Our local heroes.

In early July our blog was about how towns & cities across the UK with a strong local identity were recovering faster than many from the pandemic. We even suggested this may make them more resilient during the predicted recession that’s on everyone’s minds.

Why is that? Well feeling part of something, a sense of belonging is crucial to our life satisfaction, happiness, mental & physical health and even longevity. It gives us a sense of purpose & meaning. Maslow felt it was of such importance that he placed belongingness just above physiological & safety, in his Hierarchy of Needs. This stuff really matters!

We Are Acuity are delighted to be part of a town with a strong identity, Watford. Thankfully the town’s success is supported by a forward-thinking Watford Borough Council & an active Watford BID both of whom value local business as integral to its success as a destination & a place to call home.

With the advent of hybrid work, staying local is the new normal. That gives places with a strong local community a huge advantage when it comes to attracting skilled professionals. How do you build that strong community? Well local icons play a key part. Whether people, places, or businesses. For Watford it’s all there.

A prominent & inclusive sports club helps. Thanks Watford Football Club.

A great business community both with the town Watford & West Herts Chamber of Commerce, the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Hertfordshire Growth Hub.

Some amazing local industries & businesses Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, J D Weatherspoons & Wenzel's the Bakers Ltd. (those are just the ones beginning with a W).

Awesome local charities Goods For Good Watford Women's Centre, educational centres of excellence West Herts College, buzzing transport links with Watford Junction & Watford Met Transport for London & a bustling shopping centre atria Watford and the wonderful High Street.

In fact, there’s even more with a great restaurant scene, thriving night life PRYZM Kingston & entertainment Watford Palace Theatre & beautiful amenities like Cassiobury Park. Then there’s the people - Elton John, Anthony Joshua, Naughty Boy & Geri Halliwell. The list just goes on and on but I’m running out of space…

It’s not just as simple as that though. One of the things that makes Watford successful, is it recognises the value in local icons in building our community. This was proven in 2020 when we were asked by Watford BID to create a pop-up art gallery that connected locals & visitors alike to the pride & passion of Watford! If you’d like to read how we brought our local icons to life in an immersive gallery experience, you can find the case study here.

The town’s motto is ‘Be Bold’ and it seems to be working. Well done Watford for being so awesome and for really understanding #local.

If you'd like to find out more about how to activate your brand with local audiences, improving relevancy and connection get in touch with We Are Acuity. You can book a FREE 30 minute chat here.

Or if you'd like to read more about Local Marketing have a look at our blog page "Local Thinking': https://www.weareacuity.com/local-thinking-our-blog

#marketing #local #destination #hertfordshire