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Transforming Coleraine BID: 
A Digital Success Story

From 2019 to 2025, we worked alongside the Coleraine Business Improvement District (BID) to deliver a full suite of digital and creative services. We initiated and proposed many of the solutions that shaped how the organisation engages with its members and the wider community today.

Coleraine Business Improvement District

Radio Broadcasting & Public Audio System

Idea Initiated: We proposed the introduction of a 28-day FM licence to bring festive radio to the town centre during Christmas.

Implemented Outcomes:

  • A successful seasonal FM radio station broadcasting music, promotions, and community messages

  • Public enthusiasm led to a more permanent audio solution:

    • Year-round streaming via the town’s speaker system

    • Integration with Alexa and a web stream for home listeners

    • Easy management of audio content and promotions

Coleraine BID
Coleraine BID
Coleraine BID
Coleraine BID
Coleraine BID
Coleraine Business Improvement District

Website & Digital Member Hub

Idea Initiated: Prior to re-balloting for the second term, we recommended the development of a secure member portal to improve communication and content contribution.

Implemented Outcomes:

  • Management of the BID’s website and member interface

  • Creation of a self-service portal allowing businesses to:

    • Submit content for speaker broadcasts, events, and printed materials

    • Access newsletters and provide feedback

    • Engage with BID activities digitally

Social Media Growth / Newsletter Campaigns / Media

Idea Initiated: We advised on a consistent, value-driven content strategy to grow community reach.

Implemented Outcomes:

  • Full management of Coleraine BID’s social media accounts

  • Growth of Facebook following to over 10,000

  • Regular business spotlights, events coverage, and BID updates

  • Production and distribution of digital newsletters picked up by local press. Media distribution that published included Coleraine / Ballymoney / Ballycastle Chronicle, Newsletter, Coleraine Times, Love Ballymena, Fuse FM, Ballymoney Buzz, Love Belfast, Explore Causeway Coast & Glens, Causeway Coast Community and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council. 

Coleraine Business Improvement District
Coleraine Business Improvement District

Social Media Growth / Newsletter Campaigns / Media

Idea Initiated: We advised on a consistent, value-driven content strategy to grow community reach.

Implemented Outcomes:

  • Full management of Coleraine BID’s social media accounts

  • Growth of Facebook following to over 10,000

  • Regular business spotlights, events coverage, and BID updates

  • Production and distribution of digital newsletters picked up by local press. Media distribution that published included Coleraine / Ballymoney / Ballycastle Chronicle, Newsletter, Coleraine Times, Love Ballymena, Fuse FM, Ballymoney Buzz, Love Belfast, Explore Causeway Coast & Glens, Causeway Coast Community and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council. 

Coleraine Business Improvement District

Printed Magazine & Visual Content

Idea Initiated: We recommended launching a high-quality printed magazine to better represent local businesses and initiatives.  We recommended a freelancer at the time to take the project on. 

Implemented Outcomes:

  • Launch and editorial support of an award-winning Coleraine BID magazine

  • Photography and videography services covering:

    • Local events

    • Campaigns and community stories

    • Visual content for print and digital platforms

Extended Reach via External Platforms

Idea Initiated: We proposed leveraging our own media platform to promote BID content beyond Coleraine.

Implemented Outcomes:

  • Strategic content sharing via a third-party platform with over 120,000 followers

  • Amplified visibility across Northern Ireland and beyond

Coleraine Business Improvement District
Coleraine Business Improvement District

Extended Reach via External Platforms

Idea Initiated: We proposed leveraging our own media platform to promote BID content beyond Coleraine.

Implemented Outcomes:

  • Strategic content sharing via a third-party platform with over 120,000 followers

  • Amplified visibility across Northern Ireland and beyond

Coleraine Business Improvement District

Santa Experience Ticketing System

Idea Initiated: We identified and implemented an online ticketing solution for one of the town’s busiest events.

Implemented Outcomes:

  • Full setup and management of booking and payment system

  • Improved customer experience and operational flow

2024–2029 Strategic Service Agreement

Idea Initiated: As a key part of the planning process, we contributed to the long-term strategic vision for Coleraine BID’s digital communications.

Implemented Outcomes:
Under Explore Causeway Coast and Glens, members now receive:

  • Two articles and two social media posts per month

  • Unlimited event and job listings

  • Dedicated business landing pages

  • Continued promotional support

Business Plan Can Be Viewed Here
Coleraine Business Improvement District
Coleraine Business Improvement District

2024–2029 Strategic Service Agreement

Idea Initiated: As a key part of the planning process, we contributed to the long-term strategic vision for Coleraine BID’s digital communications.

Implemented Outcomes:
Under Explore Causeway Coast and Glens, members now receive:

  • Two articles and two social media posts per month

  • Unlimited event and job listings

  • Dedicated business landing pages

  • Continued promotional support

Business Plan Can Be Viewed Here
Coleraine Business Improvement District

Digital Skills Training Package

Idea Initiated: We developed a scalable way to build long-term digital skills in the local business community.

Implemented Outcomes:

  • On-demand, flexible training programme

  • Focus on organic digital growth

  • Built-in practical learning tools for busy business owners

A Long-Term Vision, Delivered

While we no longer take on freelance work, we are proud to continue delivering:

  • Ongoing digital marketing and training support

  • Strategic content and engagement tools

  • Long-term value through the 2024–2029 business plan

Business Plan Can Be Viewed Here
Coleraine Business Improvement District
Coleraine Business Improvement District

A Long-Term Vision, Delivered

While we no longer take on freelance work, we are proud to continue delivering:

  • Ongoing digital marketing and training support

  • Strategic content and engagement tools

  • Long-term value through the 2024–2029 business plan

Business Plan Can Be Viewed Here

What started as a freelance relationship evolved into a strategic partnership—with many of the most impactful ideas brought forward and executed under our guidance.

From seasonal radio to structured digital learning, the systems now in place are the result of consistent, forward-thinking collaboration with the Coleraine BID team.

Coleraine is now one of Northern Ireland’s most digitally engaged town centres—and we’re proud to have played a foundational role.

Pictures : The photographs feature members of Coleraine BID.