July 31, 2014 10.30 am This story is over 115 months old

BIG plans for Lincoln business and tourism sector

Re-election plans: Plans to improve the Lincoln business and visitor experience has been outlines by the Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG), which hopes to be re-elected in October.

Plans to improve the Lincoln business and visitor experience has been outlined by the Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG), which hopes to be re-elected in October.

As part of the plans, a team of tour guides will meet the crowds travelling to Lincoln for the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, with a new building and exhibition at Lincoln Castle.

The idea is just one of a raft of proposals outlined in BIG’s new five-year business plan. A full business plan can be viewed at Lincoln BIG’s website.

Other ideas that will be pursued by BIG include:

  • A new loyalty scheme for city centre workers which will offer deals and discounts
  • The launch of a new business directory to encourage inter-trading between city centre businesses
  • New software and handheld computers that will allow city centre wardens to record incidents whilst on the street with automatic geo location
  • Developments of the Walk and Ride service to improve access between arrival points, car parks and attractions such as the cathedral and castle

Ballot papers for the 850 businesses eligible to vote on the five-year plans will be sent out at the beginning of October.

Lincoln BIG plans to submit a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding for city ambassador and guide training – to ensure the city’s rich heritage is promoted to visitors and their experience is a good one.

Promotion and growth of the evening economy is also high on the agenda for BIG, if it is elected for another five-year term this October.

A package of measures, including research with consumers, increased use and powers of pub watch and new door staff training programme, will be launched.

Lincoln BIG officials have also pledged to continue to lobby for a city centre Park and Ride scheme and improved train services from London and Nottingham.

Chief executive Matt Corrigan said the BIG team were excited about the possibility of another five years of work on behalf of the city centre economy.

“We hope the business people of the city centre give us an opportunity to turn these plans into a reality.

“There are fantastic opportunities to grow the reputation of this fantastic city and the Magna Carta celebrations are an important part of that process.

“We are proud of what we have achieved in the last decade and hope to able to continue that work for another five years.”