GO! Southampton BID members can save on core business costs via our independent Business Cost Reduction Service. Your business could save annually on your electric, gas, merchant fees, water and telecoms.
The experts in our Savings Team will analyse your recent bills in confidence to assess where your business could be saving.
GO! Southampton represents businesses, providing a united voice on local and national issues.
We continue to lobby on behalf of our members for a safer, cleaner and greener city. We also lobby for financial support and on issues which impact our businesses.
Past success includes:
We secured removal of the Late-Night Levy – saving businesses in the night-time economy
£67k each year.
More than 70 businesses shaped the BID’s response to the Local Plan consultation – which focuses on how land should be used and sets standards for new
developments.
We’ve represented businesses at forums, including Southampton Connect and the Safe City
Partnership.
If your sector is suffering from an issue which could benefit from businesses lobbing together, get in touch.
This service is to help businesses which feel they are paying too much in Business Rates or have any other valuation enquiry. Businesses will receive a free consultation to advise them on their options.
GO! Southampton also work with the Business Rates Advisor to track down properties in the BID area which could be paying more than they need to. This might be because neighbour businesses have recently had their business rates lowered, businesses which are missing out of rates relief, or correcting rateable value or property descriptions which are incorrect.
Contact info@gosouthampton.co.uk to be connected to an advisor. There is no obligation to use the advisor for any other service.
Data - Footfall and Spend
Data - Footfall and Spend
GO! Southampton has worked with Southampton City Council to install footfall cameras across the city centre and district centres. GO! Southampton also works with Beauclair to obtain spend data about the city centre performance. We share this data with BID businesses regularly via our business bulletins.
If you do not receive our business bulletins (please check your junk) email us at marketing@gosouthampton.co.uk to be added.
For live footfall data in the city centre, click here.
If you would like any other specific footfall data, please email us at info@gosouthampton.co.uk.
Job Vacancy Advertising
Are you hiring? Your BID can help promote your role.
Reach potential candidates through our job board which is specifically for city centre live vacancies: www.gosouthampton.co.uk/jobs
There would be little point in us managing a job board and not spreading the word! We therefore promote the Jobs Board and your vacancies at job fairs, student fairs, through the Job Centre, we inform our city partners, and we promote across various social media channels, maximising visibility.
To promote your roles, tell us about your live vacancy by completing this online form. Benefit from our extensive network and attract the right talent to join your team.
The city's skills agenda:
It is important that your BID plans for the future, to make sure your business has strong candidates going forward. For this reason, GO! Southampton is invested in the local skills agenda, committed to relaying the business needs and promoting the city, and our industries to the workforce of tomorrow.
Make sure your GO! Southampton BID is able to represent your industry, by keeping us in the loop of any skills requirement changes and industry standard developments. Email gemma.pratt@gosouthampton.co.uk.
Business Training Hub
Business Training Hub
Business Training Hub offers exclusive access to over 200 courses for BID member businesses and their staff at no cost. The diverse range of subjects includes Customer Service, Retail Management, Microsoft Excel, and Mental Health First Aid. This comprehensive platform empowers businesses to enhance their employees' skill sets, fostering professional growth and efficiency.
By equipping staff with vital expertise, the Business Training Hub aims to drive improved customer interactions, streamlined retail operations, and proficient use of software tools like Microsoft Excel. Additionally, the inclusion of Mental Health First Aid courses demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring a holistic approach to workforce development.
GO! Southampton works with a range of partners to curate events across the city to attract visitors to the city and to extend their dwell time.
Previous events have included:
Christmas Light Switch On
Family trails
Re:Claim Street Festival
Seaside in the Square
Comedy Central
Coffee Week
Foodie Fortnight
To get involved with future events, please email info@gosouthampton.co.uk and keep an eye on our regular bulletins for the latest opportunities. You can also help shape our future events programme by joining our theme groups.
Business Events
Business Events
GO! Southampton run a number of business events across the year, from project consultations and crime intelligence briefings, to mental health training courses and workshops.
Our quarterly City Networking events are in partnership with Unity 101. Check the events calendar to see what is coming up.
Our business bulletins include the latest BID updates as well as local and national news for businesses. This is a great way to stay up to date with the events and training available for you to attend. If you do not receive these (please check your junk) email us at marketing@gosouthampton.co.uk to be added.
GO! Southampton actively supports third-party events that deliver economic benefits for BID businesses and increase footfall into the city.
In 2023, GO! Southampton will support the following events:
Southampton Chinese New Year
Southampton Mela
Party in the Park 2023
Southampton Pride 2023
Bedford Place Summer Festival
Music in the City
Black Business Arts Music Festival (BBAM)
Southampton Film Week
Public Realm Enhancements
Public Realm Enhancements
Over the last few years GO! Southampton has animated the public realm by collaborating with local partner agencies, landlords, local artists and designers. We have been able to spruce up vacant property windows, to make them more attractive to potential buys whilst also bringing to life public furniture and spaces. Projects to date have included:
If your have a vacant property or would like to know more about animating your business whilst supporting local artists, email us at info@gosouthampton.co.uk.
Event Sponsorship
Event Sponsorship
GO! Southampton is committed to supporting events of all sizes hosted in the city centre. To help events to grow and thrive, we have created a sponsorship scheme that will offer financial support to organisers. This current scheme runs from 1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025, offers organisers two different types of grants to apply for:
Our Southampton Business Crime Partnership (SBCP) scheme builds on the work we have achieved to date with our Case File Builders, aiming to create a safer city centre by reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
The SBCP improves the collation of crime intelligence across both daytime and night-time economies, through our dedicated crime-reporting portal and our new radio scheme in the city.
Access to DISC Levy payers can access DISC, an online portal which has updated information about offenders in the city, alerts on live incidents, community news as well as other local crime intelligence. There is also an events section that highlights available crime related training for businesses and monthly crime intelligence briefings. This platform is exclusively free for levy payers. If you would like to sign up, email sbcp@gosouthampton.co.uk with your organisation’s name and our team will add you to the portal.
Radio Scheme Businesses can hire radios, which will connect you to the City Watch CCTV control room should there be a need for additional visual support or security footage of an incident on a premise. Any calls made via the radios will be picked up by our security team who will be able to provide onsite support if the incident is reported during their working hours. Radios can be hired for £5 + VAT per week, paid in quarterly instalments. For more information about the radios, get in touch with us at sbcp@gosouthampton.co.uk or to hire a radio please contact M.R.S. Communications via email sales@mrscomms.co.uk.
Southampton Hate Crime Network/ Victim Support GO! Southampton is a member of the Southampton Hate Crime Network (Spectrum), a network partnership of over 40 organisations that work together to provide support for Hate Crime victims and helps to raise awareness across the city. Find our more information, and access resources regarding victim support here.
Business Crime Resources We have compiled resources to help businesses keep themselves and their staff safe. See more information here. This includes information on:
Crowded Place Guidance
Counter Terrorism Awareness Training
Mitigating the risk of exportation
Safe Places National Network
Licensing Link
Licensing Link
GO! Southampton runs and manages the Licensing Link network. We host quarterly Licensing Link meetings, which allow the evening and night-time economy businesses to come together with GO! Southampton, the Southampton City Council’s licensing team and Hampshire Constabulary’s licensing team to discuss opportunities to support the sector and ways to overcome challenges.
Access to DISC
Levy payers can access DISC, an online portal which has updated information about offenders in the city, alerts on live incidents, community news as well as other local crime intelligence. There is also an events section that highlights available crime related training for businesses and quarterly Licensing Link meetings. This platform is exclusively free for levy payers. If you would like to sign up, email sbcp@gosouthampton.co.uk with your organisation’s name and our team will add you to the portal.
Licensed venues outside of the GO! Southampton area can join DISC for £150+VAT per annum.
Radio Scheme
Businesses can hire radios, which will connect you to the City Watch CCTV control room should there be a need for additional visual support or security footage of an incident on a premise. Radios can be hired for £5 + VAT per week, paid in quarterly installments, plus a £150+VAT deposit is required for nighttime economy businesses. For more information about the radios, get in touch with us at sbcp@gosouthampton.co.uk or to hire a radio please contact M.R.S. Communications via email sales@mrscomms.co.uk.
Our security team patrol the BID area and support businesses seven days a week, including vehicle patrols. Businesses can contact the team on 07725 737236 or through the Southampton Business Crime Partnership radio scheme. Their working hours are Monday - Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Cleaning - Graffiti Removal
Cleaning - Graffiti Removal
GO! Southampton’s cleaning team works in partnership with Southampton City Council to provide additional services that go above and beyond the statutory duties of the council. This includes graffiti removal.
We understand the frustration of unsolicited tags defacing your establishment, diverting your focus from core operations. Our dedicated cleaning team is here to swiftly remove graffiti for you.
To benefit from this invaluable service, simply reach out to our efficient Ranger, Debbi Martin, at rangers@gosouthampton.co.uk or call 078 11 974 093. Let us safeguard your business image while you concentrate on your mission.
Cleaning - Hot Washing
Cleaning - Hot Washing
GO! Southampton’s cleaning team works in partnership with Southampton City Council to provide
additional services that go above and beyond the statutory duties of the council. This includes hot washing of doorways.
Cleaning unwelcome 'human waste' from your doorways is not pleasant or safe for you and your team. Our cleaning team have all the equipment and knowledge to have this removed for you, so you can get back to running your business.
If your business needs this services, Debbi Martin our Ranger can report this to our cleaning team for removal. Please contact Debbi Martin, Ranger; rangers@gosouthampton.co.uk or call 078 11 974 093.
50% off Recycling Costs
Recycling Scheme
What is the Waste Recycling savings scheme?
GO! Southampton has partnered with Southampton City Council to offer savings* on your business’ dry mixed recycling and to help reduce the levels of general waste reaching landfill.
BID levy payers will benefit from:
Significant savings on dry mixed recycling rates
A reduction in general waste through increased recycling
Customer-focused crews providing a friendly and helpful service
Dedicated recycling waste collection crew
Local employees with local knowledge
No hidden charges – bins provided free of charge
Fully licensed and legally compliant waste carrier and disposal agent
As more businesses will be starting to reopen in the coming months, now may be the ideal time to assess your costs and sign up to our scheme to help save your business money which can support your recovery.
Levy payers signed up have saved on average £1,048 per business on their recycling costs.
Start saving in 3 simple steps
Sign the Waste Transfer Agreement with Southampton City Council
Send the signed agreement with required ID
Sign up for scheduled collections
Containers and Collections
The type of container and frequency of collection will depend upon the needs of your business. We offer a range of sizes and quantities of bins. Our bins will be supplied as part of the agreement with no additional hire charge and they will be replaced if damage is caused due to normal wear and tear.
Quote: We will send you the latest prices for the Southampton City Council’s waste recycling service – including confirmation of your potential savings.
Complete: If interested, we will send you a Waste Transfer Agreement and Direct Debit form to complete, where you will have to select the bin size, preferred day of collection, collection frequency (daily, weekly or fortnightly) and number of collections. You will also need to provide copies of the relevant ID.
You can also sign up for residual waste and glass collections at the same time, if you want one supplier for all the services.
Collections: Southampton City Council will process your application. They will then begin collecting/ continue collecting your recycling, at the lower price.
GO! Southampton does not receive referral costs. We will not push you to sign up. We just want to offer you savings. If you would like to join, return the form.
*Savings available for GO! Southampton levy payers only. Caps and fair use policy apply.
FAQ
Can I pay annually?
The GO! Southampton discount makes the yearly cost extremely low and we are often asked if this can be paid in one go. Yes, this is possible. Once you have received the first invoice, you can call the number on the invoice and put down a payment on your account. These funds will sit on your account and come off month by month as invoices are raised. You will need to call the debtors team and speak to an agent to do this as it would confuse the system if you tried to do this online.
Testimonials
Caroline French
Managing Director, W. J. French & Son “I am really happy with the Recycling scheme. For £4 a week we get a large 1100L recycling bin that is collected weekly and excellent value for money.
Its great to know that we can be more of a sustainable business and it frees up the space in our general rubbish bin which is more cost effective.”
*Prices quoted above are correct as of June 2021.
BID members are entitled to a 50% saving off their dry mixed recycling costs.
Email us at recycling@gosouthampton.co.uk to sign up or for more information.
Environmental Reporting / Other Cleaning
Environmental Reporting
Environmental issues such as dangerous pavements slabs, fly tipping on public land and dirty sidewalks impact your business and the city as a whole.
Our ranger service quickly became an identifiable and valuable city centre resource. Debbi works passionately to support businesses. Some of her work includes:
Reporting city centre issues in public spaces to key partners and stakeholders
who can act on them (e.g. Southampton City Council and Hampshire Constabulary).
Carrying out visits to our levy payers to let them know about BID initiatives and how they
can get involved.
Welcoming visitors to Southampton and offering city centre information.
Acting as human signposts, directing people to where they need to get to.
Gathering data of customer profiles and how the city centre is being used.
GO! Southampton’s cleaning team works in partnership with Southampton City Council to provide
additional services that go above and beyond the statutory duties of the council. They can also remove hazardous materials such as used needles.
If you need any environment issue reported, please contact Debbi Martin, Ranger; rangers@gosouthampton.co.uk or call 078 11 974 093.
Marketing
Visit Southampton Promotion [Website and Social]
Visit Southampton Promotion [Website and Social]
Promote your business through the Visit Southampton channels and reach millions of visitors.
GO! Southampton, in partnership with Southampton City Council, run and manage the Visit Southampton channels, the primary destination channel for Southampton. Through these channels we can support consumer-facing levy payers in the following ways:
Business listing
Submit a free business listing to feature on the Visit Southampton website. Fill out the form here.
To amend your current listing, or for more information about being added, contact info@gosouthampton.co.uk
Content
Feature your business in a blog post related to a specific theme/holiday which is promoted on our wider channels
Social
We can create dedicated social media posts promoting an event, new product, or to simply shout out about how fantastic your business is. We can also reshare your content if you tag Visit Southampton or send us a link
Throughout the year we work on a number of seasonal marketing campaigns which look to raise Southampton’s profile as a visitor destination and showcase the city’s offering during the relevant period.
Within these campaigns we aim to involve as many consumer-facing businesses as we can through paid advertising, competitions, blog posts and much more.
Email us at content@gosouthampton.co.uk to find out how you can get involved in upcoming campaigns to push your product/service to a wider audience.
Introduced in 2021, The SO Card by GO! Southampton emerged as a powerful promotional tooI for businesses in Southampton to provide an offer to local residents and workers.
This physical card enables customers to redeem offers, discounts, packages and experiences in your business. All offers are hosted on visitsouthampton.co.uk/offers and are completely free for customers and businesses to use. The card ran for an initial three-month trial period (June – August 2021) after which we decided to extend and promote to specific audiences throughout the year.
The card was initially distributed to 117,000 households in Southampton in June, with a digital version available online to download. In September we printed a further 20,000 and promoted the card to the thousands of students who were new, or returning to the city.
This is a fantastic (and free) opportunity for you to not only provide an offer to a wider audience but raise your brands profile to new customers. Using the SO card can also help you can more customers when you are quieter (for example during the week or at lunchtimes).
If you would like to provide an offer, promotion, experience or package for the SO card please get in touch with us at marketing@gosouthampton.co.uk
Free Photography Shoot
Photography Opportunity
For many consumer-facing businesses, especially those in hospitality/retail, having a strong bank of professional photos of their products/services can be key to attracting customers, particularly through their website and social media channels.
We understand that some businesses may not have the resources to facilitate this, so we want to offer our members the opportunity to work with a professional photographer to get them what they need to kickstart their business post-pandemic.
If you are a levy payer in the hospitality/retail sector with no previous professional photography and would be interested in a free-half day photography session please get in touch with Flo Bevis at flo.bevis@gosouthampton.co.uk to discuss further details.
PR Opportunities
PR Opportunities
We are working with PR agency Blakeborough on ways we can reach regional and national audiences outside Hampshire to raise Southampton’s profile as a visitor destination. Activity will be focused around creating meaningful and relevant press releases for national publications, responding to media queries and securing press trips for a variety of different journalists across the year.
If you are interested in hosting journalists in your venue or offering something to them please get in touch with Flo Bevis at flo.bevis@gosouthampton.co.uk
The So SO Show Podcast
Share your news through the So SO Show Podcast
GO! Southampton is the headline sponsor of the newly formed So SO Show Podcast, a weekly look into all the positive things happening in Southampton. We are sponsoring the podcast under our Visit Southampton consumer brand and have the opportunity to work with the hosts (Zoe Hanson and Simon Clarke) on the content that gets aired.
As part of our partnership, we can feature businesses if there is something 'newsworthy' happening. For example, if a new business is opening, has won an award or has a special event coming up. If you would like to get involved and feature on the podcast please get in touch with our Marketing Manager Flo at flo.bevis@gosouthampton.co.uk