BID joint-manager Karen Burton on how Bishop’s Stortford town centre is ‘more than just coffee shops and hairdressers’

Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) joint-manager Karen Burton writes for the Indie

Do you ever get that Groundhog Day feeling? I certainly have right now. And, if I’m being honest, the negativity swirling around on social media doesn’t help. There’s often the same comment again and again that just isn't helping! Everyone seems to have an opinion on the state of the high street, as if they possess some secret knowledge that the rest of us don’t have. Who knew?

But I am much more in touch with the facts: unlike the armchair critics, my colleague Madeleine and I, as joint BID managers, are in the thick of it, talking to the businesses that make our town centre what it is. We’re listening - really listening - seeing first-hand what’s working, what isn’t and, most importantly, what people are actually saying. And the good news? For the most part, it’s positive, allowing us, as BID managers, to feel optimistic for the town centre’s future.

A key part of our role involves marketing and events - and yes, that’s important. Our Discover Stortford channels are a fantastic resource, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. The bigger questions are what draws people into town and what holds them back? And for businesses, what makes them choose to invest here over somewhere else?

A great business model or an exciting event won’t magically lead to success just because you open your doors and hope for a crowd. There’s always more to it. Some things are subtle, like whether you feel welcome, the cleanliness of the streets, clear wayfinding signs or the quality of lighting. Others are more obvious, like the traffic jams we all dread or the difficulty of finding parking.

One myth we hear a lot is: “Bishop’s Stortford is just coffee shops and hairdressers”. But that’s far from the truth.

In reality, our town is full of variety. Alongside coffee shops and salons, we have independent boutiques, retail giants, banks, doctors, dentists, solicitors, a library, a post office and even a main dealer car showroom and garage!

Plus, we haven’t been swallowed up by a soulless shopping mall. The draw of Jackson Square helps in supporting the surrounding streets and businesses, acting like a proud parent helping the mix of businesses thrive and bringing footfall to the wider area.

And when the evening starts? Our town keeps buzzing. From restaurants and bars to live music, pub quizzes, bowling, cocktails and fine dining, our night-time economy is something to celebrate. Not every town can say that.

But having a thriving nightlife means we must ensure it’s a welcoming place to enjoy. That’s why we’re pushing for Purple Flag accreditation, a national standard that recognises towns offering a great (and safe) night out. To get there, we’re working with key stakeholders to address those more subtle details such as lighting, walking routes, venue security, taxi ranks, street pastors and the Ask for Angela initiative. It’s a long list, but we’re on it.

What’s been truly refreshing is the enthusiasm from our night-time businesses, who are eager to be part of this effort. They are natural hosts with a passion for providing the best experience for their patrons. They understand that what happens outside their doors is just as important as what happens inside and they’re fully invested in making the whole town a great place to visit.

This is where we come back to the bigger picture, pulling everything together to address the challenges no one person, business or public sector can solve alone. Because, at the end of the day, a successful town isn’t built on one voice or one idea. It’s about all of us working in harmony.

And that’s exactly what we’re here to do.