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DUNOON has won a Scottish government grant to improve business development.
The Cowal town is the latest to develop a Business Improvement District (BID) and the local project team has been awarded £15,000 of Scottish government funding to develop the specific initiatives it would like to put to the ‘business ballot’.
Led by the Dunoon and Cowal Business Association, with support amongst the wider community, a BID is being developed to deliver a range of additional projects and services for local businesses. The proposals will be put to a ballot of all businesses in the defined BID area once the proposals have been developed in detail.
The fragility of the local economy has been recognised by both the business sector and local politicians, against the challenging backdrop of the national economic picture. In these difficult circumstances there is recognition that a BID can provide a strong local voice for business, promoting an effective, collaborative approach to meeting these challenges.
Brian Chennell, Manager of Dunoon and Cowal Business Association explained: “In Dunoon, as elsewhere nationally, an increased number of businesses are in danger of collapse, and this could result in reduction of tourism, an increase in locals shopping across the water, and reduced income from non-domestic rateable premises.
“There is no doubt that businesses must work together and with the local authority. A BID for this area is an essential step in overcoming this decline. A major aspect of the development of a BID is to ascertain what changes and improvements are deemed necessary and the BID business plan will be based on information obtained through surveys conducted with local businesses and shoppers.”
He continued: “The support from the Scottish government, Leader Fund, and Argyll & Bute Council is appreciated, and we hope that the BID will be supported by all businesses and the general public. This is fantastic opportunity for Dunoon to gain improved amenities and services for the benefit of locals and tourists, which will support local economic recovery through increased footfall.”
Feedback will be sought from local businesses on what the main areas of focus for the BID should be, but these could include projects to:
· improve appearance
· improve safety and security
· increase focal awareness
· provide wet weather facilities
· deliver events that will increase footfall
Ian McNee, Chair of Dunoon and Cowal Business Association added: “This is an ideal opportunity for local businesses in the BID area to participate in a process that will identify projects that will provide enhancement with the aim of bringing economic benefit to the area as a whole”
Finlay Currie, a local business owner said: “A BID will give Dunoon a great opportunity to improve our whole area and make it a far more attractive place to visit, live and do business, thus insuring the future for not only our generation, but hopefully our children’s.”
Ian Davison Porter, Project Director BIDs Scotland concluded: “Business Improvement Districts are about bringing businesses together and working and investing collectively to achieve an improved business environment. The team that I have met with in Dunoon are very committed to improving Dunoon as a town and as a place to do business which will also benefit the local community.”
The town centre BIDs across Scotland are delivering projects and services that can make a real difference to town centres, levering in additional funding from both the public and private sector at a time when finance is very restricted. Local businesses across the country, who are developing a BID have the confidence that they can, in partnership with their local authority, improve their town centres for their businesses and perhaps more importantly the local community. A town centre is much more than just shopping. It is the beating heart of the community and it was very gratifying to hear the Cabinet Secretary announce that legislation will soon be laid before parliament to support town centres via amendments to the non domestic rates.
There are currently ten BIDs in Scotland with a further 16 in development and increasing interest from tourism and visitor areas and single business sector BIDs.
