2025 has been a remarkable year for Visit Knowle, as we continued to champion Knowle, support local businesses, and create events for our community and visitors. Through marketing, streetscene improvements, rewards, business support, and events, we have strengthened Knowle’s profile, increased engagement, and delivered tangible value to our members.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are building on this momentum, continuing to deliver strong marketing and business support blended with with new initiatives, an enhanced events programme, and another High Street celebration for Knowle’s 750th anniversary.
Marketing
Looking Back at 2025
Visit Knowle worked hard to showcase everything our town has to offer, both for businesses and the wider community. Across social media, we shared over 900 posts, reaching (over 12 months) 1.5 million people on Facebook and 518,000 on Instagram.
Our newly launched website attracted 161,000 impressions and 5,200 visits, providing a fresh platform for information and engagement. We also issued 10 press releases and earned 3 award nominations, highlighting the quality of our campaigns and Knowle’s growing profile.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Next year, we aim to make our marketing even more dynamic and engaging, with plans to:
- Create more reels and visual content to capture attention across platforms
- Drive increased collaborations with local businesses and community groups
- Produce regular blog content to help Knowle appear in Ai search results
- Launch targeted campaigns to highlight initiatives, products, and events
- Expand the Rewards programme
- Continue championing Knowle
Streetscene
Looking Back at 2025
2025 saw tangible improvements to Knowle’s public spaces, enhancing Knowle for residents and visitors alike. Highlights included the installation of the Little Book Stop on the High Street near Lodge Road.
Progress was made on the Gateway to Knowle Project, especially on the design of the Welcome to Knowle sign. A working party focused on improving the old public toilets on Station Road.
Looking Ahead to 2026
In 2026, streetscene initiatives will continue to enhance Knowle’s appeal:
- Working with the new owner of the Station Road bus stop
- Pavement improvements near Pets World and Swan Yard
- Ongoing Christmas lights maintenance and enhancements
These projects ensure Knowle remains welcoming, safe, and visually appealing.
Rewards
Looking Back at 2025
The Visit Knowle Rewards programme successfully launched on our new website, allowing members and visitors to save with discounts while directly supporting Visit Knowle. Income raised has been reinvested into local initiatives, benefiting Knowle.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Next year, after a slow start, the Rewards programme will expand with:
- Timely rewards throughout the year to keep engagement high
- A larger campaign to encourage sign-ups and participation
These improvements will continue to provide clear value to members while giving value to our supporters signing up to Rewards and raising funds for projects that enhance Knowle.
Business Support
Looking Back at 2025
Visit Knowle strengthened support for local businesses throughout the year. Membership grew by 10% to 130, while bi-monthly networking events and an additional Expo offered opportunities for connection. Monthly newsletters kept members informed, and we maintained strong engagement with key stakeholders, MP Saqib Bhatti, the Leader of Solihull Council, and council officers.
We also participated in 5 Visit Solihull Tourism Forum and Steering Group meetings, received updates from Mercia Estates, and visited 32 businesses for photo shoots to showcase them in campaigns. Knowle was represented at Solihull business meetings, and a dedicated WhatsApp group allows businesses to flag issues quickly.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Next year, Visit Knowle will continue to:
- Look after our membership and strengthen networks
- Maintain regular communications and events
- Advocate for local businesses with key stakeholders
- Provide visibility and promotional support for members
These initiatives ensure Knowle remains a thriving and attractive location for businesses.
Events
Looking Back at 2025
Visit Knowle delivered a vibrant programme of events that brought the community together and supported local businesses. Highlights included:
- Quiz Nights at the Royal British Legion
- VE80 High Street Celebrations
- Business Expo at the Greswolde
- Station Road Artisan Market
- Late Night Shopping and Christmas Light Switch-On
- Noel Market on Station Road
- Christmas Bash
Looking Ahead to 2026
Next year, our events calendar will be even more ambitious:
- Three Quiz Nights in March, June, and November
- 750th Birthday Bash in April
- Station Road Artisan Market in March, September, and December
- Secret Supper Club in May
- Business Expo in June
- 750th Birthday High Street Celebrations in June
- Christmas Light Switch On and Late Night Shopping in November
- Christmas Bash in December
These events will celebrate Knowle’s heritage, engage the community, bring footfall to Knowle and provide ongoing support for local businesses.
Member Support: Making It Happen
We can only achieve these successes with the support of our members. Membership funds go directly towards supporting our work across marketing, business support, and streetscene initiatives. In 2025, the events team worked incredibly hard to make events a fundraiser, with income redirected into projects that enhance the town, including the Christmas lights, village signs, and planters. By contributing, members play a direct role in shaping Knowle’s vibrant, welcoming environment and ensuring continued benefits for the community.
Summary
2025 has been a year of growth, engagement, and tangible achievements for Visit Knowle. From marketing successes and streetscene improvements to business support, rewards, and community events, we have worked to enhance the profile of Knowle, deliver value to our members, and create a welcoming environment for visitors.
Looking ahead to 2026, our plans build on this solid foundation – repeating what we know our members appreciate, plus new events, enhanced rewards, and continued investment in streetscene. By championing Knowle, supporting our businesses, and celebrating our vibrant community, Visit Knowle will continue to be a driving force for the Knowle’s success – making it an even better place to live, work, and visit.