Mon, Mar 17 2008
Businesses in Bathgate town centre have delivered a resounding 'yes' vote to become Scotland’s first Business Improvement District (BID).
Independent businesses have been instrumental in the development of the BID proposal in Bathgate and over the period of the ballot have demonstrated their support by voting overwhelmingly in support of the BID and for improvements to their town centre. Sam Crawford, Chair of Enterprising Bathgate BID, said: "The pilot BID has already delivered a number of benefits, including a very successful shop front improvement programme. This resounding yes vote now provides us with the resources to implement the range of projects and services detailed in the Enterprising Bathgate business plan which was developed following extensive consultation with the local business community. "Bathgate town centre is home to a large and diverse group of independent businesses and the BID will build on this strength by providing a positive outlook for the town?s future economic prosperity. I would like to thank all those businesses that voted and particularly those that voted by such a majority for the BID, we will not let you down." The Enterprising Bathgate BID is the first of six Scottish pilots to announce its ballot result with Inverness following next week and Clackmannanshire concluding its ballot at the end of March. The Falkirk and Edinburgh BID ballots take place in May, with Glasgow's ballot later in the year.
Voting in Bathgate took place throughout February and March with the ballot closing on Friday, 14th March. A total of 45% of eligible businesses voted representing 52% of the rateable value, easily satisfying the turnout threshold of 25%. A staggering 92.6% of businesses voted in favour of the BID which represented 82% of the rateable value, a resounding mandate in favour of the creation of the first Business Improvement District in Scotland. The new BID will become operational from 6th April 2008 and work will start immediately on organising nominations for the BID Board and setting up the BID company. West Lothian Council Leader Peter Johnston said: "On behalf of West Lothian Council, I am delighted to congratulate Enterprising Bathgate on their success in becoming the first Business Improvement District in Scotland. "We welcome the creation of the BID company, which will drive forward the improvement projects detailed in the business plan on behalf of the businesses in the town centre, and look forward to developing partnerships with the business community throughout West Lothian further with a view to initiating BIDs in other areas." West Lothian Council has agreed to match fund the BID levy which will result in a total of £750,000 extra investment in Bathgate town centre over the five year period of the BID. This willdeliver the projects and services described in the BID business plan which includes improving Bathgate's image, making the town centre cleaner and more attractive, improving safety and security and improving public and private transport access. The BID will also seek funding from other national bodies and funding streams. The BID Board will act as the voice of local businesses, representing their views to local and national government and other organisations. Having announced the government's ongoing support for BIDs in February, John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, said: "Having seen first-hand how BID pilots have worked, I very much welcome the 'yes' vote in Bathgate. "This result will enable key players in the community to come together and work to ensure that Bathgate town centre is a driver of economic growth.
"This government wants to see the benefits of growth felt in all communities, including Bathgate which is why we are reducing and removing business rates to bring direct benefit to the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our high streets. "We are also giving local authorities an enhanced role in local economic development by creating a more seamless and efficient support service.
"Taken together, these measures will increase sustainable economic growth and create a more successful country." Ian Davison Porter, Project Director, Business Improvement Districts Scotland emphasised: "Business Improvement Districts have arrived in Scotland and the Enterprising Bathgate BID, with this outstanding result, stands as a model for other Scottish towns to follow. "The BID project team has worked very hard and with diligence to ensure that this BID was successfully delivered. The local businesses, council and the BID team deserve our best congratulations for delivering the first BID in Scotland with such an outstanding mandate. One of the highest by number ever achieved in the UK "With this result and the interest shown so far from right across Scotland, I am sure BIDs is set to play a key role in the regeneration of Scottish town and city centres."
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