Torbay, this year, will have to make two very important decisions. Â The first one, of course, will be in May with the general election and another one in June relating to the go ahead of a Torbay Retail and Tourism Business Improvement District or TRTBID for short.
Being, one of the people that hasn’t always been a supportive soul of the BID, mainly down to my ignorance and lack of understanding surrounding the concept it was a breath of fresh air to be met with someone who provided a look other than that of “We’ve delivered on our business plan”.
Over the course of the next 3 months it will be down to Sarah Whittaker and her team to meet and greet most of the 3,000 businesses that make up Torbay. Â This new TRTBID is not without its speculation, myself included, however one thing we would say is allow them to put your concerns at ease. Â At the end of the day what has gone on with the previous BIDs that Torbay has had needs to be put to bed and the future of Torbay should be at the forefront of every businesses mindset.
Businesses within the Tourism and Retail sectors will be affected by the new BID including the small businesses with a retail frontage. Â It is therefore paramount that you find out as much as you can about the new BID and have your say about their proposals and business plan, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of Torbay.
If you want to find out more information about the TRTBID, get yourself on one of these workshops running on the following dates:
MONDAY 9TH MARCH
09:00 – 11:00Â English Riviera Attractions Partnership Network Workshop
Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5LZ
11:30 – 13:30Â The Bridge Group Network Workshop
Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5LZ
14:00 – 16:00Â Brixham Open Workshop
The Berry Head Hotel, Berry Head Road, Brixham, TQ5 9AJ
18:30 – 20:30Â Brixham Chamber of Commerce and Brixham Retail Workshop
The Berry Head Hotel, Berry Head Road, Brixham, TQ5 9AJ
TUESDAY 10TH MARCH
09:00 – 11:00Â Food and Drink Open Workshop
Upton Vale Baptist Church Hall, St Marychurch Road, Castle Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3HY
11:30 – 13:30Â Night Time Economy Workshop
Upton Vale Baptist Church Hall, St Marychurch Road, Castle Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3HY
14:00 – 16:00Â Torquay Open Workshop
Upton Vale Baptist Church Hall, St Marychurch Road, Castle Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3HY
18:30 – 20:30Â Torquay Retail Workshop
Upton Vale Baptist Church Hall, St Marychurch Road, Castle Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3HY
THURSDAY 12TH MARCH
11:30 – 13:30Â English Riviera Tourism Company Network Workshop
Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5LZ
14:00 – 16:00Â Paignton Open Workshop
The Redcliffe Hotel, Marine Drive, Paignton, TQ3 2NL
18:30 – 20:30Â Paignton Retail Workshop
The Redcliffe Hotel, Marine Drive, Paignton, TQ3 2NL
FRIDAY 13TH MARCH
09:00 – 11:00Â Tourism Open Workshop
The Redcliffe Hotel, Marine Drive, Paignton, TQ3 2NL
11:30 – 13:30 Retail Open Workshop
The Redcliffe Hotel, Marine Drive, Paignton, TQ3 2NL
15:00 – 17:00 Babbacombe Open Workshop
Tudors Cafe and Delicatessen, Fore Street, St.Marychurch, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4PR
17:30 – 19:30 Babbacombe Retail Workshop
Tudors Cafe and Delicatessen, Fore Street, St.Marychurch, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4PR
We have tried to make the workshops sector/area based so that you will have things in common at the meeting with those attending. However please feel free to attend any session. It is also your opportunity to ask the TRTBID team any questions you may have directly.
The new website houses all the up to date details for the workshops and other developments relating to the TRTBID so please visit for more information:
For further information contact the TRTBID Project Manager Sarah Whitaker:
T: 07713771829
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