The Hereford Times is delighted to launch the Hereford BID Business Awards 2017, sponsored by Maylord Shopping Centre.

The Hereford Times is proud to support the community, and the Hereford BID awards are about helping to recognise the great businesses in our city centre and the organisation that is aiming to improve it even more.

Business Improvement Districts are a tried and trusted way of delivering positive development of city centres. It’s a self-help system, with town or city centre businesses coming together and drawing up their priorities for the future of the city centre and improving the experience for shoppers.

These inaugural business awards are a way of recognising the best practice of our city centre businesses – whether they are service providers or retailers – and highlighting best practice. We want to put the spotlight on the members of the Hereford BID who help to make our city centre a vibrant place for shoppers, visitors, and entertainment seekers.

A series of supplements in the Hereford Times and special coverage on our website and social media will explain the awards that are up for grabs, appeal for entries, and publicise those shortlisted.

The climax will be a great presentation evening at the Shire Hall when the winners and runners-up are revealed, followed by a special supplement in the Hereford Times highlighting all the successful entrants.

Sponsors are the key to making this a huge success for Hereford BID members and for the city centre and Herefordshire as a whole.

Over the three months of the media campaign there will be special mention and coverage of all the sponsors helping to make sure the Hereford BID awards are a major success and a positive development for the city.

John Jones, Chair of HBID

‘Hereford City has leapt forward over the last few years, with a fantastic mix of local and national names in both retail and leisure creating a great day out! However, we aren’t good at shouting about it and telling the outside world what a fantastic offer we have, or why people should visit.

These awards are part of HBID’s plan to change the perception of Hereford, so people know about the fantastic businesses we have; from the real hidden gems that make us unique, to the main stream offer from outstanding national name branches’

Categories

• Business Services Provider of the Year

• Hotel, Restaurant, Pub or Café of the Year

• Independent Business of the Year

• Customer Service Award

• National Retailer of the Year

• Best Presented Award

• Outstanding Contribution to the City

• Putting Hereford City on the Map Award

• Night Time Economy Business of the Year

• Employee of the Year

• Employer of the Year

• Special Recognition Award

Click here to find out how to vote.