Published: Wednesday, 2nd April, 2008 12:00
Businesses vote 'yes' for BID project
By Bob Lovik
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Mike Mulraney, chairperson of Clackmannanshire Business Park BID.
MORE jobs may be on the way to Clackmannanshire after businesses in the Wee County voted to become Scotland’s first Business Improvement District (BID).
The BID, which consist of 200 companies in ten business parks across the Clackmannanshire, is Scotland’s first county-wide BID and the first in the UK to include property owners.
A BID is a partnership between a local authority and the business community created to benefit the trading environment of an area.
Overwhelming
The vote received overwhelming support from major local employers including Weir Engineering Services, Blyth Construction Utilities and The Campbell Group.
Just under half of all eligible businesses and property owners voted with a large majority supporting forming the BID.
Mike Mulraney, chairperson of the Clackmannanshire Business Park BID, said, “I would like to thank the local business community for the tremendous support they have given the BID project team.
“Their willingness to get involved during the consultation stage means the business plan reflects the range of projects and services they want to see delivered.
“This major yes vote now provides us with the resources to implement this plan and will see businesses benefit from efficiency improvements, cost savings and performance enhancements.”
Priority projects for the BID include joint procurement of services, energy efficiency and waste management support services and improved signage for all the business parks.
Other BID projects will include business park amenity enhancements, business support and marketing, transport initiatives and security and crime prevention measures.
Clackmannanshire Council chief executive Dave Jones, said, “By helping businesses to invest in improvements which benefit them and will encourage new businesses to locate here, the BID will boost economic development in Clackmannanshire.
“Ultimately this will benefit local people by creating more jobs and better prospects.”
The Clackmannanshire BID has received support from the Scottish Government.
Economic growth
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 Clackmannanshire.
“This result will work to ensure that Clackmannanshire is a driver of economic growth.”
The new BID will become operational during April 2008 when work will start on organising nominations for the BID Board and the setting up of the BID company.
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