Blackburn BID Business News & Events

Organisers of Blackburn in Bloom cannot be-leaf that they have been crowned winners of two categories in this year’s Britain in Bloom North West Awards.
At a prestigious ceremony in Southport, Blackburn in Bloom – a partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackburn BID, and the volunteers of Blackburn Horticultural Society – were crowned winners for the ‘town centre’ and ‘BID’ categories and went on to win ‘Best BID’.

A surge in new stalls opening in Blackburn Market and an increase in new trader enquiries is giving the town’s market extra choice and value for local shoppers.

Debenhams, based at The Mall Blackburn, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in the town.
The department store opened its doors on 17th October 1979 when bell-bottoms, platform shoes and mini skirts were all the rage the BBC sitcoms ‘Are You Being Served’ was popular on TV.

The Mall Blackburn is creating a spooktacular den of workshops, wizardry and wows to provide hours of free fun this Halloween!

Storytelling, treasure hunts, prizes and creepy crafts will all be available during 45 minute sessions from Monday 21st to Sunday 27th October.

“Booking someone’s holiday is like booking their dream,” says Michelle Riley, Manager at Althams Travel in Blackburn town centre.
This year, the company celebrates 145 years in business and, believe it or not, it started as a tea merchant!

Staff and retailers from The Mall Blackburn have raised over £1700 for the East Lancashire Hospice.

An independent fashion retailer in The Mall Blackburn has doubled the size of its store by moving to new premises in the centre.

Welcome to Paint the Town 2019… An exciting painting event based in Blackburn town centre, now in its fourth year!

Staff and retailers from The Mall Blackburn are taking on a marathon journey for East Lancashire Hospice.

Young creatives were given the opportunity to showcase their designs this weekend at the Festival of Making, sponsored by BID.

A new cinema and leisure area is set to change the face of Blackburn when it opens next April.

Film stars from across the decades packed into King George’s Hall to commend retailers from The Mall Blackburn!

VOLUNTEERS and staff from a range of businesses and organisations gave up part of their working day to take part in a community litter pick.

Blackburn with Darwen Dementia Action Alliance is calling on businesses in the Borough to follow the lead of the Blackburn branch of Santander and become a dementia friendly organisation by undertaking staff training and making some small changes to their premises

Blackburn’s Bureau Centre for the Arts has found a new base following the devastating fire which destroyed their former home.

As a busy summer for the town centre approaches, Blackburn BID are helping to organise a “Tidy Town Day” on Wednesday 5th June from 1pm.

The ‘Blackburn is Hiring’ event will be running for its third year this year and will take place on Thursday 19th September 2019.

The Mall Blackburn will be taken over by prehistoric mega-beasts this May half term!

A town centre pub that was once home to one of Blackburn’s newspapers has reopened after undergoing a £150,000 revamp.

Be part of the ‘Young Creators Market’ as part of the National Festival of Making on 15 & 16 June 2019!!

The organisers behind the Blackburn Festival of Light are celebrating their win in the Granada region’s People’s Project Award, thanks to the votes of local supporters.

The National Festival of Making has been awarded Arts Council England funding that will support the growth of the festival programme for the next 2 years

Blackburn Business Improvement District has announced the appointment of a new manager as they begin their second term supporting Blackburn Town Centre businesses.

Peter Jackson Jeweller enlists celebrity designer to launch student competition and find top talent

A charity Cheese and Wine Quiz organised by Napthens Solicitors has raised a staggering £2168 which will go towards Blackburn Youth Zone mentoring programme.

Only seven per cent of businesses in the North West have so far signed up to a new and easier way of keeping business records and submitting digital VAT returns – before its introduction from April.

From Monday 11th March until Wednesday April 10th the shopping centre is calling on shoppers to donate an Easter Egg at the Ask Me Point in Victoria Court.

Don’t miss the chance to enter into the HIVE Blackburn & Darwen Business Awards, submit your entry forms here.

Groundworks are in progress and have started to unearth the old Northgate section of Highway.

Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) is holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 27th February 2019 at The University Centre at Blackburn College.

Time is running out for not for profit organisations to apply to become The Mall Blackburn’s Charity of the Year!

Lancashire Police, along with partners, including health, local authorities, charities and faith groups, will be out in towns and cities across Lancashire w/c 28 January, to raise awareness of modern slavery and how it can affect the homeless and rough sleeping community.

The Mall Blackburn is looking for its next Charity of the Year as it celebrates a record-breaking period of fundraising for its current beneficiary!

We have an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to further their career and drive positive change in Blackburn’s award winning town centre.

JMWM Hussain Foundation has confirmed its continued financial support to Blackburn Youth Zone.

Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) are celebrating a “YES” vote from town centre businesses for five more years of investment. A massive 86% were in favour of continuing the work of the BID.

Blackburn was celebrating for the third year running when the town won three awards at the NW Britain in Bloom Awards, which were hosted in Southport on Friday 2nd November. The success of the partnership between Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council was recognised with Gold Medals in the Town / City Centre and BID […]

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen are appealing for befriending volunteers to support and visit older people in their local community.

The Blackburn Business Improvement District have announced a period of extended security support for key shopping areas of the town. The annual initiative has been extended this year to give retailers extra support in the busy shopping days running up to Christmas. The extra patrols will cover the Townsmoor area as well as key leisure destinations around Vue Cinema and […]

Blackburn businesses value marketing and promotional events that increase visitors into the town. We will work in partnership with a range of organisations to develop a calendar of events to attract visitors into the town centre. IF THE BID IS RENEWED WE WILL: Plan and deliver a range of high quality events in partnership with a range of organisations to […]

The giant YES, supporting the BID YES Vote is now out and about around the town. The giant letters will be visiting businesses, organisations and locations across the town over the coming weeks. If you want the ‘YES’ to visit your business to show your support contact us by email at info@blackburnbid.co.uk

Blackburn BID consulted widely with businesses earlier in the year and one of their top priorities was safety and security in the town centre. The BID have pledged to work with a range of partners to continue the work we have already begun As a result of the consultation process there is a demand for an increased security presence which […]

Blackburn has become well-known for the events organised and promoted by the Blackburn BID. Hundreds of thousands of visitors have enjoyed these landmark events and campaigns, along with other BID supported festivals such as the Festival of Making and the Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival. In 2018 visitors have already enjoyed a Vintage Carnival and still to come a full Christmas […]

Blackburn town centre businesses are being urged to vote ‘YES’ for a new term for Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID). The Blackburn BID comes to the end of its first five-year term at the end of 2018 and voting papers for a new term to run from 2019 are currently being delivered to around 350 town centre businesses. The Blackburn […]

The Blackburn BID has released a set of digital assets to help businesses get behind the Vote YES campaign. As ballot papers start to arrive with town centre businesses, you can show your support on social media, emails, websites and even your window displays. Visit the dedicated page or email info@blackburnbid.co.uk if you would like posters. Visit the VOTE YES […]

The Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) begins the next stage in its renewal process this week as a Consultation Prospectus is distributed to members.

The longest serving independent retailer in the shopping centre, is relocating to a bigger retail unit in Cobden Court from mid November in time for Christmas.

Blackburn BID’s latest newsletter has been sent to all BID members and is full of good news about the town and the work of the Business Improvement District. Highlights from the Summer Edition include: Blackburn town centre is looking cleaner, greener and more colourful again thanks to additional funding from the BID and the exceptional work of the council’s gardening […]

Blackburn’s Business Improvement District is launching a series of conversations with town centre businesses as they look to formulate a proposed business plan for the next 5 years.

Two new members were introduced to the Blackburn BID Executive Board at the Annual General Meeting of the Blackburn Town Centre Business Improvement District. Hannah Allen, Chief Executive of Blackburn Youth Zone and Eileen Murphy, Brand Ambassador for McDonalds were elected on to the committee responsible for delivering the 5 year plan for the Business Improvement District on behalf of […]

As part of the ‘Safe and Secure’ work stream of the Blackburn Blackburn Business Improvement District, the BID supports the running costs of the award winning, Blackburn Businesses Against Crime organisation in the town centre. This includes an online intelligence sharing, communication software platform which enables businesses and the police to share information to help report, detect and deter crime.

Amongst other topics, this will be the first discussion about entering the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards.

Happy New Year – at a time when we traditionally take stock and looking forward, I can’t believe how quickly time has flown and that we are already going into our fifth and final year. It’s hard to imagine that in 2013 when we began, much of the town was still a building site, the bus station, Cathedral Square, College, […]

Ideal for a sunshine-inspired Caribbean Christmas gift, a special thank you, or an island-inspired birthday present, this is the gift that keeps on giving – especially during 241 Happy Hour!

A scheme to bring flowers and foliage to Blackburn town centre has also resulted in flourishing new growth in membership for the Blackburn BID.

Blackburn BID area based charity Community CVS have been awarded over £300,000 (£313,595) from the Reaching Communities Big Lottery Fund

The Mall Blackburn has welcomed one of the UK’s most successful outdoor clothing retailers, Trespass, in another town first.

Blackburn’s food and drink offer is growing, with an increasing and ever more diverse range of places and spaces to enjoy a great cup of coffee.

A young man with a passion for healing has achieved his ambition of opening a new treatment room in Blackburn offering sport rehabilitation and massage.

The Parthenon Greek restaurant run by East Lancashire Deaf Society in Blackburn has a grand opening with traditional dance and Mediterranean food.

Local company Organic Insurance alongside Mortgage and Lending are the latest company to make One Cathedral Square, Blackburn their new base.

A national company with offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Blackburn’s new Cathedral Quarter are hoping that they can bring more jobs to the area.

The Mall Blackburn is treating Sunday shoppers to a whole host of FREE gifts worth up to £100 throughout Spring and Summer.

The Mall Blackburn is calling for Lancashire shoppers to have their say on their favourite Mall stores by voting in this year’s prestigious Mall Retailer Awards.

Members of the public, stall holders, shoppers and those from outside of Blackburn have an opportunity to find out why Blackburn won the Great British High Street Awards.

Blackburn BID publishes its Annual Report and sets out plans for 2017 The Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) has published its 2016 Annual Report which tells the incredible story with photographs showing how the town came together to win national acclaim as Town Centre of the Year and crowned overall winner in the Great British High Street Awards. The report […]

Led by the Hive business leader’s network, the Awards will take place on Wednesday 10 May at the magnificent King George’s Hall.

The Annual General Meeting of the Blackburn Town Centre Business Improvement District is to be held.

The Mall Blackburn is on the hunt for a proactive, not for profit organisation to become its Charity of the Year for 2017.

Turtle Bay is coming to the town’s Cathedral Square and is set to open its doors, bringing a new, vibrant and delicious Caribbean dining and drinking experience.

Capita Local Government has announced today that it has completed its move into One Cathedral Square in Blackburn.

The Mall Blackburn has gained national recognition for its outstanding customer service after achieving WorldHost status.

Christmas shoppers in The Mall Blackburn are now spoilt for choice when it comes to tasty treats.

The newest addition to Blackburn’s resurgent nightlife will transport customers to altogether more tropical climes.

Doughnut fans in Blackburn will be licking their lips in anticipation this New Year, as premium doughnut retailer Krispy Kreme opens a new store at The Mall shopping centre.

Retail giant Wilko is set to make its Blackburn debut at The Mall after signing a ten-year lease on the shopping centre’s former BHS store.

Major coffee shop chain Costa Coffee has opened the doors to its second store in The Mall Blackburn.

Blackburn’s creative technology hub, The Making Rooms, has appointed a new manager.

A long established charity in Blackburn is developing the cheapest catering service in Lancashire in order to reach out to more of the deaf community. 

The Mall Blackburn is being infused with the delicious aroma of freshly baked muffins thanks to the opening of the new Muffin Break eatery.

To get your Christmas projects started, Hobkirk are offering 25% off all of their Christmas Fabrics both online and in-store.

As friends of the Blackburn BID you are invited to an exclusive sale at Debenhams.

With temperatures in Lancashire set to hover in the mid teens The Mall Blackburn is inviting youngsters enjoy its stunning traditional seaside getaway.

Debenhams, Blackburn Town Centre are gearing up to launch an exclusive range designed by Savannah Miller for AW16.

A BLACKBURN-based opticians has added £100,000 of eye technology to its centre.

A NEW business specialising in baby accessories and children’s clothing is the latest addition to Blackburn Market.

Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival will launch with a spectacular Preview event with celebrity chief Nigel Howarth.

New opening times for The Refreshment Bar, Northgate.

A national fresh meat and food to go retailer who created eighteen jobs in Blackburn town centre.

New ladies salon to open in Grade II listed building on Church St.

Blackburbn’s Fleming Square hidden gems revealed.

A well-loved independent coffee shop filled with quirky mugs, handmade food and fresh coffee is the latest business to join Blackburn’s high street.

Good friends open an exclusive hair and beauty salon in the heart of the Blackburn BID area.

Restaurant group Ed’s Easy Diner have opened their 36th diner at The Mall Shopping Centre in Blackburn.

One of Blackburn’s elite retailers is bringing stylish designers and cult brands for children to Blackburn’s high street.

The Greedy Fox provides East Lancashire and beyond with a new concept and late night dining option.

Get ready for a new retail homewares experience coming to Blackburn.

Bringing some 1950’s fun to Blackburn is Ed’s Easy Diner at The Mall Shopping Centre

One of the UK’s largest franchised flooring and bed retailers have opened a store close to Blackburn town centre.

Spanish perfumery, Equivalenza, open a new store in Blackburn’s popular shopping centre.

Artists have launched a new pop-up shop selling unique handmade items in Blackburn town centre.

One of the UK’s leading fragrance retailers will open its doors in The Mall Blackburn.

A luxurious artisan chocolate shop overflowing with unique delights is set to open in Blackburn town centre.

The UK’s largest independent music retailer is opening its sixth store in The Mall Blackburn.

Oddies the family craft bakery based in Nelson are expanding their empire of shops with an additional outlet in Blackburn Town Centre.

A cake stall arrives in Blackburn Market as part of the support packages given for new start ups.

A new boutique selling Italian handmade fashion has opened a shabby-chic shop on Blackburn’s Cathedral Quarter.

Experienced Barber has worked in the industry for 10 years before fulfilling his dream and opening a stylish barber shop and shaving parlour.

The newest addition to the Kings Barber Club chain of traditional barbers is situated under The Cotton Exchange Blackburn.

Businesses wanted the BID to develop initiatives to attract new businesses to the area, filling empty shops and premises to create a thriving mix of shops, restaurants and businesses. Working with Stakeholders The BID has worked with the Council, property agents and landlords to attract businesses to Blackburn town centre. As part of the BID website development, a comprehensive register […]

The BID aims to improve the appearance of the area by investing in measures to reduce litter, graffiti and fly posts, raising standards of cleanliness and creating a cleaner and greener environment for employees, residents and visitors. Improvement Programme We have worked with resident businesses to identify specific areas of the town centre which give a negative image, lobbying businesses, […]

A safe and secure Blackburn town centre is an essential requirement for businesses. The BID works closely with Blackburn Businesses Against Crime group, Lancashire Police and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Community Safety team to promote a joined up approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and environmental crime. Police Community Support Officers The BID has supported the recruitment and […]

Our key aim is to market and promote Blackburn as East Lancashire’s centre for retail, leisure and business.