contents · 2020. 3. 26. · contents acknowledgements: logodesign: deeva design designandprint:...
TRANSCRIPT
Contents
Acknowledgements:Logo Design: DeeVA Design
Design and Print: CGL (Oban) Ltd
We are very grateful to the Oban Timesfor providing the photographs usedthroughout the Business Plan and alsoto Dennis Hardley Photography forsupplying the photograph of Oban’sChristmas Lights.
Cover photos: From top left:
Hanging baskets donated to Obancourtesy of Homebase.
Oban's fireworks was one of the highlightsof the 2011 Winter Festival.
Award winning business:Oban Bay Brewery Company.
The Big Strip! An aerial view of Oban'srecord breaking Strip the Willow in 2011.
Oban in winter, showing why the townis a perfect year round visitor destination.
Oban is a perfect location for cruise liners.
1. A message from the Chairman of BID4Oban Steering Group 1
2. Aims and Objectives of the Oban BID 2
3. What exactly is a BID? 2
4. History of the BID movement 3
5. Why does Oban need a BID? 3
6. What benefits would a BID offer? 4
7. The BID area and the BID map 5
8. Who will pay the Levy and how much will it cost? 6
9. Who will collect the Levy? 7
10. Making sure the BID adds value 7-8
The services already provided by Argyll and Bute Council,Strathclyde Police and Transport Scotland
11. The BID ballot process 8
12. We asked your opinion 9
13. You told us! 9
Strengths and Weaknesses
14. What should a BID focus on? 10
15. What a BID should do 10
16. What our customers / potential customers think 11
17. Our Objectives: A five year plan 12–18
Making the best first impression
Let’s shout about what’s happening in Oban!
Extend the season
Making Oban the place to stay, explore and spend
Working together for a more prosperous future
Making our town easier to visit
18. BID budget income 19
19. BID budget expenditure 19
20. Governance of the BID 20-21
The BID Company structure
Roles and responsibilities of the BID Board of Directors
Minimising risk
BID management and delivery
Monitoring BID performance
Communicating progress to Levy payers
21. The current Steering Group Back Cover
1
I am delighted to introduce the Business Plan for Oban’sproposed Business Improvement District (BID).
Our consultation with business proprietors and property ownersrevealed a number of priorities for action, detailed in this Plan,that you have indicated would make a real difference to yourtrading environment. Whether you are a retailer serving localcustomers, a hospitality provider serving the tourism market,or operate in the service and trade sectors supporting theprovision of goods and services, these priorities represent anopportunity to act collectively, enhance business profitabilityand attract further investment for our town.
It will also offer a unique opportunity for business to take a leadin building a more prosperous future for our town, creating aworking partnership with public agencies.
I am convinced that this Business Plan represents an extremelyvaluable investment into the whole town’s trading environment.It provides an opportunity for collaboration between all Obanbusinesses, giving us a collective voice which is able to influencefuture policy affecting our area and improve our businessopportunities.
If everyone works together this can be achieved and Obancan look forward to creating a more vibrant economy andan attractive location for business to the benefit of localsand visitors alike.
I urge you therefore to carefully consider this Business Planand ensure that your company votes ‘Yes’ to the Oban BID.Oban is a great place to live, to work and to visit – let’s secureour town’s future together.
Graham MacQueen M.B.E., D.L.ChairmanBID4Oban Steering Group
A messagefrom theChairman
Business Improvement District
2
Our aim (what we want to achieve):
The Oban BID will aim to deliver a range of projects and serviceswhich will boost the local economy through increasing thefootfall of shoppers and visitors, benefit all business Levy payersand improve the physical environment for all those who visit,live and work in the town.
Our objectives (how we will achieve it):
• To make the best first impression possible to visitors andshoppers to the town by helping provide a more attractiveenvironment
• To co-ordinate a managed programme of events and festivalsthroughout the year, including supporting existing eventsthrough marketing and fundraising
• To increase the number of new events in the town which willextend the season
• To maximise our assets and attract more shoppers and visitorsto stay, explore and spend in the town
• To bring businesses together to help reduce business costs andact as an effective business lobbying body for the benefit ofthe town’s future prosperity
• To improve accessibility and parking within the town forvisitors by car or on foot.
A business improvement district (BID) is about businesses workingtogether and investing collectively in local improvements inaddition to those delivered by the statutory authorities, over anagreed period of time (normally 5 years). Stronger together thanworking alone.
A business improvement district is usually a partnershiparrangement through which the local business community andthe statutory authorities take forward projects which will benefitthe local businesses and grow the local economy.
A BID is not a substitute for central or local governmentexpenditure, but an additional investment to strengthen thelocal economy.
BIDs are developed, managed and paid for by the private sectorby means of a compulsory Levy, which the businesses within theproposed BID area must vote in favour of before the BID can beestablished. The ballot for the Oban BID will be open for 42 daysfrom the 24 August to the 5 October 2012, the ballot day.Each business liable to contribute to the BID will be able to voteon whether or not the BID goes ahead.
Aims andObjectivesof theOban BID
What exactlyis a BID?
The vision of BID4Oban is tocreate a vibrant and vital towncentre, with a supportive andinvolved business community.
Peter Twyman
ObanBackpackers
“I've lived four great years in Obanbuilding up a business and in thattime I've had the enormouspleasure of seeing other businessessucceeding as well as my own. It'sa great place to be. I'm excited bythe idea that for a very modestindividual investment into BID wecan help to ensure that the townbecomes an even more attractiveplace to be. And that means morevisitors and more jobs!”
3
BIDs first started in Canada over 40 years ago in a small towncalled Bloor West Village near Toronto. Businesses werestruggling to cope with competition from a new out-of-townshopping centre, which resulted in many business insolvencies,empty shops and a neglected looking town centre. Businesses gottogether and devised a plan to revitalise the town and successfullylobbied for legislation for all businesses in the proposed BID areato pay a Levy. The investment Levy was used to make physicalimprovements to the appearance of the town centre and topromote the town centre. The strategy paid off and the model hassuccessfully been copied to create BID areas throughout the world.
Over the past few years, the popularity of BIDs has grown at aphenomenal rate. There are now 130 established BIDs in the UK,13 of which are in Scotland (Bathgate, Alloa, Inverness, Lerwick,Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Elgin, Falkirk, Clarkston, SouthQueensferry and Clackmannanshire Business Park) with at leastanother 21 in the pipeline. Several BIDs are now going throughthe renewal process, with Falkirk most recently winning aresounding ‘yes’ vote for a second term, gaining a larger majoritythan it received the first time. This proves that BIDs really do work(particularly through a recession) as a tool for providing thetrading environment which businesses want for themselves, theirstaff, customers and clients.
If we do nothing then we will continue to decline.
Oban has recently been promoted as the Capital of the WestHighlands and Islands. Our research has shown that localbusinesses recognise Oban’s key assets as a hub for both tourismand business activity, with its transport links to and from the islesand stunning scenic surroundings and environmental assets.
Oban’s potential as a tourism and shopping destination iscurrently overshadowed by:
• The pull of other competitor tourism destinations and frommajor cities/retail outlets
• The impact of the recession on profitability - the proportion ofbusinesses who feel that Oban is a good place to do businesshas decreased from 83% five years ago to 53% now
• The seasonality of tourism and not enough events/festivalsto attract visitors throughout the year.
Research also suggests that:
• Oban has insufficient tourism attractions and that businessesare worried about the number of empty shop units andgeneral untidy appearance of some areas of the town
• Lack of car parking and on-street parking management is akey issue for local businesses and consumers alike.
The town has only one opportunity to make the best first impressionpossible – we don’t want to lose visitors and customers because ourtown ‘looks tired’. The BID is your vehicle to reverse that declineand make change happen – to do nothing is not a viable option.
History of theBID movement
Why does Obanneed a BID?
A BID can only proceed if:
• A minimum turnout(headcount) of 25% ofbusinesses in the BIDarea vote by number andcombined rateable value.
• Over 50% of those thatvote must vote in favourof a BID
• Those that vote in favourrepresent over 50% of thetotal rateable value of thevotes cast
Recent comments posted on onlinesite ‘Trip Advisor’ demonstrate thechallenge we face:
““In its favour the location righton the harbour is spot on although the whole of Oban ispretty run down these days andhas certainly gone downhill inthe 20 years since I was lastthere. Shame really, it used tobe such a great place”.
““Unfortunately Oban is sufferingthe recession it seems and someparts are rather run down”.
4
A BID would support Oban to maximise its key assets and improveits tourism and retail offer – on which our local economy isdependent – in a sustained, pro-active way. Although much ofBID project activity would focus on the town centre, all businesssectors and trades in the town would benefit from the projectsand services which the BID would deliver through supporting asustainable economic future for all.
As a Business Improvement District we will be a:
• “One Stop Shop” for all sectors of our business communitycovering Retail, Support services, Hospitality, and Leisure.
• Credible self-funding organisation representing the businesscommunity of Oban.
• Strong voice under one umbrella.
If Oban businesses do not vote in favour of a BID to make theimprovements identified by its users, then we will find that:
• Shoppers and visitors may vote with their feet (and their cars)and go elsewhere.
• More businessess may disappear.
• There is no incentive to locate to and do business in Oban.
• No one is promoting a united Oban for business.
• There will be fewer opportunities for our children.
• The town will look shabby.
• There will be an increasing lack of civic pride.
What benefitswould a BIDoffer?
• A more attractive town• Increased events and activities year-round
• Co-ordination of what’shappening around the town
• More marketing and greater footfall
• Better access• Drawing in more funding for the town
• An improved reputation
5
The proposed BID area is the entire town falling within the 30mph speed limits. This starts at the entrance to the top of thetown on A85 at the Bealach an Righ, to Ganavan along Esplanade, along Gallanach Road just past Glenmore Road, along Glencruitten Road past the golf course, along GlenshellachRoad near the police houses, to the A816 exit to Lochgilphead on Soroba Road.
The BID areaand the BIDmap
Ardconnel RoadCreag An AirmShore StreetGlenshellach TerraceDrimvargie RoadDunuaran RoadGlenshellach RoadGlenmore RoadTower ViewCrannaig-a-MhinisterPulpit RockVilla RoadSinclair DriveQuarry RoadMiller RoadGlencruitten DriveAngus TerraceKnipoch PlaceDalintart DriveMossfield AvenueMossfield DrivePolvinster RoadDrummore Road (part)Corran BraeBayview RoadLismore CrescentCastle RoadLorn AvenueIona DriveLaggan RoadCruachan CrescentKerrera TerraceUlva RoadIslay RoadJura RoadMull TerraceShuna TerraceScarba TerraceLochavullin DriveCrannog LaneLynn CourtMillpark RoadMillpark AvenueMillpark PlaceLynn GardensBurnside PlaceScalpay TerraceColonsay TerraceLunga RoadGrianach GardensMcCaig Road
Lonan DriveAray GardensOrchy GardensNant DriveCreran GardensUre GardensCoe GardensEtive GardensFeochan GardensLawe RoadNelson RoadCampbell CrescentGlencruitten RoadAlbany StreetGallanach RoadAlexandra RoadCorran EsplanadeGanavan RoadRowan RoadDeanery BraeCroft RoadCroft AvenueLongsdale CrescentLongsdale TerraceHazeldean CrescentLongsdale RoadDalriach RoadDalriach Park TerraceBenvoullin RoadDuncraggan RoadLaurel RoadLaurel CrescentRockfield RoadArdconnel TerraceHill StreetTweeddale StreetStevenson StreetArgyll StreetStafford StreetCraigard RoadAlbert RoadJohn StreetNursery LaneAlbert LanePark Hotel LaneBreadalbane StreetBreadalbane LaneWilliam StreetNorth PierAirds CrescentGibralter Street
Market StreetLochside StreetStar BraeLochavullin RoadSoroba LaneHigh StreetCampbell StreetStation Road andQueen's Park PlaceSoroba Hill RoadLynn RoadMill Lane, LochavullinGlencruitten CourtGlengallan RoadThe Greens, GlencruittenPulpit DrivePulpit RoadGlenshellach BusinessPark RoadsTaylor's BraeJacob's LadderSchool BraeBen Cruachan ViewHaggarts Brae
(Footpath)Glengallan DriveBalvicar RoadCraighouse AvenueSoroba RoadCombie StreetArgyll SquareMorvern HillGlenshellach IndustrialEstate RoadGlenshellach BuisnessPark FootpathGlencruitten RiseCreag Bhan Village
No's 1-28Creag Bhan Village
No's 29-60Skerryvore GardensHyskeir GardensHynish CrescentBenvoullin GardensMcCall TerraceCorelli CourtDavaar GardensFladda RoadPolvinster GardensRhuvaal Road
6
A BID Improvement Levy is an equitable and fair way of fundingadditional projects and services which the local authority is notrequired to provide. Improving your trading environment couldbe made possible through a successful BID generating some£148,000 per annum for business improvements.
• Improvement Levy payments will be made by those liable topay non-domestic rates with a rateable valuation of £3,000 orabove and will be made by the occupiers (as the eligiblepersons) only, with the exception of vacant premises when theproperty owner will be liable for the Levy payment.
• The Improvement Levy is not linked to what businesses actuallypay in rates but is based on the rateable value of the property.
The following table shows the modest cost which your businesswould have to pay and would be based on the SSA Valuation Rollrateable valuation of your property on the ballot date.
RV RANGE ANNUAL LEVY COST PER BUSINESS PER WEEK
£3,000 – £8,399 £150.00 £2.90
£8,400 – £13,399 £250.00 £4.23
£13,400 – £39,999 £380.00 £7.30
£40,000 – £65,999 £530.00 £10.20
£66,000 – £99,999 £890.00 £17.12
£100,000 – £179,999 £1030.00 £19.80
£180,000 – £499,000 £2300.00 £44.23
£500,000+ £5000.00 £96.15
The table has been developed based on calculating the averagemedian value for all rateable properties in the area which is£9,900. We believe that £250 per year is a reasonable andaffordable Levy charge for the ‘average’ business but haveacknowledged that very low rateable values should pay belowthis rate. Broad ‘uplifts’ for bandings above this level have thenbeen set to reflect the size of the business and have allowed forall multiple retailers to be included as Levy payers.
Who will paythe Levy andhow much will it cost?
7
Who will collect the Levy?
• The Levy must be paid in one payment for accounts of £150per annum. Accounts over £150 per annum can be paid in onepayment or in 10 instalments by direct debit. Payment must bemade within 28 days from the date the Levy invoice is issued.
• The BID Board will decide whether or not to index-link (CPI) theLevy payment to take into account inflation but for calculationpurposes in this business plan no increase has been allowed.
• If there is a change or several changes in the occupier of theproperty within the BID area, no rebate of under £150 will begiven to any outgoing occupier since this would beuneconomic to administer. The property owner will then beresponsible for paying the Levy until a new occupier is found.
• Any new commercial development or new business with arateable valuation coming into the BID area during the 5-yearterm of the BID will be liable for the Investment Levy.
• If a property is empty on the date the Levy is issued, theproperty owner will be liable for the full Levy amount, whichmust be paid within 28 days.
• As charity shops and charitable hospitality providers will benefitfrom the BID in the same way as other retail/ accommodationoutlets, there will be no exemption from paying the Levy.
• Council and government agencies will also pay the Levy.
• The only exceptions will be places of worship, non-retailcharities and not-for-profit community organisations,educational and social care establishments, NHS and otheremergency services.
Argyll and Bute Council will be appointed to issue businesses inthe BID area with a separate Levy invoice under the headingBusiness Improvement District Levy. All income collected underthe ‘BID Levy’ will be kept in a separate BID Revenue Account andpassed to the BID Company to be used only for BID projects andservices. The BID Levy cannot be used as an additional source ofrevenue for the Council.
Any non-payment of the BID Investment Levy will be stronglypursued and statutory powers will be enforced to ensure fairnessto those businesses that have paid the Levy.
Graham Fraser
Alba Artshop
“Collective investment by localbusinesses – who themselves thendecide where to target it - willbring far greater benefits than individual organisations trying totackle challenges on their own.”
8
A Service Level Agreement is a baseline of information whichdetails what the Council, the Police and Transport Scotland (whichis responsible for the A85 trunk road running through the town)currently deliver. It also gives an assurance to the Levy payers thatthe current statutory level of service to the BID area will not bereduced after a successful ballot.
The services already provided by Argyll and Bute Council:
• Street Furniture: benches, finger posts (directional signage),bins, bollards
• Planting and Grounds maintenance: seasonal planting,maintenance of grassed areas and ground maintenance plots
• Waste removal: charged trade waste collection and disposalservice
• Street Lighting: installation, management and maintenance
• Road and pavements maintenance: including repairs andwinter road and footpath maintenance
• Car Parks: Council operated off-street car parking
• Christmas: erection of Christmas decorations/lighting
• Public toilets
• Piers maintenance: maintenance of North Pier, Oban Times slip and Port Beag.
Services already provided by Transport Scotland (currently deliveredthrough Transerv, with new contract currently been tendered, to beawarded in September 2012). ALL relating to trunk road:
• street lighting on trunk road
• road and pavements maintenance on trunk road
• winter maintenance of trunk road
• grass cutting and weed control at side of trunk road
• gully cleaning to ensure free flow of storm water.
The services already provided by Strathclyde Police:
• provision of dedicated town centre officers at peak times, to address particular issues or to cover specific events
• increasing town centre foot patrols over the busy festiveperiod to ensure that crimes in Oban are prevented
• provision of the Shopwatch scheme to assist with earlyidentification and alert of possible shoplifters and
• working closely with licensed premises to ensure that the town centre is a safe place to be at night.
The number of officers on duty at any time, varies dependent onrecognised demands and initiatives but targeted action willalways be taken to impact on the policing priorities identified bythe community, including the BID, to ensure that officers are inthe right place at the right time.
Making sure theBID adds value
To ensure that all projects andservices delivered by BID moniesare additional to those deliveredby Argyll and Bute Council,Strathclyde Police and TransportScotland, there will be a ServiceLevel Agreement between theBID and these bodies.
9
• The BID ballot is a confidential postal ballot commissioned bythe Returning Officer of Argyll and Bute Council on behalf ofthe Oban BID and in accordance with Scottish BID legislation.
• Prior to the ballot taking place, a ‘Notice of Ballot’ will beissued to all businesses in the BID area.
• Voting papers will be issued to every eligible business locatedin the BID area and addressed to the person responsible forcasting a vote for that business.
• Voting papers will be issued from Friday 24 August 2012
• The final date for all ballot papers to be returned is 5pm Friday 5 October 2012.
• Voting papers are easy to complete, simply place a cross oneither ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question ‘Are you in favour of aBID?’. The ballot paper must be signed by the person eligibleto vote and returned in the pre-paid envelope.
• For the ballot to be successful, there must be a minimum of 25% ‘turnout’ by number of businesses and by combinedrateable value.
• Of those that vote, over 50% by number and 50% bycombined rateable value must vote in favour of the BID.
• All eligible voters (i.e. those persons liable to pay non-domesticrates) will have one vote or where an eligible voter has morethan one business premises (rateable subject), that individualshall be eligible to cast more than one vote and will also berequired to pay the Levy for each of the properties theyoccupy. Where the property is vacant (i.e. with no tenant inplace) then the property owner will receive the ballot paper asthe eligible person.
• If a business has more than one rateable property it willreceive a ballot paper for each property. Each paper counts as one vote. It is important that every ballot paper received is completed and returned.
• The ballot papers will be counted on Monday 8 October 2012and the results announced within one week.
• If the ballot is successful, the BID will commence on 31October 2012 and will run for a period of five years until the30 October 2017.
The BID ballotprocess
Richard Fowler Coast
“The Oban BID projects would beadditional to the work alreadybeing carried out by the counciland other organisations. This islocal businesses’ chance to decidewhat really matters to them and toact on it – adding value to the investment being made by others.”
10
Throughout September to December 2011 businesses within theBID area were visited or mailed and asked to complete a BusinessQuestionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire was to consultwith you, the business community and find out what you like anddislike about doing business in Oban. Businesses were also askedabout the impact they would like to see a BID have and whichaspects of Oban they would most like to see improved in the next5 years.
Businesses were also invited to give an indication of whether theywould support the BID, in principle. Of those who responded46% indicated that in principle they would be in favour of a BID,whilst 51% either didn’t answer or were undecided and wantedto see the Business Plan before making a decision. Only 3% statedthat they would vote against a BID.
46% of town businesses responded to our questionnaire, which wasindependently analysed by IBP Strategy & Research. Businesses alsogave us additional feedback through the many one-to-one businessvisits undertaken and through our open business meetings.
Our consultation found that whilst businesses are generally happywith safety in the town and think that the town centre is well lit,that shops and buildings are generally well presented and thatthere are enough police patrols, you were less happy about thestate of roads and pavements, lack of car parking, the number ofevents to attract visitors throughout the year and the number ofavailable tourism attractions in the town.
Strengths and WeaknessesBusinesses resoundingly recognised that the main strengths ofdoing business in Oban are the town’s location as a hub for theWest Highlands and islands, its scenic surroundings and its roleas a tourism destination. The town’s weaknesses are seen as:
• lack of parking/cost of charges
• traffic congestion/access to the town
• Being dependent on seasonal business
• Cost of living/high rent and rates/ rural fuel costs.
We asked your opinion
You told us!
Of those who responded 46% indicated that in principle they would be in favour of a BID....
Gary Duff MRICSD M Hall
“This is a proposal which will benefit all businesses in Oban. A vibrant town centre and booming tourism economy willboost trading in all sectors,whether it be directly for those involved in the retail and hospitality sectors or more indirectly through increased business for trade or professionalservices.”
11
We asked you what impact you would like a BID to have, withbusinesses giving a rating from 1 to 5 in terms of importance (5being most important). The table below shows the average scorefor each impact, showing the highest rating for increasing thenumber of visitors and shoppers to the town, followed byimproving individual business performance and improving theambiance (physical environment) of the town.
Three clear priorities emerged from the consultation (as seen inthe table below):
• Address seasonality with more events to extend the seasonthroughout the shoulder months (66% of businesses rankedthis as a 4 or 5, 5 being most important). One-to-oneconsultation with businesses also provided a clear messagethat there was a role for greater co-ordination and support forthe many events and initiatives already happening in thetown, such as 2011’s first Winter Festival, with the BID acting asa facilitator and co-ordinator.
• Increase footfall through more marketing of Oban as bothtourism and shopper destination (63%) which will continue tostrengthen and support the strong work of the existing Obanand Lorn Tourism Association
• Improve town centre parking (61%) through lobbying andworking with the local authority.
When viewed alongside the results of several customer and visitorsurveys carried out over the last 2 years, a clear picture begins toemerge of the priorities for Oban’s proposed BID. These havebeen developed into a set of clear objectives and projects whichare found on pages 17-22 of this plan.
What should aBID focus on?
What a BIDshould do
Businesses also supported the provision of more family/playoriented facilities (and activities)for visitors, and wanted toimprove the overallattractiveness of the town centre 52%.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%
0
1
2
3
4
5
4.10Increase number of
visitors and shoppersto the town
3.76Improve your
business performance
3.44Improve the
physical environment
3.16Give Oban businesses
a collective voiceand more influence
2.87Collective purchasingof utilities to reduce
business costs
66%More events to
extend to season
63%More marketing of
Oban as a tourism andshopping destination
61%Town centre
parking
58%More family/play
facilities forvisitors
52%The overall
attractiveness ofshopping and visitor accommodation areas
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%
0
1
2
3
4
5
4.10Increase number of
visitors and shoppersto the town
3.76Improve your
business performance
3.44Improve the
physical environment
3.16Give Oban businesses
a collective voiceand more influence
2.87Collective purchasingof utilities to reduce
business costs
66%More events to
extend to season
63%More marketing of
Oban as a tourism andshopping destination
61%Town centre
parking
58%More family/play
facilities forvisitors
52%The overall
attractiveness ofshopping and visitor accommodation areas
12
More eventsA number of Oban-focused surveys have been carried out in thepast few years which provide a clear indication of both whatpotential customers are looking for in a tourist destination andwhat actual visitors and consumers resident in the area thinkabout the town. Two surveys commissioned by Oban & LornTourism Association in 2009 and 2011 showed the importance ofevents tourism to the local economy with 77% of those surveyedstating that they would be willing to visit the Oban area if therewere more festivals, activities and events available.
What visitors think about ObanAn in-street visitor survey commissioned by the Council in 2010found that the majority of visitors to the town are short-stayvisitors (2-4 nights) who visit to shop (38%), catch a ferry (31%) oreat (27%). The survey results have much in common with ourown business consultation in terms of what visitors like anddislike about the town: visitors most value Oban’s scenery, friendlytown atmosphere and harbour area. Visitors most disliked:
• the difficulty in finding parking spaces
• lack of signposting – especially to McCaig’s Tower
• too many empty shops
• litter
• apparent lack of public toilets.
The Council also commissioned a postal survey of local arearesidents which showed that they would visit more if there werebetter/more variety of shops (23%); 58% disagreed that there is agood quality and variety of shops.
A majority of those surveyed did not find it easy to park in thetown centre (68%) and 62% did not agree that the appearance ofbuildings and street furniture is good (although 64% agree thatpublic spaces are good).
Adverse comments were also made about the number of emptyshop units, lack of visitor facilities and maintenance andcleanliness of key seafront areas. These themes have also beenreported in the recent (2012) Community Council survey carriedout throughout the town.
What ourcustomers /potentialcustomers think
The research made severalrecommendations which OLTA has implemented, but significantamong these is that the townshould:• Create a more diversifiedproduct of activities andoutdoor oriented events
• Develop and implement anevents and activitiesprogramme for all ages.
Again, all of these themescomplement the results of ourown business questionnairesurvey. Having reviewed all theresearch conducted about ourtown the Steering Group hasdeveloped 6 key objectives and a series of costed projects basedon what you and our potentialcustomers have told us.
13
Our Objectives:A five year plan
Based on the feedback provided by the businessesand consumer surveys carried out in Oban, the following themed objectives have been approved by the BID Steering Group:
Objective 1: Making the best first impressionTo make the best first impression possible to visitors and shoppersto the town by helping provide a more attractive environment.
Project Cost met from BID Levy
Timing Measurement Benefit to Levy payer
Welcome features to town at A85 andA816 entrances
£10,000 2013 Number of completedfeatures
Maximum positiveimpact of Oban as a tourism destination
Floral enhancements:200 baskets plusfree standing displays for widertown centre area
£15,000 2013 –2017
Number of displays; allkey retailareas oftown are included inproject
‘Whole town’ solution, not justGeorge Street; improved visitorexperience and enhanced customer loyalty
Annual Big Tidy (by zone). Additional £1kequivalent contribution from Council
£1,000 2013 –2017
Amount of litter collected
Business involvementthrough volunteertaskforce; cleanermore attractiveenvironment
Power washing ofpavements (Councilwill deliver to £5kequivalent)
£0 2013 –2017
Cleanlinessof pavements
Cleaner, more attractive environment forcustomers andworkers
Decorative streetlighting (inc. newposts) from North Pier to WarMemorial
£40,000 2013 –2017
Decorativelighting inplace
Improved presentation oftown’s key asset –Esplanade – forvisitors & locals –encourage repeatvisits and sense ofpride in town.
Christmas Lights –replacement for2013 and extensionto Combie and High Streets AND Top of town Christmas tree and decorations
£40,000 2012 –2016
Lighting installed;area lit extended.
Investment inlighting that flexible to be usedall year round. Improve attractiveness oftown centre forkey events. Equipment ‘library’for use by otherevents/ businesses.
Painting of railingsNorth Pier and WarMemorial (Councilwill deliver to £25kequivalent)
£0 2014 –2017
Total area of railingspainted/repaired
Improved presentation ofkey asset, from the sea, Pulpitviewpoint andMcCaigs Tower as well as fromOban town itself
14
Making the best first impression = £190,000
In addition:
• Argyll and Bute Council will deliver projects to equivalentvalue of £51,000 during lifetime of BID.
• The BID will co-ordinate its improvement activities with thework of the Council through CHORD and other Council ledinitiatives, and in conjunction with Transport Scotland whereappropriate, to maximise the benefit which future projects willcontribute, on a complementary basis, towards town centreregeneration and improvement. Future Council led projectoptions may include decorative street lighting for the harbourarea alongside other harbour/bay area improvements.
• The BID will work with SNH, SEPA and Argyll Fisheries Trustand other agencies on Black Lynn regeneration and seek todraw in additional funds for this project.
• The BID will work with the Council to explore commerciallyviable solutions for the future of the Harbour Bowl site onShore Street, with the aim of improving the appearance of thetown centre and providing an attractive recreational area inthe town centre
Business Frontagescheme: for businesses established for 3 years or more,maximum 50% of costs capped at £1k per site
£60,000 2013 –2017
Total number ofbusinessesreceivinggrant
Properties improved at reduced cost toowner; improvedpresentation oftown businesses;enhance visitor/consumer experience.
Empty Shop Fund:dressing of emptyshops with pop upscreens; keepingwindows clean
£14,000 2013 –2017
Number of‘dressed’empty units
Improved visualappearance oftown centre andkey events/areasof interest promoted onscreens.
Black Lynn Burn Regeneration: making a feature of river throughtown (Council willdeliver works toequivalent of additional £20k)
£10,000 2014 –2017
Length ofburncleaned up and regenerated
Improved presentation of town; enhanceretail/visitor experience and encourage footfall throughwhole of town
Lorraine Parrott
Oban Express
“Our proposal for Oban would seeall businesses contribute to the effort to enhance our town. This boost is vital to Oban's tradingenvironment for both visitors andlocals alike; we all have a responsibility for each other. A few pounds a week will be theaverage contribution and ensureswe are all involved - from largemultiples to small independents –the banded scale of charges is fairto everyone. Let's all try and makea difference..... together!”
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Objective 2: Let’s shout about what’s happening in Oban!To co-ordinate a managed programme of events and festivalsthroughout the year, including supporting existing eventsthrough marketing and fundraising support.
Project Cost met from BID Levy
Timing Measurement Benefit to Levy payer
Oban Events Manager andfundraiser
£87,500 2012 –2017
Commercialtown diarylaunched; increase innumber ofeventsposted; new of newevents/ initiativessupportedby manager;additionalfunding accessed
Increased footfall in Oban, increased numberand effective promotion of activities to encourage repeat visits
Town Centre ambassadors x 2 (seasonal) to welcome and direct visitors totown
£75,000 2013 –2017
No. hoursworked byseasonal ambassadors;Number ofvisitors assisted.
Enhance welcometo town and improve visitor experience to encourage increased footfall.
New events grantsbudget (in season)
£50,000 2013 –2017
Number oforganisations/individualsassisted;Number attendingevents.
Increase footfallinto Oban: provide increasednumber of activities for visitors.
Town Diary (self -funded after initialset up costs of£4,000 to expandand commercialise – recoverable over 4 years)
£0 sponsoredby localbusinesses
2013 –2017
Number ofeventsposted;number ofbusinessesutilising foradvertising.
Improved communicationand provide co-ordination:Central point ofreference forevents in town.
Let’s shout about it = £212,500
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Objective 3: Extend the season!
To increase the number of new festivals and events in low to mid-season periods which will increase visitors to the townthroughout the year.
Extend the season = £90,000
In addition:
• The BID will work with Argyll & Isles Strategic TourismPartnership and Oban & Lorn Tourism Association to ensurethat the funded programme of events fits wider local strategyand priorities.
• The BID company will act as a facilitator to source funding andget new events up and running, complementing the invaluablesupport already offered by other agencies such as ArgyllVoluntary Action and the Council.
Project Cost met from BID Levy
Timing Measurement Benefit to Levy payer
New events/festivals budget forOut of Season;drawing inadditional EventsScotland funding
£90,000 2013 –2017
Number ofnew eventsfunded outof season
Increase footfalland spend at lowseason periods;more attractionsin Oban; Oban anall year rounddestination
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Objective 4: Making Oban the place to stay, explore and spend
To maximise our assets and attract more shoppers and visitors tostay, explore and spend in the town
Making Oban the place to stay, explore and spend = £92,000
In addition:
• The BID Company will work with Oban & Lorn TourismAssociation (OLTA) to deliver on this objective, particularly inbenefiting from the marketing grant scheme which willstrengthen OLTA’s existing successful activity in promoting thetown and potentially draw in further funding for the townthrough Visit Scotland’s Growth Fund.
• * The BID will develop a constructive partnership with theproposed West of Scotland Watersports Hub to market water-based activities, whilst also supporting Stramash’s proposedCoastal Communities Project.
• The BID will work with other local initiatives to improve familyoriented/play facilities such as Oban Community Playpark.
Project Cost met from BID Levy
Timing Measurement Benefit to Levy payer
‘Love Oban’ Giftvoucher andpromotionalvoucher booklets – tie in with cruiseliner/bus tours
£24,500 2013 –2017
No. ofparticipatingbusinesses;gift voucherspurchased;number ofvouchersredeemed
Encourage localspend andcustomer loyalty in ‘Oban’ brand.
Town piper contract (seasonal)
£17,500 2013 –2017
No. of hoursworked and keypoints in townbenefiting.
Support streetambassadors inwelcoming visitors(at ferry, cruiseliners, from trainetc.) Improvevisitor / consumerexperience.
Marketing grant:advertising andpromotions focused on familyoriented & water-based outdooractivities *
£50,000 2013 –2017
Number and qualityofcampaignssupportedby grant
Increasedawareness ofOban as a tourismdestination forfamilies andwater/marinebased activities;increase footfalland potentialcustomer spend. Chris Taylor
The Co-operative
“The levies paid by the businesseswithin the BID boundary will onlybe one part of the money cominginto the scheme. The BID has already secured a major annualcontribution from Argyll and ButeCouncil, and will work to find additional funding from sourcessuch as the Lottery and Europe soas to maximise the opportunitiesfor the town. ”
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Objective 5: Working together for a more prosperous future
To bring businesses together to help reduce business costs and actas an effective business lobbying body for the benefit of thetown’s future prosperity.
Project Cost met from BID Levy
Timing Measurement Benefit to Levy payer
Create an ObanBusiness Forum,working with theOban Chamber ofCommerce to act as umbrella for allbusiness sectorinterests
£0 2013 –2017
Number ofopenbusinessforums
Improvednetworkingopportunities;collective andunified businessvoice on key town issues
Joint procurementof utilities (offeredthrough BIDsScotland),particularly focusedon independentsmall businesses.
£5,000 2013 –2017
Number ofbusinessestaking upthe offers;reduced bills for Levypayers
Direct cost savingsto businesseswhich in someinstances willcover the cost ofthe BID Levy.
A town signage strategy will also be developed in partnership with the Council to ensure consistency and high quality visitor experience.
In addition the Council will contributethrough its CHORD programme:
• Development of a long stay parkingsolution for the town
• Improved town signage around thetransport interchange,improvements in accessibility andtaxi ranks and improvements to busshelters.
Project Cost met from BID Levy
Timing Measurement Benefit to Levy payer
Develop multi-functional streetwardens (alongsideambassadors) tomanage on-streetparking/street scene issues in town centre.
£0
Self-funded
2014 –2017
Streetwardens‘pay’ forthemselvesthroughparkingincome;
Turnover ofcustomers parkingin town increasesthrough ‘policing’by wardens;Businesses havedirect contactpoint for resolvingstreet scene issues
Improve town signageinto town centreand towards keyattractions/facilitiesto complementCHORD improvements(£30k equivalentfunding to be metby Council)
£0 2014 –2017
Number of newsignpostsinstalled
Maximise assetsand existing visitor attractionsand encouragefootfall to towncentre.
In addition:
• The BID Company will specificallylobby for improved and co-ordinated transport services toand from Oban, using the strengthof its ‘umbrella’ status for all localbusinesses and working with theCouncil and Hi-trans on sharedobjectives
Objective 6: Making our town easier to visit
To improve accessibility and parking within the town for visitorsby car or on foot.
Making our town easier to visit = £0
The development of multi-function street wardens should be seenin the context of the Council’s overall review of parking anddecriminalisation of parking offences.
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BID budget income
BID budget expenditure
BID Company income over 5 years = £840,000
These figures do not reflect any additional income/sponsorshipwhich the BID will rigorously seek to source from other fundingbodies (for example, Events Scotland, Visitscotland, European andlottery funding).
In addition to the financial contribution towards project costs,Argyll and Bute Council will also contribute a total of £81,000in-kind project support over the 5 year period, as well as its own£4,500 annual contribution as a BID Levy payer. In total theCouncil will be committing £203,500 in kind and cashcontributions to the BID’s delivery over a 5 year period.
Income Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 TOTAL
Income from BID Levy £148,000 £148,000 £148,000 £148,000 £148,000 £740,000
Argyll and Bute Council contribution £20,000 £20,000 £20,000 £20,000 £20,000 £100,000
Income total £168,000 £168,000 £168,000 £168,000 £168,000 £840,000
Expenditure Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total
Making best first impression £46,000 £42,000 £41,500 £37,000 £23,500 £190,000
Let’s Shout about it £42,500 £42,500 £42,500 £42,500 £42,500 £212,500
Extend the season £10,000 £20,000 £20,000 £20,000 £20,000 £90,000
Oban the place to visit, explore and spend £18,500 £18,500 £18,500 £18,500 £18,000 £92,000
Working together £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £5,000
Easier to visit £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0
BID Manager and Admin support (both part time)
£32,500 £32,500 £32,500 £32,500 £32,500 £162,500
Operational costs inc. charge for admin. of Levy and renewal ballot 2017
£12,500 £12,000 £12,000 £12,000 £14,500 £63,000
Contingency £5,000 £5,000 £5,000 £5,000 £5,000 £25,000
TOTAL £168,000 £173,500 £173,000 £168,500 £157,000 £840,000
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The BID Company structureSince 2010, the proposed BID has been developed under thedirection of the BID4Oban Steering Group. If the BID ballot issuccessful, it is proposed that a company limited by guarantee isformed. The Steering Group will act as a shadow board for thefirst three months following a successful ballot, to ensurecontinuity and minimise delay in implementing the Business Plan.
The new board of directors will comprise of a maximum of 12directors and include a chair, vice chair and a financial director.Positions on the board will be voluntary and will be unpaid.
10 places on the board will be appointed through nominationand an election held where places are contested. Places will beopen to all business owners/managers (who pay the Levy) who arewilling to give their time and expertise freely for the benefit oftheir town. The Directors where possible will be appointed toreflect the various businesses categories located in the town, aswell as the different geographical areas of the town (town centre,industrial estates etc.) from both national companies andprivately owned local businesses. If the Company does notreceive enough nominations to the Board, directors can be co-opted to fill the vacant positions.
A further 2 places will be allocated to Argyll and Bute Council fortheir nominated representatives on the Board.
The Board of Directors will reserve the right to consider creating acharitable arm of the Company to enable it to secure additionalfunding that can only be sourced with charitable status.
Minimising riskThe Board will take all steps necessary to minimise any riskassociated with the BID (financially or otherwise) by only usingreputable contractors to deliver BID projects. The Board will alsoadopt best practice in governance and operational procedureswhilst being open and transparent in its operations. TheCompany will undergo an evaluation of its activities at the halfway point and at 4 years of its 5 year term to ensure that it isdelivering all the projects and services as detailed in this plan.
Governance of the BID
The directors will be responsible for:
• The strategic direction ofthe BID
• Operating the Company inan efficient and transparentmanner
• Financial management andprudence
• Oversight of the delivery ofthe projects and services inthe BID Business Plan
• Making adaptations to theprojects delivered, shouldnew opportunities orchanges in economiccircumstances arise in thebest interest of the businesscommunity
• Decision-making relating togrants programmesoperated by the BID
• Monitoring performance andpublishing the company’sAnnual Report.
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BID Management and deliveryFollowing establishment of the new company structure, a BIDManager and Events Manager will be recruited together with anAdministrator (all part-time posts). It is also proposed that 2street ambassadors and one piper be employed seasonally. Allposts will be accountable to the new Company board through theBID Manager.
Roles and responsibilities of the BID team will be to:
• Deliver the objectives of the Business Plan
• Act as a central co-ordinating bureau for events and festivals inthe town
• Act as fundraiser for projects which contribute towardsdelivery of the BID’s objectives
• Establish and facilitate an Oban Business Forum for the town
• Maintain direct communication with BID Levy payers and keypartners
• Manage the finances of the BID
• Monitor compliance with Argyll and Bute Council’s, TransportScotland’s and Strathclyde Police’s baseline service agreements
• Ensure compliance of the Operating Agreement between theOban BID Company and Argyll and Bute Council
Monitoring BID performance The BID Company will formally measure performance throughthe following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
• Footfall research at key events funded by the BID
• Visitor / shopper satisfaction perception surveys (using findingsfrom OLTA and CHORD commissioned research)
• Annual survey of BID Levy payers
• Sales performance research
• Vacancy rates
• Media coverage
• Crime Statistics
Communicating progress to Levy payersProgress will be reported back on a regular basis to BID Levypayers through:
• An Annual Review of progress and performance
• AGM
• Record of Quarterly board meeting
• Quarterly newsletters
• Regular website update
• Monthly e-bulletins and press releases.
Current Steering GroupNote that all the following business sectors are represented on the Steering Group:
• Retail/ wholesale
• Hospitality, food and drink
• Professional services
• Distribution
• Leisure services
• Trade services
Oban Town Traders’ Association and Oban Licensed Traders’Association are both represented on the Steering Group.
Oban and Lorn Area Committee of the Council has nominatedCouncillors Fred Hall and Duncan McIntyre to serve on theSteering Group.
Lorraine ParrotOban Express
Andrew PallasOsteopath
Andrea SimpsonArk Hairdressing
Andy SpenceHomebase
Anne StewartTreasurer
Lorne WaltonWalton Electrical
Gregor KingBell Ingram
Sandy MacArthurAlt na Craig Guesthouse
Lindsay MacDonaldCorran House
Duncan McIntyreCouncillor
Graham McQueenChairman
Rosanne OgdenMacPhees & Partners
Renato Di CiaccaOban Bay Fish & Chip
David FinlaysonGuise Clothing
John ForteithForteith Foodservice
Fred HallCouncillor
Raymond HyamsQueens Hotel
Alistair JacksonJackson Butchers
Contact details:
Pauline CameronProject Co-ordinator
BID4Oban Steering Groupc/o CGL (Oban) Ltd OfficesLochside Street, ObanArgyll PA34 4HP
www.bid4oban.co.uk
Business Improvement District