Published: Wednesday, 13th August, 2008 12:30
Government funding backs Alloa BID
By Iain Robertson
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ALLOA Town Centre BID project manager Brian Blackburn, council chief executive Dave Jones, council leader Janet Cadenhead (front), BID project chair Lorna Edwards and BID project leader Andrew Mitchell (right) are delighted to accept the £15,000 investment from the Scottish Government.
Pic by: David Robertson
BUSINESS-LED improvements to Alloa town centre took a massive step forward last week when the Scottish Government invested £15,000.
The funding – for the development of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Alloa town centre – is the first such investment to be awarded by the Government.
It will provide essential backing, allowing proposals for improvements to be taken forward and implemented.
At a time when the economy is grabbing all the wrong headlines in the British news, headline writers north of the border have a lot more scope for positivity.
Brian Blackburn, BID Project manager said, “During our discussions with businesses across all sectors, the message we are receiving is that while the economic climate may be difficult in other areas of the UK, the economy in Scotland is in good shape.
“There is a very positive outlook in the town, and a real commitment to developing a successful BID that will benefit local business, shoppers and visitors.”
The Alloa BID involves businesses from a wide range of sectors – including independent and multiple retailers, dentists, lawyers, florists, hairdressers, pubs and restaurants – all of whom want to play their part in the reinvigoration of Alloa town centre.
There is a very positive outlook in Alloa and a real commitment to developing a successful BID that will benefit local businesses, shoppers and visitors.
Andrew Mitchell, BID Project leader told the Advertiser, “Businesses want to take ownership and responsibility for their own trading environment.
“After all, who is better placed to understand what business needs at this localised level than businesses themselves?”
Lorna Edwards, Alloa Town Centre BID chair and managing director of Lawscript, added, “Clackmannanshire’s businesses have responded quickly to the current economic climate, altering their business operations to maintain their competitive advantage and, by being proactive, winning new business and maintaining existing business.”
BIDs is a proven regeneration tool that is being increasingly recognised across Scotland as a means of delivering improvements and more viable towns and villages, especially when the BID strategy is a part of a holistic town centre strategy.
Ian Davison Porter, project director for BIDS Scotland, said, “This is great news for Alloa town centre.
“Local businesses have shown a genuine enthusiasm for BIDs and a willingness to get involved and play a part in the future of their local business environment.
“This positive partnership approach will help them to ensure that their businesses continue to grow and develop, even in difficult times.”
BIDs have been in operation throughout the world for over 40 years with over 1400 successfully established.
There are now five established BIDs in Scotland – Bathgate town centre, Inverness city centre, Clackmannanshire business parks, Falkirk town centre and Edinburgh city centre.
Alloa town centre aims to benefit by following in their footsteps and becoming a vibrant place, not just to live and work in, but for people to visit and enjoy.
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