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Oswestry BID: Celebrating a year of achievement and growth

As 2025 draws to a close, Oswestry Business Improvement District (BID) reflects on a year of achievement, partnership, and support for local businesses. From national awards to community events, it has been a year that put Oswestry on the map.

Triple Gold Blooms Across the Town

Oswestry celebrated a triple success at the Heart of England in Bloom Awards: Gold in the Best Large Town category, Gold for Cae Glas Park, and a Services to Heart of England in Bloom Award for Natalie Bainbridge, Chair of Oswestry in Bloom.

BID supported this through seasonal planting, maintaining Church Street planters, and establishing business sponsorships, increasing funding and involvement.

Building Business Networks

In September, BID launched a Business Networking initiative at the Wynnstay Hotel. The relaxed format encouraged valuable conversations among business owners from the town centre, industrial estates, and surrounding areas.

The positive response has led to plans for another event in early 2026, creating ongoing opportunities for businesses to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate.

Safety, Security and Community Protection

The Street Rangers continue to make a visible difference, reducing anti-social behaviour and retail crime, while reassuring businesses, staff, and visitors. With Home Office Hot Spots Programme funding, the service has expanded to offer stronger protection across the town.

Working closely with West Mercia Police and local partners, the Rangers patrol daily, supporting businesses and helping maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

BID’s nightly security patrols protect more than 129 businesses across the industrial estates three times per night throughout the year. This consistent presence strengthens security and may help businesses achieve reduced insurance premiums.

BID’s expanding public-access defibrillator network provides life-saving coverage, with volunteer First Responders ensuring devices are regularly checked and maintained.

Essential Business Training and Advocacy

Throughout 2025, BID delivered a wide-ranging training programme with more than 100 participants. From Emergency First Aid to social media marketing and specialist industrial-estate sessions, BID ensured free, high-quality training tailored to business needs.

BID also monitors planning applications that could impact the trading environment. This year, submissions were made on three proposals, raising concerns about heritage, residential amenity, and commercial vitality.

A Festival Calendar to Remember

Events across 2025 brought colour, energy, and increased footfall. The Street Circus entertained families with live performances, while The Beach transformed Festival Square into a pop-up seaside attraction. BID also supported Nightingale House Hospice’s Oswestry Balloon Carnival and the volunteer-led Community Games in Cae Glas Park.

A refreshed partnership with Oswestry Town Council strengthened the Oswestry Food & Drink Festival with new branding, a Family Fun Day, and expanded seating. More than 500 promotional tote bags filled with business offers and Business Directories were distributed, creating valuable marketing opportunities and promoting local enterprises.

Collectively, these events enhance Oswestry’s reputation as a vibrant destination while supporting a positive trading environment for businesses across the town.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With social media engagement and delivery across key objectives, BID remains committed to making Oswestry an even better place for business. As 2026 approaches, BID looks forward to new initiatives, expanded partnerships, and supporting a thriving local economy.

What is Oswestry BID?

Oswestry Business Improvement District is a business-led initiative funded by a 1.75% levy on businesses with a rateable value over £12,000. BID works to improve the trading environment, support growth, enhance safety and security, and promote Oswestry as a great place to visit and do business.

Learn more on the BID website or contact info@oswestry4bid.co.uk
BID Manager, Adele Nightingale

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