Published on:
11
August 2008
Alloa's Town Centre BID is the first to be awarded £15,000 of funding from the Scottish Government for the development of a Business Improvement District (BID). In another first, Alloa will also be the first of the 'new' BIDs to go to ballot in the middle of October.
The Scottish Government hopes that this funding will give essential backing to groups in towns, villages and cities that come forward with a convincing set of proposals to make it easier to do business locally using the BID framework.
The Alloa BID involves businesses from a wide range of sectors including independent and multiple retailers, dentists, lawyers, pubs and restaurants. The BID team has had an overwhelmingly positive response from businesses in the area, all wanting to play their part in the reinvigoration of Alloa town centre. Businesses are keen for a BID to be established as they believe this will help to boost economic growth.
The feedback from businesses in Alloa is that the Scottish economy is still growing and that they all feel positive about the future. They believe that achieving BID status for Alloa town centre will go a long way in helping deliver sustainable and quantifiable economic growth.
Brian Blackburn, BID Project Manager said: "During our discussions with businesses across all sectors, the message we are receiving is that while the economic climate may be difficult in other areas of the UK, the economy in Scotland is in good shape. There is a very positive outlook in the town, and a real commitment to developing a successful BID that will benefit local business, shoppers and visitors."
Andrew Mitchell, BID Project Leader added "Businesses want to take ownership and responsibility for their own trading environment - after all, who is better placed to understand what business needs at this localised level than businesses themselves?"
Lorna Edwards, Alloa Town Centre BID Chair and Managing Director of Lawscript commented: "Clackmannanshire's Businesses have responded quickly to the current economic climate, altering their business operations to maintain their competitive advantage and, by being proactive, winning new business and maintaining existing business.
"As competition increases, local businesses must support each other and work collectively for the long term development of Alloa Town Centre. Alloa's Business Improvement District can provide the mechanism for businesses to have one strong collective voice, dedicated specifically for local business issues."
A tried and tested business-led strategy which supports local business growth, economic development and regeneration; BIDs have been in operation throughout the world for over 40 years with over 1,400 successfully established. There are 67 successful BIDs in England and Wales, with Dublin being the first BID in Eire.
Projects and services delivered by a BID must be additional to those provided by the statutory authorities but may include services or projects associated with accessibility, safety and security, environmental improvements, marketing and promotion or asset management.
Ian Davison Porter, Project Director for BIDS Scotland, concluded: "This is great news for Alloa town centre and will give the project an additional lift. Local businesses have shown a genuine enthusiasm for BIDs and a willingness to get involved and play a part in the future of their local business environment.
"This positive partnership approach will help them to ensure that their businesses continue to grow and develop, even in difficult times. BIDs is a proven regeneration tool that can help bring about improvement and more viable towns and villages, especially when the BID strategy is a part of a holistic town centre strategy."
For further information please contact Anna Gormley at The BIG Partnership on 01592 643200 or anna.gormley@bigpartnership.co.uk