As D-Day approaches for Inverurie’s Business Improvement District ballot, more local businesses have joined the Yes campaign.
The companies involved in the initiative are based within the main streets of the town centre and have until June 22 to send their ballot paper in with either a yes or no vote.
Co-ordinator for the BID committee, Ashley Wilson, confirmed some ballots had been sent in ahead of the deadline – although the results will not be revealed until June 23 – and added: “Our business community has really got behind the BID and the support has been strong across the board.
“We have yes votes from businesses both small and large – people are really seeing the benefit of the collective working, effort and activity the BID will bring to the Town.”
Mrs Wilson explained that discussions were already in progress for a number of collective buying initiatives and said: “A project high on the agenda is a town centre WiFi initiative.
“The BID company would pay a monthly fee to facilitate WiFi throughout Inverurie, so all who come into the town could access the internet easily at no cost.
“An added benefit would be that all businesses who are BID members could advertise via this portal at no additional cost to them and those searching for specific shops or services in the area would be shown the local businesses, events, promotions and offers for that day or week.”
Inverurie is the latest place in Scotland to sign up to develop a Bid programme and, if successful, all eligible businesses and organisations in the Inverurie area will contribute a financial levy to the scheme – bringing in an estimated £100,000 per year towards community projects.
The levy would replace the payments currently being made for membership of the Inverurie Business Association and the Environmental Group charges for hanging baskets outside retail premises.
One business owner, Sean Wyness of Craig & Beverly funeral directors, knows his company won’t benefit difrom the BID, but regards as a “way to support the community” and “promote the town centre”.
Another town centre retailer, Laings, has been a part of the Inverurie business community since they began trading in 1862. Owner Andy Walker has been a part of the steering group since the beginning as feels strongly that the scheme will keep Inverurie “strong and desirable” for local people and those visiting from further afield.
He said: “We are on the main thoroughfare between Aberdeen and Inverness – promoting Inverurie with BID backing can only be a good thing for the town.”
Under the banner brand ‘We Are Inverurie’ the BID steering group plans to unify the three existing groups already set-up in the town – Inverurie Events – Inverurie Environmental Group and the Inverurie Business Association.
Trevor Hart from Inverurie Events said the BID would open up more opportunities for the town, adding: “We are planning a Beer Festival in October and a strong Christmas programme. Looking forward into 2018 events such as a May Day Celebrations and music events are also planned.”