At the start of the Lockdown in March 2020, we launched the “Ilkley To You” campaign which was aimed at supporting the local businesses who were able to continue trading during the coronavirus pandemic with the message ‘If you can’t come to Ilkley, let Ilkley come to you!’
The main goal of this campaign was to encourage the local community to continue using our local shops, restaurants and services as much as possible during the lockdown period. By doing this we hoped the businesses in Ilkley would have a much better chance of getting back to normal as quickly as possible.
The initial key priorities were setting up a directory website with supporting Facebook and Instagram channels.
A press release was published in the Ilkley Gazette, a billboard advertisement was on display on Leeds Road and the BID team worked continously on social media marketing and supporting the retailers and hospitality that were still operating during lockdown.
The BID were constantly active on Social Media posting and sharing the services of BID businesses. Promoting and marketing the town 7 days a week.
Insulated food delivery bags were offered to restuarants who were quickly adjusting their business model to a food delivery service and the BID offered to fund the first £75 in delivery fees to assist the hospitality businesses.
The IlkleyToYou website has now evolved and is re-directed to the Discover Ilkley website.
Julie Mountain, Cafe J & J Reserve
Sam Wagstaff, Emporio Italia
