A Penrith business group is delighted to have taken a step towards helping promote what the town has to offer.
Over the last couple of weeks local contractors Metcalfe Plant Hire and AST Signs have been hard at work installing brand-new signage at the entrances to Penrith Business Parks — the promotional brand created by Penrith Industrial Business Improvement District (BID).
Perth Business Parks were looking at outsourcing graphics design for this project, so the concept for each sign was created by Ellis Graphic Design of Penrith.
Free support was provided by various local businesses — Manning Elliott supplied the architectural drawings, Planning Branch consulted with the planning and Highways departments, and prepared and submitted the planning applications for the signage.
Two of the signs have also been housed in locally sourced sandstone planters, donated by Cumbrian Stone and AW Jenkinson donated soil and bark to fill the planters so they can be planted and provide seasonal colour.
Each sign has been fully paid for by local businesses, in the hope that they can be utilised as part of a wider marketing campaign to promote what Penrith has to offer.
The Industrial BID was formed in October, 2018, following a majority vote in favour of the creation of a BID from businesses across Penrith Industrial Estate, Gilwilly Industrial Estate and Eden Business Park.
It is managed by a board of five volunteer directors, all of whom own or manage businesses within Penrith business parks.
The BID is funded through a levy paid by each business which is used to finance key projects across the area, with a strong focus on specific priorities identified by these businesses.
These priorities currently include marketing, security and improving the overall appearance of the BID area.
Alongside the new signs, October saw over 29,000 homes and businesses across the Eden Valley receive a copy of the new Penrith Business Parks Directory.
Funded by Penrith Industrial BID, this directory contains details of all the businesses within Penrith Business Parks and the services they offer.
The directory was produced by local designer H&H Reeds and local printer Penrith Posters thanks to support from Penrith Town Council which assisted in providing access to EU grant funding for part of this project.
Boosted by the local communities’ increased desire to shop locally, this directory helps inform local residents about the fantastic range of businesses available to shop and do business within Penrith Business Parks.
Sam Morris, current chairman of Penrith Industrial BID, extended thanks to all of the local organisations which have helped make these signs possible.
“Without the hard work and dedication from the BID directors, along with support from Eden District Council, Penrith Town Council and the Highways Department it would not have been possible to get this project off the ground, and it has been a real pleasure to work alongside so many local suppliers to help market Penrith Business Parks across Eden.
“Over the last two years I’ve personally seen how much hard work has been invested by everyone involved with the creation of the Penrith Business Parks brand, and I hope that we can continue to use this platform to support local businesses over the coming years.”
