Business chief pledges help and support for small firms

THE new head of Hull's Business Improvement District (BID) has pledged to work with small businesses to guide them through the economic downturn.

Writing in her first newsletter since becoming city centre manager this month, following the retirement of Ken Baldwin, Kathryn Shillito said she planned to visit as many small firms as she could to offer support.

She said: "I am very aware that the current economic climate is making conditions tough, particularly for smaller, independent businesses.

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"With this in mind I hope to visit as many businesses as possible to look at ways in which we may be able to help.

"Unfortunately, we don't always have the answers, nor the financial resources, but we do have many ways in which we can support your business constructively, especially so in acting as a lobbying voice with other organisations responsible for the city centre, and in creating business to business links."

The BID is organising a survey of city centre companies to find out what their most pressing issues are.

It is also working on a series of events to be held in the city centre over the coming weeks.

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The centrepiece is a three-day Fashion Week, the first the BID has staged, which starts on April 29.

A boutique marquee will be set up in Queen Victoria Square, which will give independent retailers from Savile Street, Whitefriargate, Hepworth's Arcade and Carr Lane the chance to showcase their products in a professionally-staged catwalk.

Hull's three main shopping centres and major firms are also taking part with events and offers, including Debenhams, Este Lauder, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser.

Ms Shillito said: "The initial response from businesses in the city centre has been fantastic and I'm confident that come the end of April we'll be able to put on a fantastic fashion and beauty event."

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The BID's first food and drink festival will be held from July 29 to 31, and will feature local produce and suppliers and some of the region's top chefs.

This will combine with a Continental Market in King Edward Street and Jameson Street, with exhibition space and other attractions and entertainment leading into Trinity Square.