Businesses back Elgin BID for next five years
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THE town centre management group Elgin BID has been given a mandate by local businesses to continue for another five years.
The result was announced yesterday evening in Elgin Library by a representative from Moray Council
A total of 72.82% voted yes.
This is an increase of 16.34% from the vote in 2014.
Richard Cumming, who helps run Sirology in Batchen Street, is the chairman of Elgin BID.
He said: "We are delighted that the businesses have decided to back another five years of Elgin BID.
"The employees, board and working group members all work hard to ensure we are delivering for our business members, their customers and our community, so this is wonderful news.
"The current pressures on our local authority have seen them make very difficult decisions, which massively impact on our businesses and community.
"Elgin BID on behalf of their members have really had to step up and take on some of these burdens while continuing with the daily work of making Elgin a great and welcoming destination.
"Having gone through this democratic process for the third time it is wonderful we can carry out the wishes of our members, embrace challenges and work together for the next five years – all the while showcasing what we have to offer.
"We were one of the first BID districts in Scotland – so the fact we are now looking forward to phase three is something we should all be proud of and support."
Elgin BID was set up a decade ago to promote the town centre.
Businesses pay an annual levy and that money is used for various projects, such as street markets, the Christmas lights switch-on, additional street cleaning and seagull reduction measures.
Other projects have included the development of a business map, a food and drink guide, plus social media promotions.
Grants have also been organised for businesses which want to invest in their properties.
Gill Neil, chief executive of Elgin BID thanked all the businesses who took part in the ballot.
She said: "You have our word that we will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf and look forward to the exciting developments that the next five years will bring.
"We are thrilled by the results and the increase in the number of those who voted yes.
"I genuinely believe that, together, we will be able to achieve far more than working alone."
The 2020 – 2025 business plan can be found on the Elgin BID website.
