After being awarded GOLD in 2019 & 2023 in the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs ) category, we are delighted to announce that we have been entered into the 2024 Britain In Bloom. 

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• InExeter, South West in Bloom

• Team London Bridge BID, London in Bloom

• Ulverston Business Improvement District, Cumbria in Bloom

• Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Anglia in Bloom

 

 

FAQs

Who pays for them?

The Welwyn Garden City Business Improvement District (BID) commission the flower installations, which are paid for by the town centre businesses. We work closely with the local council (WHBC) to ensue that the colour schemes compliment the town centres floral displays. No additional funding is received from the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council for the floral displays. 

Why do Welwyn Garden City town centre get flowers and Hatfield town centre do not? 
Welwyn Garden is a Business Improvement District (BID) town centre. The flowers have been funded by the businesses of Wonderful Welwyn Garden City and have been organised by the BID team. 

What is a Business Improvement District (BID)? 

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area.​ A business improvement district (BID) is a defined geographical area within which the businesses have voted to invest collectively to improve their trading environment. ​

The lifetime of a BID is covered by regulations and is set at no more than five years. A not-for-profit company is set up and run by the businesses in the area and is responsible for ensuring that the aims and objectives of the BID proposal are delivered. ​​

There are over 320 BIDs in the UK.

For more information about BIDs, please click here>>

Why do we install more flowers?

In the plan that was voted on by the businesses, the 3 agreed objectives are:

Objective 1: Celebrate Wonderful WGC 

Objective 2: Enjoy a vibrant & sustainable Welwyn Garden City 

Objective 3: Invest & grow Welwyn Garden City 
 
The flower installations are just one of the projects/campaigns working towards achieving these objectives. The BID identified that the flowers would have most impact in the concrete areas of the town, particularly in front of The Howard Centre.

"The flowers are a great addition to the town centre and enhance our already beautiful town" 

How much do they cost? 

The cost of the flowers is equal to 6% of the total annual budget. Each year the businesses get a transparent insight in how their money is being spent to continually improve the town centre.

How long will the flowers stay in the town centre?

We take delivery of the flowers once the risk of ground frost has gone. The floral displays will arrive week commencing 9th June and will remain for at least 12 weeks, being removed mid September.

What happens to the black plastic planters? 

We only hire the planters and they will be returned to the company and re-used many times. 

Why do we use a company based in Kent? 

After much investigation this company was the most professional, well recommended and offered best value for good quality products and service. We had specific requirements which the company were happy to work with us on. The varieties and colour of the flowers have been chosen to reflect our new branding palette, based around the green of the garden city and red from the brick buildings. The new basket trees have been made for us and will be exclusive to this County. 

The company nurture the flowers from a young age and provide weekly maintenance, feeding and up keep, all paid for by the BID.

Vandalism?

With any new structure or addition to the town centre this is always a concern. We are hoping that these floral displays will be enjoyed by all. The floral displays are also situated within areas that are covered by CCTV. Any damage and vandalism will be reported. 

Why don't we have planters during the winter months? 

This is an idea we are keen to investigate using hardy foliage and winter flowers.

If you have any additional questions about the floral displays then please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@welwyngarden.co,uk
 

We hope you all enjoy the flowers as much as we do.