Visit Knowle celebrates five years of success
Visit Knowle is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a look back at its achievements and sharing exciting plans for the future.
In 2019, a group of passionate businesses and residents came together at the Red Lion to discuss collaborating on projects to support Knowle. Four key focus areas were soon agreed (events, business support, street scene and marketing), and these continue to be the foundations of Visit Knowle's work.
Over the past five years, Visit Knowle has delivered a variety of projects that have:
- Supported local businesses: Through events, marketing and social media
- Encouraged footfall: By hosting popular events and promoting businesses
- Enhanced the village's appeal: With initiatives like a new parklet, refurbished planters, and a new "Welcome to Knowle" sign in the works
Co-founder Dave Pinwell said: "When we took the plunge and speculatively arranged that first meeting five years ago, we could not, in our wildest dreams, have imagined just how far we could come and how much we could achieve in the years to follow. The strength of our membership, the popularity of our activities and events, and the impact we have had on our village, continue to amaze - yet we have hardly started".
Visit Knowle's dedicated volunteers are the backbone of the organisation. They've organised one Heritage weekend; two High Street Royal Celebrations; three markets; four fundraising events and five late night shopping events, one of which was virtual.
Every place has hidden gems and since day one Visit Knowle has shared news from their businesses through over 3500 social media posts; created a new website; arranged several interviews for members with local press and national organisations and even scooped up an award for “Excellence in Sales & Marketing” with Solihull Chamber of Commerce.
From the first meeting, the appearance of the High Street and the centre of Knowle has been important to businesses, residents and community groups. Over the last five years the team has delivered a parklet, refurbished planters, delivered twenty-five knitted hanging baskets as well as continually campaigning for improvements to the village.
Most of Knowles businesses are independent and for the last five years, Visit Knowle has listened to what businesses want for their centre, kept them up to date with news and brought businesses together with popular networking events. The team discuss the rise and fall of vacancy rates, parking challenges and strategy with local stakeholders and represent the views of businesses at events. They have even arranged photoshoots generating over 1000 complimentary images for members and have delivered social media training.
Looking back over the last five years, co-founder Kim Hulse said: "The last five years have been a whirlwind! Since day one, Visit Knowle has thrived thanks to the support of our members and the incredible partnership between passionate businesses and volunteers. It’s only when you step back that you realise how far the team has come. We're proud of what we've built together, and even more excited to keep fostering that strong sense of community at the heart of Knowle."
Visit Knowle’s five-year plan focuses on continuing their work with projects that make a positive impact and raising funds to deliver even more. The team are also looking further ahead at the longer-term strategy for Knowle, where their board of directors will work with other key stakeholders including Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum, Knowle Society and Solihull Council.
Nick Lyons, chair of Visit Knowle said: "We're ambitious for Knowle and its businesses. In the next 5 years I want Visit Knowle to have a membership benefits app which helps residents, businesses and Visit Knowle. We'll also focus on driving footfall to Knowle with big events like Party in the Park (brought back this year by the request of Visit Knowle for the first time in 15 years). Marketing and social media presence will continue to be a key benefit for business members, as will business support. Watch this space - Every business, resident and visitor to Knowle - we are here for you".
If you’d like to know more about Visit Knowle’s work, volunteering to support the village or becoming a member, visit the Visit Knowle stand at the forthcoming Midsummer Celebration on June 15 or visit the website.
Pictured (L-R): Visit Knowle board members: Dave Pinwell, Sue Thompson, Mary Lizsewski, Nick Lyons, Kim Hulse, Ken Mackay