aberdeenshire towns conference presentation
TRANSCRIPT
Councillor Peter ArgyleAberdeenshire Council
Gordon BellThe Retailer
Colin Munromiconex
Ian Davison PorterBuisness Improvement
Districts Scotland
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
A 50 year history of BIDs, originally started in Canada.
Model successfully transferred and implemented across the world with some 1700 now in operation.
Nearly 200 BIDs now in the UK.
Business Improvement Districts Scotland A Distinctive Scottish Model
The use of BIDs should not be restricted to large towns/cities so as to allow for innovative schemes to be developed where possible.
A BID could also focus on a particular sector or theme rather than a district, for example;
tourism agriculture rural areas single business sector a theme
‘Scottish approach seen to be innovative and good practice’
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
TOWN CENTRE - 38
TOURISM AND VISITOR - 1
BUSINESS PARKS - 5
THEMED EVENING ECONOMY - 1
RURAL - 1
PROMOTIONAL - 2
BIDs Scotland – punching well above its weight.
30 OPERATIONAL AND 18 IN DEVELOPMENT
Business Improvement Districts ScotlandRenewal Ballots
Falkirk Delivers
Essential Edinburgh
Inverness City BID
Enterprising Bathgate
Clacksfirst Limited
Alloa
Dunfermline
Kirkcaldy
BUSINESSES VALUE THE IMPACT AND DIFFERENCE THAT A BID CAN BRING TO AN AREA
Business Improvement Districts ScotlandMyths and Misinformation
An additional charge to the Non Domestic Rate An additional source of funding for the local
authority A % of the Non Domestic Rate Its going to cost a lot of money It’s a con
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
Key Partner
Best Friend
Main stakeholder involved throughout the development and operation of the BID
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
The Local Authority
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
THE BENEFITS OF A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
COLLECTIVE WORKING AND INVESTMENT
SHARING RISKS AND PLATFORMS FOR GROWTH
REDUCE COSTS
A VOICE FOR BUSINESSES
INFLUENCE AND DIRECTION OF TOWN DEVELOPMENT
IMPROVEMENT AND COMPETITIVE EDGE
ON SITE MANAGEMENT
A STRONG LOCAL PARTNERSHIP
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
Strong Local Partnership
By working together the businesses and local authorities can provide a clarity of vision, leadership and strategic focus for an area, encouraging private and public sector investment.
A reduction of risk.
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
BIDs deliver on,
Single Outcome Agreements and Scottish Governments National Objectives.
Contributing to - Sustainable Economic Growth
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
More Opportunities for Business Improvement Districts
The Scottish Governments Town Centres Action Plan
The Community Empowerment Bill
Business Improvement Districts Scotland The Leverage
Over £17 Million of Private Sector Investment
Additional Levered Income of over £16 Million
A Total Investment of over £34 Million
Business Improvement Districts Scotland The Leverage
Queensferry Ambition Levy £12,500
Leverage £256,000
Business Improvement Districts Scotland The Leverage
Enterprising Bathgate and West Lothian Council property improvement project jointly funded to £132k.
Levered in over £1.3m of private sector investment.
Business Improvement Districts ScotlandA Better Place to Do Business
BIDs Scotland is working with a number of organisations to develop a National Procurement Framework and with the BIDs to encourage collective working across the country,
Savings on Utilities
Business Improvement Districts Scotland Objective – A Safer and Stronger Scotland Dunfermline Delivers in partnership with Fife
Council and other local organisations has delivered a Safe Zone including Pub
Watch, Taxi Marshalls and Street Ambassadors.
A 60% reduction in anti-social behaviour and criminal activities in Dunfermline town centre
Preventative Spending
Business Improvement Districts Scotland Objective – A Greener Scotland
Essential Edinburgh has delivered a waste reduction programme that has generated £205k of cost savings for 170 BID area businesses.
A further eight BID Companies are working with Zero Waste Scotland to reduce waste generated by businesses and improve local recycling.
Contributing to Scotland’s Zero Waste Strategy and the Scottish Government's Climate Change Agenda by reducing CO2 emissions.
Business Improvement Districts Scotland Objective – A Wealthier and Fairer Scotland
Creating employment and working with the local community is a consistent theme of the work of BIDs in Scotland with,
Enterprising Bathgate Embrace Elgin and Queensferry Ambition
being particularly active in the employment agenda, working with their local communities and their schools estate.
Business Improvement Districts ScotlandEnterprising Bathgate
A partnership project with,
Bathgate Thistle Community Football Club
West Lothian Council
Active Schools
Balbardie and St Mary’s Primary School
Plan is to develop an initiative that will encourage pupils to take part in after school activities involving the football club.
CSR – Health – Working in the Community
Business Improvement Districts Scotland Objective – Wealthier and Fairer, Greener and Safe and Stronger Scotland
SPICE (Strategic Partnership for Investment in the City of Elgin).
SPICE is a partnership of Elgin BID (Lead), Police Scotland, Moray Council, Elgin Community Council, Elgin Academy, Elgin Benevolent Trust, the Elgin Fund, Moray College, Area Forums and Community Warden
Business Improvement Districts Scotland Objective - Healthier
I Clarkston
Developed out of a Health and Open Space and Smarter Choices Smarter Places Projects.
Linking a package of measures to the key objective of,
‘Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle’.
Business Improvement Districts Scotland Width of Projects
Heritage Trail, Litter and Gum Reduction, Taxi Code of Conduct, Anti Social Behaviour Reduction, Retail Crime and Pub Partnership, Best Bar None, Youth Drink Aware Project, Dealing with Conflict, Employment and Work Agenda, Education and Schools Projects. Digital Connectivity.
Legislation and Good Practice
Legislation and Good Practice
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
Helping to Build Stronger Communities across Scotland
Business Improvement Districts Scotland
Ian Davison Porter Director
Business Improvement Districts Scotland 8 Melville StreetEdinburghEH3 7NS
Mobile 0780 106 4733email [email protected]
Website www.bids-scotland.comLinkedIn BIDs Scotland
Gill NeillEmbrace Elgin
Gill Neill
Manager – City of Elgin BID Ltd
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City of Elgin BID Ltd
Began in February 2010, following a successful
first ballot
Went through the Renewal Ballot process in
Autumn 2014
Gained approval from the BID members in
December 2014, to undertake a second five
year delivery term
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What we wanted to achieve A strong and well marketed reputation as a destination
with a joined up and diverse retail and tourism offer,
reflecting the strengths, heritage and diversity of the
area;
A well maintained and attractive appearance with
accessible and affordable parking, well managed traffic
and clear signage for all;
A diverse programme of cultural, community events and
markets, well publicised and making optimum use of new
technology
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What we have achievedA selection of the initiatives we have implemented include:-
Shop Frontage Improvement Scheme Reduction in Car Parking Charges (£1 for 2 Hours) Shrubbery Removal from Rooftops Visitor Information Points within City Centre Businesses Online Retail Crime and Pub Partnership – free to BID members Staff Training & Business Development Opportunities Increased funding for the City e.g. Conservation Area project
(below) Greater & more productive collaboration Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere Heritage Trail Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme
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BID Business Plan 2015 - 2020The new Business Plan was developed following consultation with businesses, shoppers, young people and stakeholders including The Moray Council.
The plan outlines:-
The Key Themes which will form the basis of the next 5 years work
A summary of the consultation process and outcomes How the funding will be used Management and operation How the renewal ballot works
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What the businesses said they wanted from the Phase 2 business plan:-
The priority order given to “themed activities” which are incorporated within the business plan:- (1 being highest – 6 being lowest)
1. Building a reputation & marketing Elgin as a vibrant destination
2. Tourism & entertainment
3. Cleanliness, safety and appearance
4. Community Involvement
5. Parking and traffic issues
6. Business Engagement
Monitoring Performance Elgin BID currently use Working Groups to drive forward
project activity from the Business Plan Marketing Group & Environmental Group
We will use the Annual Report to ensure transparency, good governance and provide annual updates for our business members
The Annual Report provides an update on each of the Themes and Projects within the Business Plan
In addition we use electronic business bulletins to provide ongoing updates
In 2015 we will be introducing “focused” business meetings as an additional support tool for our members
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Marketing Group Activities:– The examples below provide an illustration of some of the activities carried out:-
Festival of Events, including Easter, Christmas, Food & Drink, Scottish Theme Day
Business Features & City Promotion in regional press Heritage Experience – Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere WorldHost Customer Service Training - Regional
Destination Status Business Maps, Food and Drink Maps South Street the Wedding Street – business collaboration Healthy High Streets Project – one of 30 towns selected
within UK
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Environmental Group Activities:– The examples below provide an illustration of some of the activities carried out:-
Online Retail Crime & Pub Partnership – free to all BID members Street Sweeping Machine Street Planters Hanging baskets Retail Crime Meetings in partnership with Police Scotland Christmas Lights – extensive project underway to renew the city
lighting scheme in 2015 Signage – around city centre Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme Shop frontage Improvement Scheme
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Opportunities for successElgin BID has been able to act as a conduit for activity including:-
• South Street the Wedding Street – 60% of businesses, their funding & BID’s support
• “Free after 3.00” – Parking proposal – going to committee on the 7th April to pilot free parking in multi storey car park
• Zero Waste Scotland – Single Use Carrier Bags
• Collaboration – Boots & Ditsy Teacup
• Retention of Street Planters – more attractive view of the city
• There is strength in numbers and collaboration can provide opportunities for all businesses to benefit
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Elgin BID ltd"Over the last five years, Elgin BID has brought focus to Elgin Town Centre as a retail and leisure destination. Locals and visitors have benefited from a greatly improved town centre appearance, frequent diverse markets and events, and the success of BID campaigns such as on car parking charges. For the past five years, and I hope for the next five, businesses in the town have a voice achieving results for their shared interests." - Paul Rollo, Director, Speyside Whisky Ltd.
“Elgin BID have supported me from the day I started my new business venture. Personally they have assisted my business in developing marketing strategies and giving me the opportunity to network with other successful business men and women. I believe Elgin Bid is essential to the success of Elgin's business future. ” – Anna Rogers, Owner, Angharad Bridal.
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Conclusion The BID model offers sustainable
regeneration
It is open, time bound and accountable
It relies on a strong, committed & solution orientated partnership with a strong vision
Its aims and objectives are dictated by business needs and aspirations
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Thank You for your time
Daniel McKendryEast Renfrewshire
Council
A Local Government perspective on BIDs
Daniel McKendry Principal Regeneration Officer
Economic Development and RegenerationEnvironment Department
East Renfrewshire Council
Talking About towns
Governance Approaches
East Renfrewshire Case Studies
Can we have some more, Sir?
Dependent or fighting back?
Common Messages – Perfect Storm
Problems● Too many shops
● Recession, Welfare Reform, disposal income
● Online and Digital – channel shift
● Out of Town and Leisure competition
● Rates, Parking, Planning, cost, choice
● No Leadership or vision – Town Teams etc
……… Time for Action !
● Options
● Nothing
● Town Centre Manager
● Traders Group – formal or informal
● Town Centre Partnership – formal or informal
● Trust
● BID
● Council Led
East RenfrewshirePopulation of 89,000Barrhead pop 20,000
Horses for courses?Scale and Leadership
• Barrhead. Master plan approach – investment led
• Neilston Renaissance. A community led Charter for Change
• Clarkston BID. By businesses for a better town centre that the whole community can be proud of.
• Giffnock BID• Barrhead BID?
BARRHEAD - Why Regenerate?
• Loss of Industry• Unemployment• Relative Decline re
ERC• Dated town centre• A combination of
opportunities• Delivery via
Regeneration Board
ContextFramework Plan
Town Centre Masterplan &Urban Design Framework
Delivery
• Barrhead Regeneration Board
• Business Community
• Community Council
• Community Engagement
• Stakeholder Involvement
Key Developments
Health Hub,
Housing,
Superstore
Business Parks,
Integrated Community Hub
Public Realm
Community & Economic Benefit
●£29m of Public Investment has so far delivered £120m Private
●Positive Benchmark Evaluation
•Glasgow Road Corridor Job Creation• £920,000 – 2015/16
•Foundry Links• £1,380,000 – 2017
•Auchenback Rail Station• £11,500,000 – 2020
•Dams to Darnley Country Park• £5,612,000 – 2016/18• Visitors Centre• Services & Infrastructure
•Junction 5 to Barrhead• £21,826,000 – 2017/20
•Business Incubation & Innovation Centre• £2,762,000 - 2016
What is Community Empowerment?Supporting communities to do things for themselvesEmpowers and involves individuals and communities / localities around decisions that affect them
Why?Gives people control over their lives and the services they can influenceEmpowers and create confidence and participationEncourages confidence and builds skills and capacityBetter tailored outcomes – eg jobs, services, health, crime, equality
How?Right to buy – private or public land and buildings – including compulsionFlexibility with Rates, Right to run servicesCommunity EngagementMore transparent common goodAllotments etc
M77 Corridor SDO - Development
M77 Corridor SDO - Development
Clarkston – compared to others
• East Renfrewshire BID• Clarkston BID• Smallest in Scotland, possibly
in the UK• As a result: high levy (private
individual contribution) and budget significantly smaller: £60,000 compared to £2,000,000 in many other BIDs i.e.Edinburgh, Inverness
• highly reliant on eagerness of businesses and people contributing to it part time and voluntarily
Early lessons from Clarkston BID
• Setting up the Board (although Clarkston is a bit different) and having a good chair as champion
• Quick hit project after the ballot• Communications• Working with the businesses• Partnerships• Partnership with the council• Levering in additional funding
Local leadership
Quick hit project after the ballot
Past initiatives...
Partnerships
Levering in additional funding
National Stage
• Marketing and Events
• 64 businesses• Now Smallest in
Scotland, possibly in the UK
Classic Vintage Car rally
Common Threads• Encouraging communities to take
charge of the their future• Locally designed solutions• Investing in Place and Pride• Feeding confidence and imagination• Making and taking Chances• Mixing and matching• Learning from mistakes• Writing your own future
Time for some Artful Dodging!
Questions
Table 1 Business Improvement DistrictsIan Davison Porter, Director of BIDs Scotland Table 2 The North East of Scotland College (NESCOL)Linda Hope and Lindsey Hatherley Table 3 Business GatewayKaren Gibson and Elaine Reid Table 4 Creating a vision for the town centreGill Neill, BID Manager from Embrace Elgin
Table 5 miconex Colin Munro and Richard Gray
Table 6 The Federation of Small Business (FSB)Brian Stewart-Coxon Table 7 Small Business Improvement DistrictsDaniel McKendry Table 8 The RetailerGordon Bell, director of The Retailer Table 9 The Chambers of Commerce (AGGC)Rachel and Emma