The River Wandle was once known as the hardest working river in Europe and remains an important focus of employment with its concentration of business estates and town centres. To this day, ca.30% of London's manufacturing base is located in the Wandle Valley.
As part of the Wandle Valley Regional Park there is the need for pro bono support from any company able to help the partnership build a brand - logo and marketing strategy .
From engagement with businesses/business support organisations to date, key aims and recommendations for the Wandle Valley Regional Park (WVRP) are as follows:
Aims:
- That WVRP should be a place that residents and businesses can feel proud of, that attracts & retains businesses and where nature and public realm interface.
- To make WVRP a place where there is better connectivity & legibility. To include: signage, interpretation, and transport links for businesses, residents & visitors and to provide the opportunity for safe & enjoyable walking, cycling, and driving.
- To improve, create, & connect up existing, green space to make high quality networks that are sustainable and bring aesthetic & health benefits to people in WVRP.
- Develop a strong identity for WVRP that people recognise and identify with.
- Create a safe environment for visitors and residents.
- Develop and enhance existing business networks.
Recommendations:
- To work on brand identity, marketing and communications strategy by identify funding to develop this work.
- Identify and use all existing networks, databases and events that businesses have (South London Partnership etc) to develop comprehensive marketing information & promote the project.
- Town Centre Managers & Economic Development Officers should be very involved and embed the WVRP project in action plans and other strategy documents.
- Big business in the area could become involved in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) projects.
- Develop specific opportunities for businesses to get involved in the Wandle Valley Festival through attendance, sponsorship, selling, award/prize giving, catering, & printing.
- Create a Young Entrepreneurs event – pitching ideas to mentor business people.
Anyone, whether a business, agency or individual, who wishes to be involved in taking forward these recommendations can get in touch at wvrp@groundwork.org.uk or call 020 8687 4050
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