Steve Kent, Chair of Boscombe Traders Association, has been nominated and short-listed for a National Volunteer of the Year Award! Boscombe Traders Association is a constituted group made up of local businesses within the Boscombe area. The group was originally started in the 1990’s but had fallen into decline as the fortunes of the area declined. With the input of Neighbourhood Management the group was restarted in 2005 as it was felt that engagement with local businesses was an integral part of the regeneration of the business community and specifically in the economic development of the area. Steve became Chair in January 2008 and has since trebled the membership and re-energised the group.
Steve has created opportunities for shoppers to return to Boscombe, has made the area feel cleaner, tidier and safer and has encouraged traders to work together for the benefit of everyone and to form themselves into a group who are working together to improve Boscombe.
The National Association for Neighbourhood Management Awards 2008 took place on the 22nd of October in Nottingham. Only 3 people were short listed for the award, from a total of over 500 entries. The award recognises a resident who has made the most significant contribution to the development or success of their NM team or their Local Community. This was a fantastic accolade for the hard work and long hours that Steve puts in to support Boscombe and we were delighted that Steve’s hard work was recognized when he received a Highly Commended Award. The NANM team were so impressed with him that they asked if he would be willing to give advice to other areas, and will be contacting him to see if he is able to attend future conferences.
Below are some examples of Steve’s work in trying to invigorate the area:
Steve has developed a monthly Boscombe Business Newsletter which is distributed to 300 businesses in the area to keep them up to date with news, information and create a forum for developing new ideas to re-invigorate Boscombe. Steve takes the photos, writes the articles, creates and designs the layout, finds sponsorship to cover the costs of printing and then hand delivers the newsletters to all the businesses. This gives him an opportunity to engage with traders to listen to their concerns and then contact whichever agency is responsible for solutions to these barriers to success.
Steve has worked with local traders to encourage cafes and take-aways to put litter bins outside their establishments to reduce littering.
Steve has actively campaigned for initiatives to reduce ant-social behaviour, including street drinking, aggressive begging and retail crime. This has included close working with the Council, CCTV, Street Wardens, Police, Neighbourhood Management and Local Councillors to find a way to reduce problems.
Steve was instrumental in organising ‘Go Green in Boscombe’ turning the precinct into a garden centre for the day, together with a busking competition on the precinct
Steve used the profits from ‘Go Green in Boscombe’ to kick start fundraising for Boscombe in Bloom. All 18 pedestals throughout the precinct were planted up with summer bedding to improve the appearance of the precinct. Steve has since applied for and been awarded an environmental small grant on behalf of the Traders Association to plant up the pedestals with winter bedding. The planting was done by pupils form Bethany and St. Clements CoE School. The planters are now in-situ ensuring that the precinct stays colourful and vibrant through the cold winter months. | 
