Users of the DiscoverJQ app can fully personalise their app experience by creating profiles and filtering suggested content to suit their bespoke interests and needs. Plus, registered users will also get access to exclusive offers from Jewellery Quarter-based shops, bars and restaurants as well as information about what’s on in the local area. Alongside this, news and updates about the BID, real-time travel and weather information will also be available within the app.

Commenting on the app’s launch, Marketing and Communications Manager for the JQBID, Steve Lovell, says: “After many months of planning, we’re so excited to finally be launching the DiscoverJQ app! The premise of the app is simple: to connect our growing resident base and regular visitors to the Jewellery Quarter’s thriving independent scene via a user-friendly platform.

“If we’ve learnt anything from the past sixteen months, it’s that we can’t underestimate the power or value of technology: launching the app is our next step in the BID’s journey to improve the relationships between local businesses and their customers. We’re confident that DiscoverJQ will make the Jewellery Quarter more accessible than ever before and bring the community closer together.”

Alongside optimising the guest and resident experience of those visiting and living within the Jewellery Quarter, the app has been designed to benefit the area’s thriving independent business scene. Local hotspots, will be able to create business profiles within the app, enabling them to promote seasonal offers, secret sales and much more to loyal customers.

Dom Lawson, Café and Hospitality Manager at The Hive Café & Bakery, says: “We’re really looking forward to connecting with our customers more closely than ever before, thanks to the DiscoverJQ app. After facing so many unprecedented challenges since the start of the pandemic, we’ve worked tirelessly to pivot and adapt our offering to keep both our staff and visitors safe. We’re certain that the app will allow us to remain flexible with our approach to keeping clear lines of communication with our customers – no matter what the future holds.”

As well as providing users with discounts and local news alerts, another key innovation within the app is the free, virtual tour function. After selecting your tour of choice, users can follow a numbered trail – in person or virtually – that includes key information on each venue or check point. What’s more, the Jewellery Quarter Heritage Trail includes a full audio guide, too, which aims to improve the app’s accessibility and inclusivity for all users.

“We‘re extremely proud of all the work that’s gone into DiscoverJQ and can’t wait to receive feedback from both residents and BID members. With lots of exciting events on the horizon – including workshops, fundraising activity for St Paul’s Church and Birmingham Heritage Week – those with the app will have lots to look forward to in the near future.

“Our new app sets the scene for what promises to be a hugely eventful few months, as we welcome more people back to JQBID once more: we have several features already in the pipeline and can’t wait to roll out these updates for users during 2021 and beyond,” Steve added.