Business Improvement and Placemaking: Who is Responsible?
Aaron Corsi (Business Improvement District (BID) Manager)
I'm a person who thrives on positivity, making the most of what life has and strives to empower others to share the responsibility for making our places better.
I hold a degree in microbiology and pharmacology from Leicester University, but I shifted my career focus to roles that better suited the dynamics of my personality and self-studied on the IPM Place Management post-graduate diploma. I'm passionate about community engagement and improving local business environments. Since taking over as BID manager in late 2024 I've also switched on the Christmas lights and hosted in-person business networking.
In my personal life I love to support my local community by organising and modelling in charity fashion shows and I’ll be seen walking around the BID area with faithful Golden Labrador, Rufus.
Report on the talk
Aaron has been with BID since November 2024. He worked for Warwickshire County Council for 10 years and previously has been a data analyst with major companies, and worked in various businesses including sports, the licensed trade and menswear. BID is concerned with businesses in Stratford.
Aaron has four years to make a positive difference to the town, then there will be a vote on its future. There are 382 businesses to look after in the centre. BID is funded by a levy on every business; however, it has an image problem. It is vital to work with other town organisations. So far, Aaron has worked on the newsletters, continuing the discount scheme, flower displays, food and drink festival preparations, the Christmas lights and switch-on. In March 2025 Aaron presented the business delivery plan to local businesses.
The aims of BID are to motivate, empower, collaborate and support to make the town welcoming, vibrant, safe and kind.
During the last 50 years there have been changes in society and in business, and there are a number of challenges. Visitor numbers since the pandemic are still down, especially from Asia; public spaces and road use is changing (e.g. closing roads for special events) and there are a number of empty buildings. Business rates have gone up and some retailers are struggling with the increased costs but battling on. There is also confusion amongst members of the public about who is responsible for the various functions and amenities – the Town Council, the District Council, Warwickshire County Council, the Highways Agency, and BID. New developments include an increasing emphasis on enjoying 'experiences' rather than things, lack of time, new working patterns, and digital communications. Shops may need to change their opening hours, for example. Digital technology is key to development, but 14% of the population still do not have a mobile phone or access to the internet. Aaron showed us a picture of a delivery robot, but this has not gained approval so far! We also have and need more 'blue' and 'green' spaces, but we also need to build more houses - there is a potential clash here. There are also various factors, such as access, attractiveness, safety, crime, walking, diversity etc, which all have to be considered.
There is a perceived tension between the needs of residents and visitors, and the empty units in the town are a point of contention - the national average is 14.1% whereas Stratford district’s is 8.3%. Turnover is quite quick in small units, but the large spaces, such as Debenhams and BHS require large amounts of investment.
Aaron’s commitment is to use websites and social media to promote the town. There is a worry amongst some residents about 'terminal decline' and that visitors’ needs are placed above those of residents. Aaron sees many good activities going on but negative views are often expressed in the press, especially in the local social media sites. In Facebook Forum, in one week, Aaron observed many comments about personal recommendations and services but none about businesses. Aaron posted a survey about Stratford’s identity and he looked at the feedback regarding the various BID events, comparing events in 2019 with the present. Parking charges are a big problem for some, but, in general, there was a positive feel to it.
Collaboration is Aaron’s aim when it comes to running events. Communication is very important via newsletters to businesses, social media, face to face working, and a BID employee discount. There are town wardens now, dealing with anti-social behaviour and homelessness in particular. This has just started and the service is five days a week at present. The wardens patrol around town and this is funded by BID with a small additional grant from the police and the crime commissioner. Retail crime and the perception of anti-social behaviour are the main problems, but people are dispersed quickly by the wardens. They have had handcuff training and may be issued with them in the future, if necessary, but this is a joint discussion with agencies in town.
BID is also there to promote Stratford elsewhere. Its job is to champion all businesses here and bring together various teams regarding parking, businesses etc, and to share data.
There were a number of questions and comments, eg, about parking (free parking can't be afforded as maintenance of car parks costs a lot); the Park & Ride scheme, which is not working well; the rising business rates; the stalled Bridge Street/High Street development scheme; the evening economy and safety, and footfall in the town. According to a visitor survey Stratford had 5.5 million visitors last year.
The audience was clearly very interested and keen to know about BID and Aaron was thanked for his very detailed and comprehensive presentation.
Report by Helen Elliott.
