About Experience Esher.
Experience Esher is the new Business Improvement District (BID) for Esher - a business-led, not-for-profit initiative created to help our town thrive.
Our objectives
What Experience Esher sets out to do.
Promote Esher through destination marketing and town-wide campaigns.
Deliver seasonal events and activities to increase footfall and visitor spend.
Improve the town centre environment, including signage and appearance.
Support businesses through advocacy, networking, training and shared resources.
Enhance safety and collaboration through partnerships with local stakeholders and police.
More than a high street
Launched in May 2026 following a successful business ballot in November 2025, Experience Esher represents a shared commitment from local businesses to invest in the future of our town centre. Over the next five years, more than £700,000 will be reinvested directly into projects, events and initiatives that make Esher a more vibrant, welcoming and commercially successful destination.
Our mission is simple: to celebrate everything that makes Esher special while supporting the businesses and community that bring our town to life.
What is a Business Improvement District?
A town that works better, together.
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined area where local businesses work together and contribute to a shared fund that is invested back into the town. The aim is to deliver projects and services that benefit businesses, attract visitors and enhance the overall experience of the area.
Experience Esher is shaped by the priorities of local businesses and guided by a board representing the town's business community.
What we're delivering
Five years of investment in Esher.
01 · Destination marketing
A stronger identity for Esher.
We're building a stronger identity for Esher through coordinated destination marketing and town-wide promotion. This includes:
- Promoting local businesses through the Experience Esher brand
- Managing the Experience Esher website and social media channels
- Showcasing local events, businesses and experiences
- Delivering regular "What's On" updates and newsletters
Our goal is to encourage more people to shop, dine, stay and spend time in Esher.
02 · Events & experiences
A town that feels alive all year.
Experience Esher will deliver seasonal events and activities designed to increase footfall, support businesses and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. Planned initiatives include:
- Enhancements to Esher's Christmas lights
- The return of the town Christmas tree
- A festive Christmas lights switch-on event
- Future Easter and Summer town events
03 · Improving the town centre
Cleaner, safer, more welcoming.
We are working with local partners and stakeholders to improve the appearance, accessibility and overall environment of Esher town centre. Projects include:
- Supporting improvements to Church Walk
- Contributing to future signage and public realm enhancements
- Helping create a cleaner, safer and more welcoming town centre experience
04 · Supporting local businesses
Here to support, not just promote.
Experience Esher exists to support businesses as well as promote them. We will provide:
- Business networking opportunities
- Online and in-person training courses
- First Aid and Mental Health First Aid training
- Business communications and updates
- Advocacy and collaboration with local partners on key issues including parking and town centre operations
05 · Safety & partnership working
A safe and welcoming town centre.
Creating a safe and welcoming town centre is a key priority. We are working closely with local stakeholders, including the police and private sector partners, to support initiatives that help reduce crime, improve communication and promote public safety across Esher.
Meet the team
Led by local people, for local business.
Jeni Austin
BID Manager
Jeni brings over 13 years' experience in marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement, including roles in organisations such as Sainsbury's and Hyperoptic. She has a strong track record of delivering strategic programmes and managing multi-stakeholder projects.
As a long-term Esher resident, Jeni is personally invested in the town's success and is passionate about supporting a thriving high street, working collaboratively with local businesses to deliver the BID's vision.
The BID Board
Local business representatives guiding the vision for the town.
Get in touch.
Questions about the BID, membership or how to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.