35 businesses from the Wimborne BID area came together on Monday 23^rd April to discuss and develop ideas for business development in the town.  This is the fourth meeting since the BID’s inception that has encouraged businesses to share ideas and work together. By the end of the evening there was a measurable level of enthusiasm and passion for the future.

All areas of trade were represented including retail, property and financial services, restaurants and cafes, and tourist attractions, all mostly independent businesses.

Liz Guilmant-Cush, Operations Manager Wimborne BID, said “there is so much enthusiasm from the business people for making Wimborne Minster even better.  With the opportunities that the BID fund offers the town, I am positive that we, together, can really make a difference.”

The key areas that were discussed were events, advertising programmes and signage.

The group supported the plan of putting on a calendar of events, large and small, to add to the visitor experience at all times round the year, not just on key festival weekends. The key to the events would be sufficient promotion and the inclusion of all areas of the town to encourage visitors to discover all that Wimborne Minster has to offer.

Wimborne BID are already putting plans in place for events over the Summer, including the Town Square Opening & Jubilee Celebrations, Wimborne Through the Ages, kid’s entertainment over the summer and a superb Christmas programme, as well as supporting a number of other organisations with their events.

It was highlighted once again that signage is absolutely key to improving a visitors experience once they have arrived in Town.

The signage process has already started with a collaborative group between Wimborne BID, Wimborne Minster Town Council, Wimborne Minster Chamber of Trade & Commerce, East Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council and Highways Agency.  An audit of existing signage took place last week and a full plan will develop as a result.  Short term measures will be introduced shortly including new leaflets, in conjunction with East Dorset District Council and a smart phone application.

People felt strongly that Wimborne Minster needed to be seen and heard through a full, long lasting media programme to residents to use the facilities on their doorstep, to local visitors to come to Wimborne Minster out of choice, and to tourists to make a visit to the Town during their trip.

Wimborne BID will be starting a media campaign from the end of May to co-incide with the Town Square Re-opening and the completion of Canford Bottom Roundabout improvements.

Moe Fochar from Red Fort, Church Street said “these opportunities are great to get together with other businesses in the town, so we can work together and share ideas to build our businesses.”

Chris Slocock Chairman of Wimborne BID stated “Wimborne BID came into existence to support the businesses of Wimborne and that is what it will do, we will be promoting Wimborne Minster as a town for all reasons, a unique destination” – the group welcomed the news there would be  a follow-up meeting in about one month’s time. 

All the actions and ideas are available for view on www.wimbornebid.org.  Any comments or suggestions should be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

New BID website goes live for Wimborne Minster

The BID is pleased to announce the launch of an additional, comprehensive business and visitors’ website for Wimborne Minster, as outlined in the BID Business Plan.

The aims of the new site will focus on the town’s many tourist attractions, its events, its shops, its businesses and other promotional information for the town generally, plus any additional promotions organised by individual businesses. In other words, all things that will draw people from far and wide to visit Wimborne Minster. Some news stories will also be included.  The new site, which will grow and develop, is now live at – www.wimborneminster.net

However, this website – www.wimbornebid.org will focus more on levy and business issues and news not necessarily of direct interest to the general public. It will also contain information on any seminars and meetings for businesses.

Great news for levy payers is – you can benefit straight away by having your own web page and link on the new site free of charge. Many businesses have already taken advantage of this extra marketing opportunity. 

For those shops and businesses who still have not yet done so, you need to send in a short summary of your business of 100 CHARACTERS, followed by a more detailed description of around 1,000 CHARACTERS, plus if you wish, up to four photographs in Jpeg format. Vital items to include in your description are: opening times, full address, telephone number(s), any email, web address or key staff names you wish to list.

This information should be emailed to this website: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Businesses without Internet access can contact the BID office on - 01202 888 992 and leave a message for someone to get back to you.

 So – GO LIVE! - and spread the word about your contribution to our lovely town.