Essential Edinburgh General News

EDINBURGH?S CITY CENTRE BUSINESSES BACK VITAL BID

27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Edinburgh’s city centre businesses have voted in favour to create a Business Improvement District – the first in the Capital and only the 5th in Scotland.

The turnout at the ballot was 44.4% and there were 58.3% votes in favour of the proposal and 41.7% against. A total of 573 businesses were eligible to vote on the BID proposal.

This result now means that businesses in five diverse areas of Scotland have given their overwhelming backing to the BID business strategy in rapid succession: Falkirk, Bathgate town centre, Inverness city centre and Clackmannanshire Business Park.

Andrew Murphy, Chairman of Edinburgh’s Advisory BID Board, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Edinburgh’s city centre businesses have voted in favour of the Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District (BID).”

”This positive result is an extremely important development, which will give us a significantly better chance of seeing Edinburgh realise its full potential as one of the world’s best cities for business, shoppers, tourists and workers. The BID mandate will allow us to improve the environmental attractiveness of the area, make the city centre even safer than it is now, lobby more effectively to improve transport links into and around the area, and give us a highly effective platform for promoting the city centre in a focused and compelling way.”

”There is evidence from all over the world that BIDs work. For example, London’s West End BID has seen total crime within its area reduce by 12%. In Times Square, New York, crime has decreased 60%. I very much look forward to seeing Edinburgh join the world league of successful BIDs and believe that even those businesses who are initially sceptical of the value of the BID will come to appreciate their worth as our work gets underway from later in the summer.

”I would like to thank all the businesses that took the time to vote and give special mention to those businesses that gave generously of their time and money to support Essential Edinburgh's development. Finally, I would also like to express my sincere thanks to, and admiration for, the Essential Edinburgh team who have worked extremely hard developing our strategy for improving the city centre and whose diligence and commitment ensured that this met with success in the BID ballot.”

”Today we celebrate being given the chance to make a great city even better. Tomorrow we begin that journey in earnest and look forward to the support we know we will receive along the way from the public, the wider business community and our colleagues in the public sector and police force.”

Clearly delighted with the result City Centre Manager, Ian Broadfoot, is already looking forward to the job ahead:

“This is a fantastic result and one that has significant implications, not just for the city centre, but for the whole of Edinburgh. People have already seen how projects, such the redevelopment of the St Andrew Square Garden, can bring positive results. Now we have had a successful ballot, it means that we can really start to work on implementing a number of other exciting projects, which will allow Edinburgh to fulfil its potential as one of the UK’s very best retail, commercial and leisure locations.”

The successful ballot means that the Essential Edinburgh BID company will now be charged with implementing a number of key task within the BID area, such as environmental improvements, enhanced security, safety measures, and focused marketing. Work will begin on the formation of the new company, with operations expected to begin over the next few months. The Services that will be delivered will fall into five categories:

Area Promotion – through visitor guides, advertising, marketing and a programme of annual events to draw more people to the city centre
Clean and Attractive – the creation of a clean team to tackle issues, specialist equipment, improved street décor, and an annual street survey for cleanliness and maintenance
Safe and Secure – enhanced CCTV, better lighting, transport marshals, the sharing of crime intelligence with businesses, and a Child Safe Scheme
Accessibility – parking promotions, PR and marketing campaigns, creating a more pedestrian friendly environment, lobbying the relevant authorities for improved access
Facilitation – encouraging businesses to work with each other and other stakeholders to make the area a better place to do business

BANKING HEAVYWEIGHT BACKS EDINBURGH BID

15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Banking giant HBOS has given the campaign to create a Business Improvement District (BID) in Edinburgh city centre a massive boost – in two ways.

The company, which is headquartered in the Capital, has agreed to extend their sponsorship of the Essential Edinburgh BID.

This funding would be in addition to any levy paid by the bank for its premises within the BID area in the event of a successful “Yes” vote. The ballot opened on April 11th and runs until May 23rd.

As well as this, a survey of staff and customers carried out by the bank at branches in established BID areas in England and Wales has shown overwhelming support.

Mr Roger Littlewood, Group Valuation, Rating and Tax Manager of HBOS Group Property, said:

“We, along with most of our colleagues in the banking sector, are staunch supporters of the principles of BIDs in general. In terms of the Essential Edinburgh BID, we believe this could become the most high profile BID area in the UK, and we think it can bring a range of very positive benefits to the city centre and all of its businesses in a relatively short space of time.”

Ian Broadfoot, who is managing the Essential Edinburgh BID, said: “It is fantastic to get this level of support from an organisation like HBOS, which obviously has extensive experience of the success of BIDs across the UK.

“It is a clear endorsement of BIDs in general and of the Essential Edinburgh BID in particular. Voting is now open, and we would urge all of the business, who qualify to vote, do so!”

As well as the extremely positive backing from HBOS, the BID process has also received widespread support from many of the city’s most well known businesses and business leaders.

David Wither, an owner of the Montpelier Group, which includes some of Edinburgh’s most prestigious and popular venues Tiger Lily, Opal Lounge and Lulu, which all fall within the BID area boundaries, is a firm believer that an Edinburgh BID would bring major benefits to the city centre.

“As a company that has operated in Edinburgh for a long time, we are keen to see the city centre improved. As an operator of some modern bars and clubs on George Street, I want to see the BID deliver services that look after our customers and staff and our business neighbours. It is time that all businesses in the area worked together and invested in services that will have a positive impact on our collective future.”

Joshua Miller, Director of the award winning Charlie Miller Hairdressing, is also a keen supporter of the Essential Edinburgh BID.

“Any endeavour to develop the centre can only help to maintain Edinburgh’s healthy position and make it an even more attractive place to visit and work. I believe that good marketing and other services that are proposed by the BID to improve the area are a key element to the future of all businesses and ultimately our financial gain.”

In developing and progressing Edinburgh’s BID, the Essential Edinburgh team has visited hundreds of the 570 businesses that qualify to vote within the city centre BID area. The team has been working hard to encourage as many businesses as possible to vote, to date there has been 208 ballot papers received, which equates to 36.3%, so the ballot result presents a true reflection of businesses within the city centre. The ballot will officially close on the 23rd May.

Edinburgh's city centre BID ballot officially opens

11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The all-postal ballot to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in Edinburgh’s city centre officially opens today 11th April.

Edinburgh is one of six pilot BIDs being run throughout Scotland, with seedcorn funding from the Scottish Executive. Financial support has also been provided by City of Edinburgh Council, and HBOS. Already three – Inverness, Bathgate and Clackmannanshire – have voted in favour establishing BIDs.

The broad aims of the BID will include reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, increasing the environmental attractiveness of the area, improving transport links area, and promoting the city centre area.

Two of Edinburgh’s business leaders who run very differently sized organisations, the general manager of the St James Centre and the director of Digisnaps met up to discuss why they will be voting in favour of the BID.

Rochelle Weir, general manager of the St James Centre, said: “The owners of the St James centre, Henderson Global Investors, are a major supporter of the proposed BID for Edinburgh following the success of a similar scheme in Birmingham.

“Our contribution reflects Henderson Global Investors’ commitment to improving the city centre, which we believe will undoubtedly benefit from the introduction of the BID.

“With plans for the re-development of the St James Quarter now well underway, it is now more important than ever that businesses and the local authority work together to ensure the city centre is restored to its rightful place in the UK retail hierarchy.”

She added: “The improvements delivered by Essential Edinburgh will create a more attractive working environment for existing and potential staff, a quality city centre for visitors and help attract important inward investment.”

Steve Hudson, director of Digisnaps, Hanover Street also believes that a successful BID ballot will have a significant impact on the city: “Edinburgh’s city centre is special and justifiably famous all over the world. A vote in favour of the BID will be an extremely positive step and will help make the most out of what is a unique resource.

“It will enhance the city not just for city centre businesses but for Edinburgh as a whole. I am completely in favour of the BID process and would urge everyone who receives a ballot to make their vote count,” he added.

Essential Edinburgh Event Gains Business Backing

02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An event designed to combine family fun with the potential to increase trade has been met with approval by city centre businesses.

The family themed, Little Big Rock, event in Castle Street on yesterday (31st March 2008) was organised by the Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District (BID) team, and included a specially erected teepee village, which was free to the public.

Essential Edinburgh are delighted with the success of the event and believe that retailers, restaurants and other businesses have benefited from the increased footfall, which the event brought to the city centre.

The event also gained political approval. Nicol Stephen, Leader of Scotland’s Liberal Democrats, visited with son Drummond (4). He said: “Excellent initiatives such as ‘Little Big Rock’ show what can be done when people come together to invest collectively in economic and social improvements for our cities.

"It is time to bring renewed life and purpose back to our city centres. I believe we need to invest in our local communities to breathe new life into them."

The Little Big Rock family fun day included face painting, textile design with potato prints and stencilling, arts workshops, music and puppet shows. There were also a number of shows by members of the Edinburgh International Science Festival and The Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Ian Broadfoot, who is managing the Essential Edinburgh BID on behalf of Edinburgh City Centre Management, said: “It has been a fantastic response. We have had a steady flow of families with both adults and children having a great time, and in all we saw over 1000 children take part in the day’s activities.”

An event designed to combine family fun with the potential to increase trade has been met with approval by city centre businesses.

"It is time to bring renewed life and purpose back to our city centres. I believe we need to invest in our local communities to breathe new life into them."

Ivan Artolli, General Manager of the Balmoral Hotel, said: “This event was an ideal opportunity for Hadrian’s Brasserie, in The Balmoral, to publicise our new family weekend menu and facilities to a high number of potential customers. We were delighted to be asked to get involved in the event and are keen to see these sorts of initiatives take place. We offer our full support to Essential Edinburgh so that The Balmoral and the whole of the city centre benefits from a boost to business the BID proposal will deliver.”

Derek Webster of juice bar Juice Almighty on Castle Street said: “We have been busier than normal, but having a drier day has certainly also helped! In general, I would certainly back moves to hold more events, which bring people into the city centre who might not otherwise visit.”

Gordon Drummond, General Manager of Harvey Nichols Edinburgh, said: “It is good to see events like this taking place, designed to draw people into the city centre on a day that is normally a quieter one for businesses. It's important for the city as a whole that the centre is vibrant, with lots going on. The more people who are attracted to the city centre, the more we all can benefit.”

The event was organised as part of Essential Edinburgh’s effort to publicise the forthcoming BID ballot, which will see city centre businesses being asked to vote on the implementation of the new Business Improvement District. If the vote is successful, Essential Edinburgh will look to stage a range of events including ones similar to the Little Big Rock fun day to help attract and encourage shoppers to the city centre.

In addition to area promotion via marketing and events, Essential Edinburgh will also aim to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, increase the environmental attractiveness of the area and improve access in and around the area.

Essential Edinburgh is one of a number of BIDs being developed in Scotland, with recent successful ballots allowing BIDs in Bathgate, Clackmannanshire and Inverness to go forward. Financial support for Essential Edinburgh in addition to the levy income from businesses has also been pledged by City of Edinburgh Council, HBOS and GVA Grimley.

Notice of ballot on Essential Edinburgh issued

02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Notice of Ballot has now been sent to all those businesses in the Essential Edinburgh BID area that are eligible to vote on the proposal. The Notice sets out how the ballot will be run.

The ballot will be run by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, which has legal responsibility for the ballot.

If any businesses that receive the Notice of Ballot would like the Ballot Paper to be sent to a different individual within their company, they should get in touch with ERS.

Ballot papers will be sent out by Friday 11 April, with voting ending on Friday 23 May. It is an all-postal ballot.

Final Proposal for Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District

24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The proposal for a better future for Edinburgh city centre, on which businesses will vote, will be arriving with businesses on Monday. Edinburgh City Centre Management’s BID team has consulted widely with businesses in the city centre and has now drawn up the final proposal for a Business Improvement District (BID), known as Essential Edinburgh.

Andrew Murphy, MD of John Lewis in Edinburgh and Chair of the BID Advisory Board says:
“The Essential Edinburgh BID will drive significant benefits for businesses in the area, enabling central Edinburgh to realise its potential as one of the UK’s very best retail, commercial and leisure locations. Shortly the six week ballot period will commence, allowing businesses to vote and a positive result will allow Essential Edinburgh to make a significant investment in the area and improve business for all.”

Ian Broadfoot, City Centre Manager, added:
“We have worked with literally hundreds of businesses in the proposed BID area to develop this proposal. We want to deliver services which create and maintain a vibrant city centre of exceptional quality. We will continue working with businesses in the future to ensure that Essential Edinburgh delivers precisely what the city’s businesses want”.

Services will fall into five categories that will be delivered during the first year of Essential Edinburgh:

· Area Promotion
· Clean and Attractive
· Safe and Secure
· Accessibility
· Facilitation

As the BID develops, and based on feedback from businesses, it is likely that a range of other additional activities will be implemented such as re-introducing the use of police boxes in the area and establishing public recycling facilities. As it is led by businesses, the BID will only deliver services that the businesses want.

All eligible businesses will be sent a ballot paper by 11 April 2008. These are to be returned by 23 May and the result will be announced on 26 May.

Essential Edinburgh is the first proposed BID in Edinburgh. Assuming the ballot is successful, the BID would last for a period of five years before going to a further ballot.

Notes to Editors

A BID is an arrangement whereby businesses vote to pay a levy to fund additional services that will improve their local area. There are currently 60 BIDS established in the UK with numerous other prospective BIDS underway.

HBOS Group Property and GVA Grimley have made financial contributions towards the development of the BID proposal. Voluntary contributions to the BID can be made by organisations not liable for the levy. The City of Edinburgh Council has pledged to cover the staffing and administration costs of the BID so the levy and additional income will be used solely for BID services.

Support for Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District Continues to Grow

19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Two months before businesses are due to receive ballot papers on the proposal for Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District (BID), GVA Grimley, one of the UK’s leading property advisory companies, has decided to invest in the BID.

Richard Slipper, Planning Director, GVA Grimley, said:
“As a well known property consultancy on town centre and retail planning, we are keen to support the Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District as we see it as a great opportunity to be ambitious about working in stronger partnerships across the public and private sectors to enable sustainable urban growth. Essential Edinburgh will not only offer services to make our city centre world class but will also allow everyone with an interest in the future of the city centre to work together toward our shared goal.”

Ian Broadfoot, City Centre Manager added:
“The services detailed in the BID Proposal will be funded by the levy. We are keen to gain as much investment in addition to the levy in order to offer further services that will maximise their positive impact on businesses in the area. On the eve of the Scottish Property Federation Annual Conference, it is very exciting news that GVA Grimley would like to invest in Essential Edinburgh. I look forward to working with GVA Grimley and with others with an interest in the property sector in Edinburgh who wish to capitalise on their investment by developing a vibrant and exciting city centre”.

Notes to Editors

A BID is an arrangement whereby businesses vote to pay a levy to fund additional services that will improve their local area.

HBOS Group Property has made a financial contribution towards the development of the BID proposal. Voluntary contributions to the BID can be made by organisations not liable for the levy. The City of Edinburgh Council has pledged to cover the staffing and administration costs of the BID so the levy and additional income will be used solely for BID services.

There are currently 60 BIDS established in the UK with numerous other prospective BIDS underway.

The full Final Proposal for Essential Edinburgh will be available this week, with all eligible businesses in the proposed BID area receiving a summary. This will set out what the BID will deliver and how it will be managed.

The ballot papers will be sent out by 11 April and need to be returned by 23 May.

The result of the BID ballot will be announced on 26 May.

Edinburgh to host inaugural British BIDs conference

15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The first national Business Improvement District (BID) conference – Opening up BIDs - will take place in Edinburgh on 4th and 5th February 2008. Organised by British BIDS, the conference is the first significant opportunity for BID experts and practitioners from across the UK to learn from each other to ensure our city and town centres have a vibrant future.

A key part of the conference will be a study tour of Edinburgh City Centre to demonstrate the need for the services and projects to capitalise on the untapped potential of Edinburgh City Centre, as proposed by the Essential Edinburgh BID. Essential Edinburgh will be the first BID in Edinburgh and businesses in other areas of the capital are already expressing an interest in developing further BIDs.

Ian Broadfoot of Edinburgh City Centre Management (ECCM), the company responsible for developing the Essential Edinburgh BID, says:

“The conference comes at an exciting time for the Essential Edinburgh BID as we are will be launching the final proposal for the BID in February. It is also an exciting time for BIDs in Scotland as, along with Edinburgh, a number are preparing to go to ballot. In addition, we are shortly expecting an announcement from Cabinet Secretary John Swinney on the Government’s support for future BIDs in Scotland”.

Dr Julie Grail, Chief Executive of British BIDs, says:

“We are delighted to be bringing our first Annual British BIDs Conference & Dinner to Scotland. We are sure that the two day event will prove of great interest to all those developing and running BIDs across the country and Edinburgh is a very fitting location for us”.

Ends

Notes to editors

There are currently 60 BIDS established in the UK with numerous other prospective BIDS underway.

For more information on the conference or BIDS, please go to www.britishbids.info/conference

The full Final Proposal for Essential Edinburgh will be available in February, with all eligible businesses in the proposed BID area receiving a summary. This will set out what the BID will deliver and how it will be managed.

The ballot papers will be sent out by 11 April and need to be returned by 23 May.

The result of the BID ballot will be announced on 26 May.

For further information on the Essential Edinburgh BID, please call Elinor Jayne, BID Development Manager, 0131 652 5943.

Edinburgh's First Business Improvement District Reaches Major Milestone

23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A key stage of the drive to deliver Edinburgh’s first Business Improvement District (BID) has been achieved today, with the publication of the Draft Business Plan and the launch of its distinctive brand identity: “Essential Edinburgh”.

In the event of a positive ballot next May, Essential Edinburgh will enhance the already distinctive Edinburgh City Centre by delivering services to a level of excellence befitting a capital city. These services will be designed to make the area the essential place to work, locate and visit. They will be delivered in line with business’ demand and eligible businesses will pay a levy which will fund these services.

Andrew Murphy, Managing Director of the John Lewis Partnership and Chair of Essential Edinburgh, says, “Businesses in all sectors have been asked for their views on how the area could be improved. It is fundamental to the BID concept that it be led by local business so I would urge all businesses in the Essential Edinburgh area to ensure that their views are included in the final Business Plan by providing us with feedback.”

David Wither, owner of Montpelier Group which runs Tigerlily, LuLu and the Opal Lounge on George Street, states: “I am keen to see the BID deliver services that look after our customers and staff and our business neighbours. It is time that all businesses in the area worked together and invested in services that will have a positive impact on our collective future”.

David Davidson of Cushman & Wakefield says, “With a professional interest in property, we have been strong supporters of the BID concept. The Essential Edinburgh proposal sets out a vision for our capital city and will focus investment on services of most importance to retailers, office occupiers and other sectors. More importantly, it will hopefully be the first step in building a longer term working partnership with city centre businesses and the local authority.”

ENDS

The Draft Business Plan can be found on this website in the Info & Resources section.

BID area survey results published

30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The findings of the survey of businesses in the BID area on their views on how the area could be improved are now available.

Surveys of employees, visitors and non-visitors to the area were also carried out and a number of issues were highlighted. These included accessibility and security.

The full report is available in the resources section of this website.

BID Board makes key decisions on levy

29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The BID Advisory Board has taken the decision that the levy that will be charged to businesses in the event of a successful BID ballot will be 1% of rateable value. This will apply to businesses in all sectors.

At it's second meeting, the Board also decided that an agreement with shopping centre owners would be sought whereby they would pay the equivalent of 0.5% of the total rateable value of their properties. If agreements can be achieved, shopping centre tenants would then be levied 0.5% of their rateable value. Shopping centre tenants would be treated differently to other businesses in the BID area because they already pay service charges to fund the management of their centres.

The next meeting of the Board, due to take place by the end of September, will see the Draft Business Plan for the BID being finalised. This will then be sent out to businesses for further consultation.

Plans for Capital's first BID receive further boost

22 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Proposals to launch a new city centre business partnership designed to strengthen the Edinburgh economy were given a major boost today, as it was announced that the head of one of the city's major retailers will lead the group.

Andrew Murphy, Managing Director of John Lewis plc Edinburgh, will assume the role of Chair of the Business Improvement District (BID) Shadow Board with immediate effect.

Edinburgh City Centre Management Company (ECCM) is currently working to introduce the BID, which will be put to the business vote in 2008. Andrew’s appointment is a major step forward for their campaign.

A well-respected and active member of the Edinburgh business community, Andrew has a firm commitment to and belief in the BID concept, saying:

"I am delighted to be taking a leading role in the establishment of Edinburgh's first Business Improvement District. BIDs have proved to be hugely successful in the USA and England, generating significant improvements in the quality of city centre environments, which in turn translate into increased revenues for member businesses.

Edinburgh’s city centre BID will provide the business community with an independent, results oriented vehicle for liaising with the public sector on key city centre issues. Most importantly though it will deliver a number of additional services for the benefit of both the businesses and their customers alike."

David Nicolson, Chairman of ECCM, the independent, not-for-profit company driving the first Edinburgh BID in the city centre, said:

"The first Edinburgh BID represents a truly unique opportunity for city centre businesses to invest in their collective future, a concept that ECCM has been advocating since inception in 2000.

It is a great coup for the project to have attracted a business leader of Andrew's calibre and I wish him every success in the role."

Ian Broadfoot, City Centre Manager with ECCM, added:

"Andrew will prove to be an excellent choice as Chair of the BID, bringing with him extensive knowledge and experience of the Edinburgh business community and a genuine determination to see the project succeed and deliver tangible benefits for city centre businesses."

Andrew Murphy’s appointment coincides with the launch of a new Edinburgh BID website at www.edinburghbid.com

ENDS

Support for Edinburgh Business Improvement District Grows

29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

HBOS plc has recently become the first private sector sponsor of the Edinburgh Business Improvement District (BID) being proposed by Edinburgh City Centre Management. It is the first time that HBOS has given financial support to the development of a BID.

Roger Littlewood, Head of Rating & Property Taxation for HBOS Group Property, said:

“HBOS plc, and the business community in general, have experienced significant benefit from the established BID locations in England & Wales. We are confident that the proposed Edinburgh BID will also deliver in every respect, which is why we are pledging our support to the BID campaign. Naturally, we are keen to support business generation in our home city and consider that the creation and establishment of the first Edinburgh BID will not only sustain, but also enhance, the trading environment within the city”.

Ian Broadfoot, City Centre Manager, said:

“I am delighted that HBOS have come on board as the Edinburgh BID’s first sponsor. Their strong endorsement adds weight and credibility to ECCM’s proposals. It is also extremely encouraging news that the Council has committed to backing ECCM’s work in developing the proposed BID. The success of BIDs in England has highlighted what can be possible when a true partnership approach is taken.”

Ewan Aitken, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said:

“The city centre is Edinburgh’s heart and we must all play our part in making sure it is a thriving, bustling place that attracts new firms and development.

“Working together with business will make a real difference in moving forward and the Council is committed to supporting the development of the first ever BID. I look forward to seeing the proposals that emerge from discussions with the business community for this BID and the development of others that will follow.”

END