St Andrews BID: resounding yes vote in ballot of traders for five more years
Business in Andrews businesses have given the town’s BID resounding yes vote in its renewal ballot.
More than three quarters of those who voted gave the Business Improvement District (BID) the green light for another term, securing more than £1 million of investment for the town over the next five years.
It followed a consultation and a formal ballot involving around 300 eligible businesses which included national retailers, family businesses, restaurants, retail charities and accommodation providers. Some 79% voted in favour of renewing the St Andrews BID. The ballot included businesses representing 41.17% of the BID area's total rateable value.
The St Andrews BID has been in force since 2016, and gives levy-paying businesses the chance to continue supporting the town centre economy for another five years, running until 2031.
Debbie MacCallum, honorary chair, BID St Andrews, said, “This is a hugely positive result and a strong endorsement of everything that we have achieved together so far, as well as underlining our ambitions for the future. We'd like to thank every business that took the time to vote and place their confidence in the BID.
"While St Andrews is a beautiful and unique place to live, visit and do business, we do not and cannot thrive by chance.
“The town needs vision, investment and collaboration, and we're proud that the BID will continue to play a key role in that, especially with The Open returning next year. We look forward to building on our success, delivering on our new business plan and continuing to work alongside our levy payers and partners to create an even stronger future for St Andrews."
BID St Andrews delivers projects that go beyond the core services provided by Fife Council.
A key priority of the renewed BID is to further improve the appearance, cleanliness, and overall environment of the town centre and build on the success of the ‘Clean and Green’ team, with work underway to explore how this can be expanded and enhanced.
This will sit alongside a winter programme of events and health and wellbeing initiatives to attract visitors and support businesses during the quieter months, as well as improved signage, wayfinding, business support and training opportunities.
Stephanie Lee, director of sales and marketing, Seaton House, welcomed the result.
She added: The impact for St Andrews is huge.
“The work that the BID does throughout the year, from additional town cleaning to high -profile special events, is so beneficial and really enriches the experience for both visitors and locals alike.”
Councillor Jonny Tepp, North East Fife Area Committee convener, said, "This is a positive vote of confidence in St Andrews and its future. The BID has played an important role in supporting businesses and enhancing the town. We're pleased to continue working in partnership to build on that success over the next five years."