Aberdeenshire Towns Conference presentation

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’


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

Key Partner

Best Friend

Main stakeholder involved throughout the development and operation of the BID


The Local Authority


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


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.


BIDs deliver on,

Single Outcome Agreements and Scottish Governments National Objectives.

Contributing to - Sustainable Economic Growth


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


Queensferry Ambition Levy £12,500

Leverage £256,000


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


Helping to Build Stronger Communities across 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

Aberdeenshire Towns Conference presentation

Documents

Transcript of Aberdeenshire Towns Conference presentation