You may have seen new signs appearing throughout the town recently with the Business Watch logo on them.

These are being put out by the BID team to promote membership of the recently re-launched scheme which helps local firms work together to cut down on crime and antisocial behaviour in their area.

Many will know Business Watch by the names of Shop Watch and Bar Watch.

Between them these schemes currently have some 150 members across the borough, each paying a small annual fee to support the administration and also cover the costs of the radio network and access to a secure database and instant messaging system.

The good news for businesses in the BID area is that this membership fee is now included in the levy payments which are collected annually by the council.

Find out more about how you can sign up and get access to the radio network, secure database, and a range of other benefits. Details here.

Pirate Day – Sunday 15th July, and the Sunday before and after (8th and 22nd July)

Pride – Sunday 26th August and the Sunday before and after (19th August and 2nd September).

Bonfire Night – Saturday 13th October and the Saturday before and after (6th and 20th October)

Although we are collecting data for the above events, the information will be used to help influence decisions for all upcoming events, not just those listed.

Please contact Chloe (marketing@lovehastings.com) if you are happy to help.

First aid training

We are successfully running first aid training for levy payers once a month.

We are working with a local reputable company to deliver fully accredited one day Emergency First Aid at Work training for businesses.

The cost to the business is £20pp for up to 5 employees. £40pp for every additional employee. The usual cost to put an employee through training is £85pp.

If you are interested in putting staff on to a course, please contact Chloe (marketing@lovehastings.com).

Please note there is only 12 spaces per course, and course spaces will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

We had a great, sunny two days at the Easter Bunny Fun Days in the town centre on Good Friday and Easter Saturday!

Lots of families enjoyed free activities including crafts, face painting, carousel rides, gardening, photo booth and BMX-ing, with thanks to local businesses and community groups.

View all the photos here.

We were also proud to support Bike1066, which took place on the bank holiday weekend. A free climbing wall proved to be incredibly popular, and hundreds of people enjoyed the free live motorbike racing which was being shown on a large screen in Wellington Place.

View all the photos here.

Christmas lights are costly and can be complicated to install, especially when the power source has to be outside! We will continue to endeavour to include all levy paying roads in the lights programme, however it is a lengthy process and unfortunately we cannot guarantee that it is always possible. We’ll keep you posted!