The means
The Means LLP is a regeneration and 'smarter travel' consultancy based in Llanelli, Wales with a branch in London.
The company works in the areas of urban and rural regeneration, BIDs and transport planning, and partners with regional governments, local authorities and the private sector in both the UK and areas overseas, such as Singapore.
History
The means is the successor to Peter Williams Consultants LLP, a consultancy practice based in Llanelli, South Wales. The change of name coincided with the opening of the practice's second office in the Bankside area of London SE1. It also reflected the desire of the practice to diversify the areas in which it operated.
Notable work
Business Improvement Districts
The means helped to set up Better Bankside in 2005, a year after legislation to form Business improvement districts (BIDs) was approved by Parliament in the United Kingdom. Better Bankside is the third BID to have been formed in the UK, and only the second in London. The means still plays an ACTIVE role running the BID and delivered a successful reballot in 2010, with 82% and 86% of votes (business turnout and rateable value respectively) in favour of another 5-year term.
The means has also delivered positive ballots in Vauxhall One and Successful Sutton BIDs. The means is currently assisting inStreatham and Orpington1st with their BID campaigns ready for ballot in February 2013.
Business Engagement
In August 2012 The means was awarded £100,000 from Southwark Council's Community Restoration Fund to improve Peckham town centre for business. Building on Mary Portas' vision for local Town Teams, The Means is working with to create a business network in Peckham. This network will provide a platform for businesses to work together to deliver a number of projects to improve Rye Lane, Peckham High Street and the surrounding area. The means has worked with businesses and other organisations in the area under the group name the 'Peckham Town Team' to organise a Christmas programme of events, including a festive market and an art exhibition spanning Rye Lane and the High Street.
Smarter Travel
In July 2012 The means was commissioned by London Councils to carry out a review on the relevance of parking to the success of urban centres. The review examined the correlation between the availability of free or cheap parking and commercial activity (if any), the modes by which people travel to town centres and the amount of money they spend. It also investigated how parking provision relates to the night-time economy and how to attract new customers. The review set out a series of recommendations for London Councils and its members.