Harborne Village BID has announced the launch of the “Harborne Hub,” an innovative digital platform designed to support local businesses and community engagement.
Powered by Loqiva, the Harborne Hub offers a seamless experience for residents and visitors, featuring a comprehensive local app that connects users to everything Harborne has to offer. For businesses, the hub provides powerful e-commerce and marketing tools, while the BID team gains access to advanced analytics and communication capabilities.
Kate Smart, Town Centre Manager of Harborne Village BID, emphasised the impact of this new platform:
“When we set out our business plan for the second term of the BID, one of our core promises was to offer new and effective ways for businesses to promote themselves, while showcasing Harborne as a vibrant place to live, shop, and socialise. The Harborne Hub not only delivers on these promises, but exceeds expectations. It’s the ultimate one-stop shop for everything happening in our community.”
Harborne is an affluent suburb to the south west of Birmingham with its own unique character. The area is surrounded by beautiful parks, and has developed into a bustling commercial centre while still managing to retain the charm of a village community.
Harborne is known for its mix of businesses that rival the city centre with a wide range of independents and quality chain stores, such as Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Waterstones and Oliver Bonas. The area is also a rising star in the foodie scene, with award-winning gastro pubs and three Michelin recommended restaurants all within walking distance. The wider area is also home to the nationally renowned Queen Elizabeth Hospital, while the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University campuses are all on its doorstep giving Harborne Village a truly vibrant local community.
Throughout the year, Harborne Village BID organises highly anticipated events such as “Harborne Lights Up,” the annual Christmas light switch-on, the Harborne Village Fete, and the monthly Harborne Market. With the launch of the Harborne Hub, these beloved events, along with popular local trails like the “Harborne Pumpkin Parade” and the “Harborne Mile” pub crawl, will be more accessible than ever via the new app.
Barry Conlon, Co-Founder of Loqiva, shared his excitement about the collaboration:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Kate and the team at Harborne Village BID. Their vision for the Harborne Hub is full of creativity and ambition. This digital transformation will provide lasting benefits for local businesses and the community.”
The Harborne Hub app will be soft launched to businesses in October 2024, with public availability soon to follow, for more updates on the app please visit Harborne Village social media platforms.