exciting.

The new and improved High Street has caught national attention and Watford BID has been shortlisted for a place management award at the National BID awards. Please support and vote for the project via: www.britishbids.info/services/national-bid-awards

The Watford Weekender takes place this weekend. Thanks to the support of the town’s businesses there are a whole host of offers across the town for residents and visitors. The offers include everything from national retailers, beauty treatments and eating out. Offer booklets have been delivered to households across Watford and the surrounding areas, offers can also be found at: www.watfordforyou.org/weekender.

The summer floral displays made a real difference in the town, adding colour and touch of nature, so this year we are trialling a few winter baskets. Some of our businesses have also purchased flowers from our suppliers, so we hope you also enjoy these through the town. We are also looking at the use of banners across the town to brighten up the space during the winter months. We are planning on installing banners from January through to May, before the summer floral displays return to the town.

Preparations for the festive season continue. This year we will be introducing an Angels and Elves Festive Trail to complement all the other events and activities running in the town.

The Service Excellence Awards 2019 are also well underway, entries are coming in, and the public vote will open in December once the finalists have been announced. In addition to the business entries, we have received a number of employee nominees – recognising the contribution individuals make to a business.

Finally, and as a reminder, if you are still experiencing issues with street drinkers and antisocial behaviour then please log the incident on the Herts Police 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.

  • Maria Manion is chief executive of Watford BID