Pilot Research Project Launched to Benefit Shrewsbury

An extensive research project, embarked upon by the Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID), has been launched to help direct business and community-led projects to improve the town and enhance the tourist offer.

Developed by the BID, Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, Seal Communications, and with help of Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council, the six month pilot research programme offers valuable work experience and plays a role in extending student knowledge in readiness for A-Level Business Studies assessments.

Students will also be given the chance to present their findings to the Team Shrewsbury ‘Our Place’ Partnership - a government initiative set up to give people more power over local services and budgets - which will be used to add value to their work and inform the partnership’s own objectives.

Kirsten Henly, Shrewsbury BID Manager, said the research project has been specifically created to provide the BID and its partners with more visitor knowledge and a framework for future research in Shrewsbury.

“The findings will help partners understand customers and the public’s views and perceptions, encourage more visitors to the town and ultimately improve visitor economy.”

Steve McAlinden, Assistant Principal at Shrewsbury Sixth Form, commented: “From the college’s perspective, we are pleased to have our students working with local partners on a project that is not only valuable for the local community but also provides them with a crucial enrichment experience that will serve to prepare them for their future progression.”

Helen Ball, Town Clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council said: “The ‘Our Place’ Programme has already demonstrated that collaborative action is critical to the future success of our town and local communities.

“Shrewsbury Town Council is committed to working closely with Shrewsbury BID and local community partners to co-ordinate and focus activity to areas where it’s needed. This research approach offers a collaborative way of gathering information which will help us to focus our collective resources so that all who enjoy the town will benefit.  The Our Place organisers are particularly interested in how we have encouraged the Sixth Form College to be part of this project too for young people are key to us shaping the town’s future.”

Kirsten added: “This is particularly important for BIDs, whose purpose it is to focus on additional projects and services. ‘Our Place’ will enable a more coordinated approach to research and improve links already established in the Shrewsbury business community.”