Kirkcaldy BID – The Next Steps

There was quiet celebration at the announcement that the Kirkcaldy BID was voted by a clear majority of those that voted during the 6 week ballot period which ended on 4th March 2010. Any local or national election would have been pleased with a turnout of 38.3% achieved by the BID organisers. The figures are on a par and better than some other BIDs which are being established throughout the UK.

Speaking on behalf of the BID Advisory Board, Dom Panetta, the Chairman, stated:

“We are extremely encouraged by the strong mandate we have received from the majority of voters for the next 5 years.

Now the hard work begins and up until now the BID has been an initiative which has had to be explained to the prospective electorate, now is our opportunity to convert this into a vehicle for positive change and improvement, from which businesses will start to experience and reap benefits.

I have said on many occasions previously that there is not one BID area throughout the UK that has not experienced positive results in different degrees. That is determined not only by the funds available but very much by the hard work and vision of those elected as the future BID Board of Directors.

BIDs are for the benefit of every business, in every sector within the BID boundary without exception and exist to provide help and support for all of these businesses that is why it’s important that there is representation from each sector within the BID Board selection.

There is much work to be done what the BID will be able to deliver and we would appreciate the positive support of all concerned in the coming weeks, months and years.

What happens next?

There are a number of issues that will be addressed in the next few weeks as the new Company is formed while projects are also delivered for the benefits of businesses.

  • Kirkcaldy Town Centre Management Limited will be replaced by a new BID Company within the next few weeks and businesses within the BID boundary will be invited to become Directors of the BID company.  Of the 11 Directors, there will be 2 from Fife Council, one from Fife Constabulary and 8 from the private sector businesses as follows :
      • Retail 6 (3 National, 3 Local Independent)
      • Office 1
      • Leisure 1
  • A BID Team will be recruited : Marketing and Events Manager, Crime Reduction Manager and an Administration Assistant.
  • A new Company website will be commissioned with greater opportunities for online promotions (e.g. a business directory), more business opportunities for businesses to promote themselves to other businesses within the BID area.
  • Explore business benefits that could potentially offset the BID levy costs e.g. business insurance, telecommunications, credit card swipe machines, media advertising packages.
  • Project delivery e.g. town centre promotions such as at Easter and Kirkcaldy’s first ever Summer Festival in bringing events to different parts of the town centre, introducing the floral enhancements. The Kirkcaldy Comedy Festival, which is one of the flagship events of the “Celebration of Fife 2010”, is also being planned for the Autumn.
  • Invoices will be issued to businesses within the BID area for the BID levy within the next few weeks.