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Bathgate becomes first
Business Improvement District in Scotland…

“This comprehensive yes vote now provides us with the resources to implement the range of projects and services detailed in the Enterprising Bathgate business plan. I would like to thank all the businesses that voted and particularly those that voted by such a majority for the BID, we will not let you down”.
Sam Crawford – Chair Enterprising Bathgate

“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”.
Peter Johnston – Leader, West Lothian Council

“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”.
John Swinney – Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth

“The Enterprising Bathgate BID, with this outstanding result, stands as a model for other Scottish towns to follow”.
Ian Davison Porter – Project Director, Business Improvement Districts, Scotland

Ballot

On Friday 14th March 2008, Bathgate became the first Business Improvement District in Scotland, with the second highest yes result achieved to date in the UK.
Over 50% of the businesses in the BID area voted and a stunning 92% of businesses voted yes. By any measure this figure is incredible. It is an extremely positive commitment on the part of the businesses and shows a real determination by them to work in partnership with West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government to make Bathgate a better place to do business.
The BIDS team would like to thank the businesses in Bathgate town centre who gave their support in such overwhelming numbers to the BID project. Friday 14th March was the last day that votes could be cast to decide whether the businesses in Bathgate would adopt this new approach to improving the town centre and the result could hardly be more conclusive.

There is much to do over the next 5 years to deliver the projects highlighted by the town’s businesses in the questionnaire and detailed in the business plan and the BID team look forward to working with the business community to implement these projects successfully.

What is Enterprising Bathgate?

A collaborative project with the primary objectives:-

Create a dynamic economy where local businesses identify, prioritise and deliver value-added services

Revitalise Bathgate Town Centre as a vibrant centre for shopping, the provision of local services and entertainment

Attract additional retail development and investment

Diversify the products and services available

Raise awareness of Bathgate as West Lothian’s largest traditional shopping centre

Develop Bathgate Town Centre as a place where businesses work together, and in partnership with the public sector, to deliver service improvements

Make Bathgate a model for future development of small town centres in Scotland

Achieve business growth

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What is a BID?

Through consultation, a range of projects and services are agreed, which are then put to a democratic vote involving all eligible businesses in the area.


THE PROJECTS & SERVICES THAT A BID DELIVERS DO NOT REPLACE EXISTING COUNCIL SERVICES

Business Improvement Districts are becoming a global success story – there are over thirty in Britain and thousands throughout the world.

A Business Improvement District can only come into existence if it is approved in a secret ballot. Of those that vote, over 50% must vote in favour by number also weight of rateable value. If the businesses give this approval, the BID is funded by a compulsory ‘levy’ based on a rateable value of all eligible businesses within the defined area. After five years the future of the BID must be reviewed and if the BID has not performed to businesses satisfaction it will not continue. Indeed, part of the role of a BID is to ensure that the council and its contractors fulfil their contractual agreements.

Businesses can be clear on what services they should getting for their business rates and where standards are not maintained, the BID will act on their behalf to redress the situation. Furthermore, it will be clear the services that the BID provides will be additional to those provided by the council and other bodies.


Tom McCabe, Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform, said today(March 2006):

A total of £500,000 has been set aside for pilots of Business Improvement Districts in six areas:

Business parks in Alloa, Tillicoultry and Alva

Bathgate town centre

Edinburgh city centre

Falkirk town centre

Glasgow city centre

Inverness city centre

BIDs is a partnership between local businesses, engaging with their council, all with the aim of transforming their area by creating better business environments and promoting economic growth. The most famous example of a Business Improvement District is Times Square in New York.

Mr McCabe said: 

“Our top priority is to grow the Scottish economy – and I believe Business Improvement Districts can play an important role in contributing to long-term economic growth.  BIDs have proved successful elsewhere and I am confident these pilots projects will pave the way for successful BIDs in Scotland.

“This is not about what we can do for business but what businesses can do for themselves and I am delighted that the business community has thrown its weight behind the initiative. Each of the six pilot areas is being given up to £50,000 and an opportunity to change their economic outlook for the better – with the prospect of further funding as they move forward.

“It is now up to businesses, working in partnership, and engaging with their local council, to develop proposals to improve their local economies.  They will choose what improvements or services they need with the proviso that any such services should be in addition to what is already being provided in the area. 

“And, crucially, proposals will only go ahead if more than half of those businesses vote in favour of the proposals and that also represents more than half of the rateable value of those eligible to vote. This gives protection to large and small businesses.

“I urge local businesses to get together with their local authority and grab this opportunity with both hands – and perhaps we can look forward to having BIDs projects of our own which will be just as successful as the one in Times Square in New York.

“I am extremely grateful to the members of the Steering Group for committing their time to this work and making their recommendations on BIDs.  The locations they have chosen ensure that BIDs pilot projects will now be taken forward in a range of cities and towns across Scotland.

“We will also continue to support efforts to develop and foster the groundwork for wider BID take-up in other areas.”

Deputy First Minister and Enterprise Minister Nicol Stephen added:

“Business Improvement Districts can be a powerful tool in the ongoing drive to regenerate our town centres and grow the Scottish economy.

“Today’s announcement represents an excellent opportunity to maximise economic growth at local level and help other parts of Scotland do the same.

“BIDs will be good news for business and good news for Scotland.”

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