Published: Wednesday, 9th April, 2008 12:00
Firms set to focus on business parks
By Iain Robertson
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Clackmannanshire business leaders welcome the BID launch.
THE business community in Clackmannanshire was smiling from ear to ear last week after voting overwhelmingly to set up the most innovative Business Improvement District in Scotland (BID).
Business-led, it is supported by both national and local government, and will be the first BID in the country to focus on business parks rather than at town and city centres. It will allow property owners, tenants and occupiers to work together and invest collectively in local improvements to their business environment.
Project Leader, Bill Harvey, said, “The BID will attract new business to the area and stimulate economic growth and confirm the business community’s desire to work in partnership to deliver long-term sustainable economic improvements, which can only benefit Clackmannanshire’s.”
The vision of local entrepreneurs for Clackmannanshire to become a magnet for inward investment by creating an environment where businesses can work together for the good of the area can now become a reality.
By completing a questionnaire in early 2007 all the companies within the Clackmannanshire Business Parks were given the opportunity to express what improvements they would like to see within their business parks. The subsequent business plan and proposals drawn up after this consultation can now be implemented after the ‘yes’ vote was secured.
One of those who voted for the initiative, Jamie MacSween, Managing Director of Alloa’s Autosonics, said, “I am delighted that the Clackmannanshire BID has received overwhelming support from the business community with a resounding yes vote and would like to thank companies for their backing.”
Work will now begin on the six “most wanted” improvements sought by businesses and employees. Key proposals have been outlined under each of the six areas identified.
The Alloa rail link will open next month and transport initiatives will be an integral part of the BID process. The local private sector aims to reduce parking congestion and engage with local bus companies to develop customer focused bus routes and timetables. They also plan to improve and establish new bus shelters.
The new services and projects of the BID will always be in addition to those services already provided by Clackmannanshire Council. The objective is to create the structures within the community whereby businesses can work together to develop and create employment opportunities for the people of Clackmannanshire.
Alan Clarke from Alloa’s Imaging supplies said, “It’s allowing us more control and it will see an improvement for local businesses. The whole area should benefit from this.”
Crime prevention is another priority for the BID team. As with everything connected with BID, collaboration and joined up thinking underlie everything. Local police and business owners have worked together to identify the major problems and have agreed upon plans to tackle them. They will provide training and set up workshops to assist businesses experiencing similar crime issues.
Signage on the approach, at the entrance and internally in the business parks will be improved. Efficiency will be realised through the group purchase of resources including utilities.
Enhancing the image of local business parks will be another responsibility of the BID team. The ‘yes’ vote will allow them to carry through their proposals and enhance the amenities available and reduce the visual impact of car parking through careful screening and parking allotment.
Improved business support and marketing completes the first list of responsibilities for the BID team.
Ian Davison Porter Business Improvement District, Project Director-BIDs Scotland, said, “The Clackmannanshire Business Park Business Improvement District (BID) is unique in the UK, involving both property owners and occupiers. The BID team and directors of the BID Company now have the responsibility to deliver the projects and services from the business plan that will benefit the companies in the business parks.”
A BID is not a substitute for central or local government services but will be a major component in the continued regeneration of Clackmannanshire. It will have a maximum duration of five years, after which the directors of the company will be required to seek a new mandate from local businesses.
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