The chair of Visit West End has spoken of his delighted as the business improvement district was named as the Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero for Glasgow.
The accolade recognises the organisation’s relentless drive to to boost business and make the vibrant area more attractive.
Every year, thousands of people are drawn to Byres Road and Lanes by a variety of events, activities and initiatives organised by Visit West End.
Formed in 2015, Visit West End is the organisation behind the hugely popular Byres Road Book Festival, as well as the area’s renowned Christmas lights and ever-expanding work to promote local businesses via social media.
It is also a prominent advocate for the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, urging people to choose local and get behind businesses in the community.
Its nomination stated: “Whether spearheading festivals or fighting our corner against proposals which risk doing harm to our businesses, Visit West End’s work is immense.
“People turn to them for everything. They’ve a tiny team who are promoters, problem solvers and absolutely critical to helping pursue the priorities of local businesses to help them survive, thrive and grow.
“The team really does go above and beyond.”
As the business improvement district for Byres Road and Lanes, Visit West End’s work covers the length of Byres Road, together with Ashton, Cresswell, Dowanside and Ruthven Lanes, as well as Vinicombe Street, Great George Street and Havelock Street.
Its plans for the future include a range of projects to enhance and improve the area, including the possible installation of CCTV and improvements to Ruthven and Dowanside Lanes.
Businesses gathered to celebrate the High Street Hero accolade.
Reacting to the news, Visit West End chair John Turner said: “I am thrilled beyond words that the decade of hard work by the Visit West End team has been recognised by this award, which is thoroughly deserved.
“My heartfelt thanks are due to Deborah and Eleanor who form the current team, and to Kitty, Jessica and Hannah who have worked with us in the past, for all that they do and have done.
“I have been privileged to work in the BID office part-time over the last year and a half and have seen the amount of work and effort that they put in to make things happen in the area. Well done to them all.”
During the recent Scotland Loves Local Week, Glasgow MSP and Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar met with West End business owners as they urged people to choose local.
Visit West End has also signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, encouraging its members – and the wider community – to prioritise spending with local businesses.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise and reward all that’s great about the nation’s towns and neighbourhoods and the work to ensure they become stronger and more sustainable.
Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “The passion with which the team at Visit West End champion the area is impressive. They’re at the forefront of so much, making a real difference to businesses and lives.
“They’re a key part of the community, with their work boosting the local economy. Our judges agreed that this award is well deserved. Congratulations to everyone who makes what Visit West End does possible.”
Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local.
You can read more about the Scotland Loves Local Awards here
