Sheffield BID Buddies come back to city and are the people who visitors will be welcomed by
The programme is about far more than visitor information
Whether someone arrives to shop, work, study, attend a conference or enjoy a day out, the welcome they receive can shape their experience and influence whether they return.
That is why Sheffield BID has recently relaunched its city centre welcome team, the BID Buddies, as part of a wider Visitor Welcome programme designed to help people make the most of their time in the city centre.
The programme is about far more than visitor information. It supports businesses by helping people discover more of what Sheffield city centre has to offer, encouraging exploration, improving accessibility and making it easier to navigate the city.
Many people will already be familiar with our Visitor Welcome Hub on Surrey Street, which is also home to Mobile Sheffield, the city’s mobility scooter and wheelchair hire service. The return of BID Buddies strengthens this offer, bringing a friendly presence to city centre streets seven days a week.
Diane Jarvis, CEO of Sheffield BID, said: ”Supporting visitors is also about supporting businesses. By making it easier for people to navigate the city centre and discover new places, we can encourage people to stay longer, explore more and support venues across the city centre.”
The BID Buddies provide directions, recommend shops, venues and events, help people access support services and gather feedback about the city centre experience. They also act as additional eyes and ears, reporting issues and helping us understand how people use the city centre.
Every conversation is an opportunity to introduce someone to an independent retailer, café, cultural venue, event or hidden gem they might otherwise have overlooked.
The programme also supports conference delegates, business visitors, hotel guests and students, helping them navigate the city centre and access services. Accessibility remains a central focus through Mobile Sheffield and the wider support offered by the welcome team.
Alongside the on-street welcome team and Visitor Welcome Hub, Sheffield BID’s website sheffieldcitycentre.com, helps people discover businesses, events, venues and city centre services before and during their visit, while the popular weekly What’s On newsletter keeps subscribers up to date with the latest events and activities across the city centre.
Looking ahead, the BID will expand its welcome offer with the introduction of a dedicated mobile welcome vehicle, taking information, accessibility support and concierge-style assistance directly to events, festivals and key arrival points across the city centre.
Under the banner of Experience Sheffield, the BID is bringing together its welcome, accessibility, information and digital services with a simple aim: to inform, inspire and assist people while supporting the businesses that make our city centre special.
A welcoming city centre benefits everyone. By helping people feel confident and informed during their visit, Sheffield BID is investing in a city centre that is accessible, welcoming and vibrant. In turn, businesses benefit from increased footfall, longer dwell time and stronger visitor experiences, helping Sheffield continue to grow as a destination for residents, workers, students and visitors alike.