A BETTER WEST END

"During the 1990s various business interests in the West End area combined under the banner of London First to discuss the promotion and consolidation of the West End retail and metropolitan experiences. Their vision was the ongoing promotion of the West End District as one of the world's premier shopping and leisure destinations.

To meet this challenge, in early 2000 a voluntary Business Improvement District (BID) was agreed comprising of Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street, and New West End Company was formed.

The Company was established due to the imagination, generosity and forethought of key retailers and property owners within the area. Enormous progress has been made with the highly successful introduction of focused initiatives such as the 'Red Caps' service and the Clean Team, which have contributed to a very significant drop in crime. The Company has also been responsible for introducing a wide range of innovative marketing initiatives and is planning this year to introduce an inspirational Christmas event. A final important role is lobbying on various issues with the public agencies and government to ensure that the West End District remains high on these important stakeholders' agenda.

The development of these programmes and the implementation of the long-term vision is our future challenge, building on the significant steps already achieved. The BID is an initiative to consolidate the strengths that exist to enhance customer enjoyment when visiting the heart of the nation's capital."

Ian Henderson, Chairman, New West End Company

New West End Company is a unique example of city centre partnerships working with local authorities and other relevant public agencies and street associations. New West End Company is one of 22 national pilot BIDs sponsored by the Association of Town Centre Managers and supported by central government (ODPM).

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a partnership of businesses, local organisations and authorities working together to improve the trading environment in a specific area to make it a more pleasant place in which to shop, visit, work and live.

New West End Company is pushing ahead with its plans to become a formal BID following Parliaments passing of the BIDs Regulations in September and the formal endorsement of Westminster City Council of its BID proposal on the 18 October. The voting process itself will be managed by Westminster City Council and will take place in February and March 2005.

We will:
.  Revitalise London's West End as the world's premier shopping and leisure District
.  Increase sales, with visitors staying longer and spending more
.  Reduce retail crime in a safer environment
.  Deliver a cleaner, more friendly shopping location of choice
.  Leverage greater investment for retail priorities
.  Provide stronger business leadership through effective partnership.

"The achievements of New West End Company to date demonstrate the enormous benefits of retailers working together with the property sector, local authorities, agencies and associations to improve the trading environment and thus business performance. Creating a Business Improvement District is the next step; one which will provide sustainability and a platform for continuing success."

Gary Reeves, Chief Operating Officer, New West End Company