In 2007 HTCI took over the management of Hitchin Market from North Herts District Council. Community ownership has brought great social benefit and the success was recognized in the award of ‘Market of the Year’ at the 2010 National Association of British Markets Authority Conference.
The Hitchin Business Improvement District (BID) was set up in 2009 by HTCI in response to the desire of town centre businesses to improve the commercial environment of the town centre. BID has introduced Town Centre Rangers who improve the safety of the area and improve the environment in a variety of ways. 
The Hitchin Initiative office in Church Yard acts as a tourist and information office. It provides transport information, a base for Hitchin Shopmobility with electric scooters, co-ordinates and sells tickets for Hitchin Festival and other entertainments, arranges the special markets and events on the Market Place and many other tasks.
The full list of activities and achievements is breathtaking. While the Initiative is supported by many community and business organizations and individuals, much of the direction, energy and activity came from the person of the Town Centre Manager. For many years that was Keith Hoskins, but the baton for that and the lead on BID was passed on successfully to Tom Hardy.
The Hitchin Initiative website provides more information.
