Business Planfor the futureof Largs

Making Largs a destination of choiceMaking Largs a destination of choice

2013 - 2018

2

What’s inside your copy of‘Business Plan for the future of Largs’

FOREWORD 3From the Chair of the Largs Matters Business Improvement District (BID)

WHAT IS A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)? 4Including History of BIDs

WHY DOES LARGS NEED A BID? 5Plus key findings from the BID Steering Group survey

MISSION STATEMENT 6The aim of the Largs BIDObjectives of the Largs BID

THE BID COMPANY STRUCTURE 7The BID teamWho can become a Director?Roles and responsibilities of Directors

THE BID AREA AND MAP 8

HOW WE GOT TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY 10

WHO PAYS? 11

PAYMENT BANDINGS - YOUR INVESTMENT 12

MAKING SURE THE BID ADDS VALUE 13

MEASURING SUCCESS 14

MINIMISING RISK 14

INTERIM REVIEW 14

THE BALLOT PROCESS 15

HOW THE MONEY WILL BE SPENT 16Key themes, projects and costs

LARGS BID INCOME AND EXPENDITURE, 2013-2018 18

DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS 19Networking and communicationsLargs Live 2012What the visitors saidTaxi marshals

FIVE KEY REASONS TO SUPPORT LARGS BID 20

LARGS MATTERS STEERING GROUP MEMBERS 20

Contact info: To find out more about Largs BID contact Sunil Varu, Project Manager on 07725 044450 or write to ‘Largs Matters, c/o Largs and Millport Info Bureau, 88 Main Street, Largs, Ayrshire KA30 8AN’.Email info@largsmatters.com Visit www.largsmatters.com

Acknowledgements: We are grateful to IKAT Photography and Kate McGregor for supplying photographs used in the is publication.

Designed and printed by LPC Design + Print, 120 Main Street, Largs - www.lpcprint.co.uk

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the Business Plan for the Largs' first BID which a Steering Group of local

businesses and Council representatives have been working on since 2008 and with much

more vigour since the Autumn of 2011. This document highlights the need for a Business

Improvement District and why businesses in Largs will ultimately benefit from the projects

that will be delivered on our behalf.

Like many of you, I have been in business for a considerable amount of time and have seen

many changes which have impacted on our business environment. In the past we have

not been in a position to influence matters but I firmly believe the creation of a BID for

Largs will, for the first time, give the business community a voice in the future of our town.

This is important for us all, to lead the way with a unity of purpose and in a positive manner

with what we believe needs to happen and this is a real opportunity to not only protect but

to also grow our business.

Businesses in Largs are being asked to contribute their share in making this Business Plan a

reality and, while times are difficult, please take time to consider that your contribution is

an investment into those issues which matter to us all. I want to make it clear that you

understand that the BID funding will . . .

· not replace the services currently provided by North Ayrshire Council

· not be available for North Ayrshire Council to spend

· be overseen by representatives of the BID levy payers

· be used to leverage funding from other sources

· be invested in the delivery of the projects and services

set out in this Business Plan

Many other towns, cities and areas around Scotland are already planning their futures and

preparing for the upturn in fortunes which we all hope will arrive sooner than later. Apart thfrom the 750 Anniversary of the Battle of Largs in 2013 and the significant draw of the

Sailing Tourism for Largs with world class events staged at the Marina, we also have the

real prospect of being part of Scotland's “Winning Years” by planning solidly to take

advantage of the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and the Year of Homecoming in 2014,

of working with the Council to secure additional funding for Largs.

We cannot let this opportunity slip from grasp and I urge you all to back this Business Plan

and vote YES.

Peter Valerio, Chairman“Largs Matters” Steering Group

Foreword from the Chair of the Largs Matters Business Improvement District (BID)

43

A Business Improvement District (BID) is about businesses coming together, working in partnership with others and agreeing to invest collectively in projects and services, which the businesses believe will improve their trading environment. BID projects are new and additional projects and services; they do not replace services that are already provided by North Ayrshire Council and other public bodies such as Strathclyde Police and Transport Scotland.

The improvement projects are funded by the money collected through an investment levy paid by all eligible businesses within the BID area.

A BID can only proceed if . . .

· There is a minimum 25% turnout (headcount) of businesses in the BID area.· Over 50% of those that vote must vote in favour of the BID· Those that vote in favour represent over 50% of the total rateable

value of the votes cast

BIDs originated in Canada in 1970 in a small town called Bloor West Village near Toronto. Businesses struggled to cope with competition from a new out-of-town shopping mall which resulted in many insolvencies, empty shops and a neglected looking town centre. Businesses got together and devised a plan to revitalise the town centre and successfully lobbied for legislation for all businesses in the proposed BID area to pay a levy. The investment levy money was used to make physical improvements to the appearance of the town centre and to promote the town centre. The strategy paid off and the model has been successfully copied to create Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) throughout the world. The largest is the Times Square Alliance in New York.

Over the past few years, the popularity of BIDs in the UK has grown at a phenomenal rate. There are now 130 established BIDs in the UK, 13 in Scotland (Bathgate, Alloa, Inverness, Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Elgin, Falkirk, Clarkston, Aberdeen, South Queensferry, Lerwick and Clackmannan Business Parks) with at least another 21 in the formal development phase. Several BIDs in England have gone through the renewal process and are now in their second term, as has Falkirk. This shows that businesses recognise the value of BIDs and the collective and collaborative working to provide the type of improved trading environment that businesses want for themselves, their staff, customers and clients.

Historyof BIDs

What is a BusinessImprovement District (BID)?

4

Given the success of Largs Live and how just a few like-minded people can quickly make things happen, it's clearer to me than ever that a 'YES' vote for the BID will ensure Largs begins to attract renewed interest and, in turn, further investment and opportunities for those who live, work and visit here.

Toni Dawson, Sugar and Spice

Largs has witnessed a decline in its fortunes since the hey days of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s when it was part of the west of Scotland's holiday destinations along the Firth of Clyde – “Doon The Watter”. Without a clearly defined strategy or collaborative/partnership working, the opportunities presented to the business community have largely been missed. The financial dividend Largs accrued from the IBM plant at Greenock and the prospects Hunterston offered as well as the success of Prestwick Airport have gradually declined.

For many years, Largs has lacked a single business forum or a retail traders' association, the previous Tourism Association disbanded which created a vacuum. There is now an appetite from the business community to establish one single entity to represent their interests in

stmaking Largs a “destination of choice” fit for the 21 Century within the west of Scotland. This includes the hospitality and retail sectors as well as the Largs Yacht Haven and Kelburn Castle who have a strong belief in continuous collaborative working if Largs is to become a “destination of choice”. There are also numerous references within the VECTOR Research Report (for more information visit www.largsmatters.com) to a BID being central to many of the actions required to re-energise Largs.

Importantly, through a BID, Largs would be well placed to plan for and take advantage of many opportunities over the next few years to improve the business environment and business prospects. The year 2014 would bring dividends from the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and the “Year of Homecoming”. The BID, through this Business Plan, offers the prospects of taking Largs onto the next stage of its development – marketing/perception,

stbusiness development, and destination of choice for the 21 Century.

Why does Largs need a BID?

KeyFindings

The Largs Matters Steering Group conducted considerable research to discover what the businesses of Largs would like a BID to deliver, how satisfied they are with the existing projects and services currently being delivered and the views of Largs' customers and visitors. The research also established the need for a future BID and confirms that the following key aspects have been completed to deliver a successful ballot.

· Local need for a BID is strongly identified.· The BID area is logical and clearly defined· Support of North Ayrshire Council at both officer and political level.· Support of Strathclyde Police.· The BID levy with private contributions is sufficient to deliver the

projects in the business plan.

45

The BID will give all interested parties an opportunity to put our cash into generating some POSITIVE marketing, give us a voice as a town group and assist us in financing a BID Manager who will bring out the best that Largs has to offer. This will cost us little and will bring real change to keep our town from being dragged into the mire that appears to be occurring elsewhere.

Lorraine StewartLargs Computers

Mission Statement for theLargs Matters BID

TO MAKE LARGSA DESTINATIONOF CHOICE

The aimof the

Largs BID

Objectivesof the

Largs BID

To deliver a series of projects and services that will improve

the trading environment in Largs to benefit businesses, their

customers, clients and visitors.

To create a well promoted and vibrant town centre.

To attract more visitors and increase customer spend.

To increase the number and size of events.

To create a place in which businesses thrive.

To raise Largs' profile by improving people's perception of the town centre.

To provide a strong local voice for businesses in the BID area.

To help businesses make cost savings.

To help provide a cleaner and more attractive town centre.

To help provide a safer and friendlier town centre by day and night.

To actively encourage businesses to locate in Largs to fill empty premises and improve the retail offer.

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The BID Company Structure

The existing Steering Group will help establish the new BID Company and develop its corporate governance but will step down once a new Board of Directors is formed. The Steering Group will have the authority to manage the affairs of the new BID Company after a successful ballot until the new Board of Directors are in place but for no longer than a period of 4 months after the ballot. The new limited company will be registered comprising a Chairman, Vice Chairman, a Financial Director, and a Company Secretary with a maximum of 11 directors. Positions on the board will be voluntary and will be unpaid. The directors will be required to operate the BID Company and this will include corporate governance, human resources as well as the delivery of the projects and services voted for by the businesses in the BID Business Plan.

The Board of Directors will reserve the right to consider creating a charitable arm of the company to enable it to secure additional funding that can only be sourced with charitable status.

BID Board Directorships will be open to passionate levy-paying business owners/managers (from within the BID area) who are willing to give their time and expertise freely for the benefit of the new BID Company and the community of Largs. The Directors where possible will be appointed to reflect the various business categories located in the town from both privately owned local businesses and national companies. If the BID Company does not receive sufficient nominations to the Board, directors can be co-opted to fill the vacant positions. North Ayrshire Council will be allocated one place for an Elected Member which the Council will nominate to the new BID Board. In addition, Strathclyde Police will have one position on the Board as an Observer.

The company will also reserve the right to work with representatives from other levy paying businesses who can offer the BID specialist expertise where appropriate.

Any person wishing to be appointed or elected as a Director of the Company will need to be clear about the responsibility he/she will take on:

· Developing and agreeing policy;

· Providing strategic direction and support to the staff, not hands-on involvement in the day-to-day matters of the company ;

· Monitoring and evaluating performance;

· Agreeing the annual budget and ensuring best practice in financial management;

· Corporate governance

· Delivering the BID Business Plan

· Acting as ambassadors for Largs and the BID Company

The role of a Director of a BID Company is different to that of an owner or a Manager of a business and a formal training programme will be provided for any person who is appointed a Director of the new BID Company.

The Largs BID will be delivered by a BID Manager and will be accountable to the BID Board of Directors. The BID team will be based at office premises in Largs town centre.

Roles andresponsibilities

of Directors

The BIDTeam

Who canbecome aDirector?

47

Largs' fortunes are intertwined with its immediate hinterland as the Yacht Haven and Kelburn Castle estate contribute significant economic benefits to the town, as does the hospitality sector and the Inverclyde Sports Centre.

The BID boundary (see map) will run from The Kelburn Castle estate and Largs Yacht Haven at the southern end of the town to the “Haus Saron” self-catering accommodation and Routenburn Golf Club to the north, and as far as the Inverclyde Sports centre to the east. The BID incorporates the core retail area of the town, the Yacht Haven as a well as the Inverclyde Sports Centre.

The Service Level Agreements with the key public sector agencies will extend to the following areas:

· North Ayrshire Council : the extent of the town centre boundary as defined by the Local Plan;

· Transport Scotland : the areas immediately either side of the A78 Trunk Road within the 30mph area;

· Strathclyde Police : The whole of the BID area

The BID Area

Listed below are the streets or part of streets in the proposed BID area.

Acre Avenue Aitken Street Allanpark Street Anderson CourtAnthony Court Anthony Road Aubery Court Aubery CrescentBarr Crescent Bath Court Bath Street BeachwayBellmans Court Blackdales Avenue Blythswood Crescent Boathouse AvenueBoathouse Drive Boathouse Road Bowen Craig Bowen Craig WalkBoyd Street Brisbane Crescent Brisbane Glen Rd (pt) Brisbane RoadBrisbane Street Broom Court Broomfield Broomfield CrescentBroomfield Place Buchanan Firs Buchanan Street Burnlea RoadBurnside Road Carlton Court Castle Bay Court Chapelton DriveChapelton Way Church Street Clark Gardens Cochrane Place EastColumba Court Court Street Crawford Street CurlinghallDouglas Place Douglas Street Duffield Drive East Castle AvenueFernside Fort Street Frazer Street Gallowgate Lane Gallowgate Street Gallowgate Square Gateside Street George StreetGlenacre Drive Glenacre Gardens Glenburn Crescent Gogo StreetGogoside Road Greenock Road Haco Street Hamilton CourtHaylie Gardens Haylie Neuk Hill Street Holehouse Road (pt)Homemount Hutcheson Drive Hutton Park Crescent Hyndman GreenIrvine Road John Clark Street John Street Kelburn CourtKelvin Gardens Kelvin Street KelvinWalk Lade StreetLaverock Drive Lindon Aisle Lindon Court Lovat Street (pt)Mackerston Place Main Street Manse Court Mansfield CrescentMay Street Millenium Court Moorburn Park Moorburn RoadMorris Street Nelson Street Netherhall Netherpark CrescentNewhaven Grove Noddleburn Grove Noddleburn Lea Noddleburn MeadowNoddleburn Place Park View Pencil View Rankin DriveRockland Park Routenburn Road St Colms Place St Columba CourtSt Johns Court Sandringham School Street School WyndScott Street Seabank Avenue Seamore Street Seaway CourtSilverae Court Sinclair Drive Spalding Drive Springfield GardensStanlane Place Townhead Close Tron Place Union StreetVanduara Walkerston Avenue Warren Park Mews Warrenpark RoadWaterside Street Waverley Court Wilson Street Windsor Gardens

Anything that can bring

people into the town of

Largs can potentially

benefit us all, whether

directly bringing income to

our business, or indirectly

to the community as a

whole. The Largs BID gives

us that opportunity and I

am backing the BID

wholeheartedly.

Drummond BonePearson & Bone

Accountants

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There has been extensive and detailed engagement with businesses within Largs in explaining what a BID is and eliciting the key concerns and issues:

· November 2011 to March 2012 : 80+ interviews were carried out by the Project Manager with businesses from a broad range of business sectors including large and small retailers, professional services, hospitality, pubs/clubs, accommodation, visitor attractions, leisure operators, Caledonian MacBrayne (David MacBrayne Limited), Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited Largs Marina, Sport Scotland, Largs Development Trust.

· April 2012 : a survey was carried out offering the opportunity to every business to give us their views. Each business received the questionnaire by post with the option of completing the survey online through www.largsmatters.com or returning the paper copy by mail in a stamped addressed envelope. There were 64 questionnaires returned. The questionnaire was designed in-house following extensive one-to-one interviews with businesses in Largs, and the results analysed through Survey Monkey.

· Three Newsletters were distributed by post to every business on the database.

· Three Networking Evenings were held and were very well attended:

th14 March 2012: 80 people attended to hear feedback from the 80 interviews carried out by the Project Manager

nd2 May 2012: 65 people attended to hear . . .

Results of the questionnaire survey;

Alastair Mitchell of Falkirk on the work of the Falkirk BID;

Largs Live 2012 demonstration project designed to galvanise the business community into supporting the BID

th24 July 2012: 35 people attended to hear of the review of the Largs Live Festival and the investment each businesses would be expected to make through a levy

· There was one trip organised for businesses to visit the CCTV control room in Saltcoats to learn about how the CCTV system helps both the general public and businesses located on the town centre.

th st· A very successful major event (“Largs Live 2012”) was organised from 29 June to 1 July 2012 in order to galvanise the business community and demonstrate what a BID could potentially deliver for the businesses. This was a strong partnership project led by Largs Matters working collaboratively with a number of organisations that will be a feature of the new BID Company : North Ayrshire Council, Largs Yacht Marina, Scottish Sailing Institute, Kelburn Castle and BIG Lottery Fund (“Awards For All”).

· A further demonstration project was the Taxi Marshals project, deployed in the town centre th thduring the 4 weekends from 10 August through until 8 September at a time when the town

centre was at its busiest.

· New businesses to the BID area received personal visits on a one-to-one basis to inform them about BIDs.

· As the ballot date approaches it is planned to visit as many businesses as possible to remind them of the benefits of the BID and to discuss the proposed projects and services that the businesses have indicated they would like a BID to deliver.

· A Summary document of the results of the Business Engagement process – interviews, newsletters, networking evenings, events and questionnaire survey results – was mailed in the form of a Newsletter (August 2012) to all businesses and the head office of national companies.

March, April and August 2012:

·

·

·

How we got to where we are today

Businessconsultation

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I fully support the BID and I

think that it can only be a

good thing for Largs. I have

visited other towns where

BIDs are up and running and

I have seen the positive

results that can flow from a

successful BID. I accept that

we as a business may not

see a direct benefit from the

BID in the short term but I

think that as the BID

develops we and the rest of

the business community of

Largs will see definite

benefits arising from the

town becoming a better

place to live and do

business.

Fergus Duncan,Mactaggart and Co.

· There are approximately 312 commercial properties in the BID area which will generate a BID investment levy income of approximately £114,035 per annum, and an estimated total levy income of £570,175.00 over 5 years.

· All eligible non-domestic properties that are listed on the North Ayrshire Valuation Roll by the Scottish Assessors on the ballot date will be liable for the investment levy for the duration of the BID.

· The levy payments are not linked to what businesses actually pay in rates but are based on the rateable value of the property.

· The levy must be paid in one payment for amounts of £295 or less per annum. Amounts over £295 per annum may be paid in one payment or in 3 equal instalments. Payment must be made within 28 days from the date the levy invoice is issued.

· The BID Board will decide whether or not to index-link to RPI take account of inflation. For calculation purposes in this business plan no increase has been allowed for.

· If there is a change or several changes in occupier to a property within the BID area, no rebate of under £300 will be given to any outgoing occupier. The property owner will then be responsible for paying the levy until a new occupier is found.

· Any new commercial development or new business with a rateable valuation coming into the BID area during the 5-year term of the BID will be liable for the BID investment levy.

· If the property is empty on the date the levy invoice is issued, the property owner will be liable for the full levy amount, which must be paid within 28 days.

· The only exceptions will be places of worship, non-retail charitable organisations, Monastery, CALMAC, Scotrail, Haylie Fishing Loch, RNLI, Citizens Advice Bureau, Automatic Telling Machines, properties with Rateable Values under £1,000.

Who Pays?A BID levy is an equitable and fair way of funding additional projects and services, which

the local authority are not required to provide. The BID Steering Group agreed that the

levy rate would be based on bands calculated on the rateable value of the property at the

time of the ballot and would remain at the same cost throughout the 5-year term of the

BID. The BID levy payments will be made by occupiers (eligible persons i.e. those liable to

pay the non-domestic rate) only, with the exception of vacant or empty properties when

the property owner (or tenant) will be required to pay the levy.

When the Assessors revalue the rateable values in 2015, the levy will remain at the 2013

rate until the BID term ends in January 2018.

The BID provides Largs with

a new opportunity to work

together for the benefit of the

town, businesses and

residents. It is challenging to

take ownership of this for us

but will only happen if we

work together, but I am

excited at what would be

achieved collectively. Let's

get started and harness the

energy and ideas that exist

as this is the best chance we

have for making

improvements.

Carolyn Elder Largs Marina

I support the BID process for

Largs. I can see no downside

to this proposal. A BID

Manager would be in a

position to lead a

coordinated approach to the

promotion of the town,

which has until now been

lacking. I see lots of

potential benefits to my

business. The possibility of

collective negotiation on

some of our overheads

would provide some much

needed cost saving,

particularly in the current

economic climate. Through

more effective marketing and

advertising, turnover should

increase and ultimately I

would hope to be able to

create more employment for

the local community.

Dennis Cook, Bagel Basket

411

The BID Steering Group agreed that all properties with a Rateable Value under £1,000 would be excluded from the paying the BID levy and will not have a vote.

Any non-payment of the BID investment levy will be strongly pursued by North Ayrshire Council and statutory powers will be enforced to ensure fairness to those businesses that have paid the levy.

North Ayrshire Council will collect the investment levy on behalf of the BID, as this is an efficient, safe and cost effective method of collection. The Council will then pass the income onto the BID Company to deliver the projects and services within the BID Business Plan. The BID levy can only be used for BID projects. The BID levy is not an additional source of income for North Ayrshire Council.

The table below indicates what the investment will be by the businesses in Largs according to banding their property would fall in:

The BID Board will agree on an annual basis how the funds will be spent for the coming year. This will enable the BID to be flexible to respond to any change in circumstances and to meet business needs. The BID Board will have the authority to make relevant variations to projects and services within budgets for the efficient and effective operation of the company and in line with good business practice without the need for an alteration ballot.

Thresholds

FinancialManagement

Enforcement

Collection ofthe levy

Yourinvestment

in to the BIDNON-DOMESTIC

ANNUAL LEVY COST PER DAYRATEABLE VALUE

----- Up to £999 Nil Nil

BAND A £1,000 - £4,999 £195 £0.53

BAND B £5,000 - £9,999 £295 £0.81

BAND C £10,000 - £19,999 £395 £1.08

BAND D £20,000 - £45,999 £595 £1.63

BAND E £46,000 - £94,999 £795 £2.18

BAND F £95,000 - £217,999 £995 £2.73

BAND G £218,000 + £1,495 £5.47

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A Baseline Service Agreement

Ensures the Largs BID does not use the levy money to duplicate or substitute any services provided by North Ayrshire Council, Transport Scotland or Strathclyde Police

Gives an assurance to business owners that the levy payment will be used for the additional projects which they voted on in the BID ballot

voids the risk that all relevant public agencies will not reduce their current statutory level of service to the BID area following a successful ballot.

The services already provided by NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL within the BID area:

Statutory Services:· Waste removal – charged trade waste collection and disposal service.· Street lighting – installation, management and maintenance.· Maintenance and repairs of roads and footpaths including winter maintenance.· Maintenance of grassed areas and plots.· Street cleaning including litter and dog fouling.· Traffic road safety services

Discretionary Services:· Street furniture – finger posts, signage and panels, bins, bollards and benches.· Planting – containers, landscaping, shrubbery and walling.· Public conveniences – the provision and maintenance of public toilets.· Graffiti and chewing gum removal.· Economic Development – Tourism product development and tourism intelligence· Christmas – street decorations and lighting

STRATHCLYDE POLICE

TRANSPORT SCOTLAND

·

·

· A

The services already provided by

Strathclyde Police would contribute to the overall aim by specifically contributing to the objectives of the BID. Serious crime is not a significant issue within the BID area and policing is divided into 3 main areas;

· Day time crime & disorder· Night time crime & disorder· Events

The services already provided by Strathclyde Police within the BID area are :· 24/7 Policing response split between 5 distinct core policing groups· Dedicated policing during Peak Times · Responding to Daytime and Night time crime and disorder· Enhanced policing levels during special events· Operation and control of the town centre CCTV system· Liaison with partner agencies and other groups· Crime Prevention – advice

The Policing activity detailed will be subject of review as part of the ongoing migration to a National Police Service from 2013. Any significant changes will be notified to the BID group accordingly.

The services already provided by

Baseline Service information is provided by Transport Scotland relating to Largs and the A78 Trunk Road which is owned by the Scottish Ministers and currently operated/maintained by AMEY which ensures the trunk roads are safe, efficient and well managed :

· Inspection, maintenance and repair of road surfaces, bridges and other infrastructure · Grass cutting and weed control · Gully cleaning · Winter Service - Salting and snow clearing · Repairs to street lighting and traffic signals; and · Overseeing works carried out by contractors and utility companies.

Please refer to the Transport Scotland Website for more information on the contract: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/responsibilities/operating-companies

Making sure the BID adds value

413

The Board will take all steps necessary to minimise any risk associated with Largs Matters BID (financially or otherwise) by only using reputable contractors to deliver projects. The Board will adopt best practice in its procedures and be open and transparent in its operations.

To make sure all the projects and services in this plan are being delivered, Largs Matters BID will report regularly to the levy payers and North Ayrshire Council. There will be an interim review at 2.5 years and at 4 years. Largs Matters BID will also report annual results to the Board and the levy payers at its AGM.

Minimising Risk

Interim Review

Throughout the lifetime of the BID, all work on the BID projects will be monitored to ensure the projects proposed in the BID Business Plan achieve a high level of impact, and are delivering to the satisfaction of the businesses that voted for the BID.

The BID Board of Directors will monitor and oversee the efficient delivery of the BID projects. The BID will undergo an independent evaluation Assessment and Accreditation Interim Review (AAIR) of its activities at the half way point and towards the end of the second term to ensure it is delivering all the projects and services as detailed in this plan.

The objective of an Assessment and Accreditation Interim Review (AAIR) for Scottish BID Companies is to

· give confidence to businesses and the Board of Directors that the practices of the BID Company are robust and accord with good practice and

· supplies an audit trail to support any future evaluation of the BID Company

The review recognises and accords with the Scottish BIDs legislation and the public and private sector environment in Scotland.

Measuring Success

All three Largs BID network meetings

were well attended

14

The Largs BID initiative is of

importance to all businesses

in Largs and not just the

ones linked directly to

tourism. The benefits of

marketing Largs as one

entity are many, from

business support to events it

can help create a Largs

brand that will see an

increase in visitors to the

town. The knock on effect is

an increase in business

turnover and thus more jobs

and prosperity for the town

which then benefits

companies like ours which

won't usually see a direct

benefit from tourism. Bearing

this in mind I believe that all

businesses in Largs need to

look to the future and get

behind the Largs BID.

Ross Pearson,Pearson of Largs

thBallot papers will be issued to every business in the BID area 42 days (Wednesday 19 September 2012) before the final ballot date.

Ballot papers, together with a copy of the BID Business Plan will be posted to the person responsible for casting a vote within their business. In the case of national companies the responsibility for voting may lie with head office

· The BID ballot is a confidential postal ballot conducted by North Ayrshire Council on behalf of Largs Matters and in accordance with Scottish BID Legislation.

· Where a business property is vacant the voting papers will be sent to the property owner.

th· Voting papers will be issued on Wednesday 19 September 2012.

st· The final date for all ballot papers to be returned is 5pm on Thursday 1 November 2012. Ballots returned after this time and date will be void and not counted.

· Voting papers will be easy to complete, with a choice of simply placing a cross on either “yes” or “no” to the question “Are you in favour of a BID?”. The ballot paper must then be signed by the person eligible to vote and returned in the pre-paid envelope to North Ayrshire Council which will be provided.

· For the ballot to be successful there must be a minimum of 25% “turn-out” (headcount) by number of businesses and by combined rateable value. Of those that vote, over 50% by number and 50% by combined rateable value must vote in favour of the BID.

· All eligible voters (i.e. those persons liable to pay non-domestic rates) will have one vote, or where an eligible voter has more than one business premises (rateable subject), that individual shall be eligible to cast more than one vote and will also be required to pay a levy for each of the properties they occupy. Where the property is vacant (i.e. with no tenant in place) then the property owner will receive the ballot paper as the eligible person.

· If a business has more than one rateable property it will receive a ballot paper for each property. Each ballot paper counts as one vote. It is important that every ballot paper received is completed and returned.

nd· The ballot papers will be counted on Friday 2 November 2012 and the results announced within one week.

th· Following a successful ballot the BID will commence on 7 January 2013 and will run for a thperiod of five years until 6 January 2018

The Ballot Process

I am fully behind Largs BID.

We will decide as a united

group how to spend the

money and where the

priorities lie for our town.

This will be fair and

transparent and we will all

get a say.

We will all benefit and if we

are to stop the decline

witnessed in nearby towns

we have to act now.

The businesses in Largs

can't afford not to back the

BID – this is the best chance

we will ever get to do

something really positive for

our future. Vote YES for

Largs!

Susan CraddockLargs Post Office

415

A combination of primary and secondary research – conducted by Largs Matters and North Ayrshire Council – into the views and needs of businesses offered a stable platform for going forward. It was clear the town should be run like a business and help provide the conditions where businesses could flourish. From creating a sense of loyalty to Largs businesses to the development of the “Largs experience” which the public would identify with, there was an appetite for change.

The reason people come to Largs is very different to the reasons people used to come. Making Largs a Destination of Choice will tap into the market to bring more footfall through better marketing and events, and prepare Largs for the immediate future. Tapping into the valuable sailing tourism market through events held at Largs Marina, the 750th Anniversary of the Battle of Largs in 2013, and the greatly anticipated “Year of Homecoming” celebrations in 2014 which will be enhanced by the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup.

The advocacy role the BID would play is critical in giving the business community a unified voice and play its part as a genuine “partner” and “stakeholder” in the debate on the long term vision for Largs.

How the money will be spentKey Themes,

Projectsand Costs

Theme 2. Business Support Programme

Theme 1. Marketing and Events

Re-Branding e.g. food & drink, niche

retailing, sailing tourism,

events/marketing

Branding for Largs and BID Re-positioning of Largs as a place to shop and visit

which would drive footfall

£5,000

·

Directory of Business.

·

Website Hits

·

Facebook and Twitter messaging of business offers

Largs Live No of participants; footfall and survey of spend Drive footfall into town and venues £8,000

Christmas Campaign Survey of spend in businesses & footfall count Drive footfall into town £8,000

EXPO 2013 No. of follow-up enquiries Project Largs to the travel trade for 2014 itineraries £500

Largs Comedy Festival No. of participants : hotels, pubs, cafes, Vikingar,

restaurants; tickets sales; footfall and spend

New event which would drive footfall into town

and venues

£8,000

Ice Cream Festival No. of participants; footfall and survey of spend New event driving footfall into variety of venues £8,000

Total £48,500

Shop Local Campaign No. of participating businesses; redemption of gift vouchers

purchased; no of vouchers redeemed; use of loyalty card

Generate footfall and introduce a loyalty towards

Largs as a place to shop and do business

£8,000

Website (+Social Media) One–stop shop for Largs business information with

proactive marketing through social media

£3,000

Project Measurement Benefit to BID Investors Costs

Shop Doctor/Mentor (management

training), Marketing, Social media,

shopwindow displays, customer care

Range of courses; no. of participants; Targeted training programme in conjunction with

Business Gateway and other training providers, and

proactively delivered by the BID

£10,000

Business Improvement Grant

(applicable to any BID member e.g.

uniforms, specialised equipment etc)

No of grants applied for and number issued; impact on

business against stated objectives in application; multiplier

effect on local economy

Small grant facility to help BID businesses develop

their business

£15,000

What’s On in Largs membership No. of participants and impact on their business Reduced promotional cost Nil

Media package No. of participants Reduced promotional cost Nil

Free cardboard pick-up for

businesses via social enterprise

Survey of needs; No. of participants; level of savings made Lower business overheads Nil

Utilities, Credit Card machines Survey of needs; no. of participants; level of savings made Lower business overheads Nil

Zero waste – recycling measures Survey of needs; no. of participants; level of savings made Lower business overheads Nil

Total £25,000

Project Measurement Benefit to BID Investors Costs

16

Theme 3. Clean and Safe

Theme 4. Advocacy/Facilitation

Theme 5. Communications

Cost of running the new BID Company

Project Measurement Benefit to BID Investors Costs

Business Crime Partnership – retail,

hospitality trade, fraud prevention,

e-crime (partly training/business

benefit/business support),

Pubwatch, Radio Link, Festive Taxi

Marshals

No of participants; impact on crime and disorder statistics; Focussed approach to tackle business crime. £9,000

Total £9,000

Project Measurement Benefit to BID Investors Costs

New Promenade – fit for 21st Century

(infrastructure, Amenities etc)

Long term Vision for Largs Make Largs a destination worthy of visiting Nil

Vision/Strategy for Largs Long term Vision for Largs Commitment of businesses to Largs based on

known strategy

Nil

Better coastal connection between

town centre and Marina

Investment in new connection Create a connectedness Nil

Address Parking situation –

enforcement, lobby to construct at

least one new car park close to town

centre, parking strategy

Present strategy and issues beyond decriminalisation of

parking

Encourage additional footfall into town centre Nil

The BID would seek to leverage

additional funds from other sources

such as :

BIG Lottery – Awards for All

Coastal Communities Fund

EventScotland and Homecoming

2014 Fund e.g. development of

and staging events

VisitScotland e.g. Growth Fund

Highlands & Islands Enterprise

e.g. Cruise Ship

Common Good Fund

Europe e.g. Atlantic Fund, etc

Level of external funding attracted by BID andin partnership with key stakeholders.

The BID would witness additional funds to Largs in

support of the BID vision of making Largs a

destination of choice for visitors and help

businesses thrive.

Nil

Project Measurement Benefit to BID Investors Costs

4 x Newsletters Circulation and response Maintain communications £1,500

Email bulletins Circulation and response Regular communications on matters relating to

Largs and business

Nil

3 x Networking meetings Guest speakers; no of attendees Business networking with speakers on key business

issues

£750

AGM No. of attendees Report on progress for the past year and plans for

the coming year

£500

Annual Report Circulation and response Measurement of Progress £750

Total £3,500

Project Benefit to BID Investors Costs

BID Manager The person to deliver the Business Plan £30,000

Office : rent, rates, BID levy One-stop shop for Largs business £10,000

Equipment : IT, Insurances, Stationery Furniture etc Required resources to operate a business £1,500

Management Accounts, VAT, Banking Financial accountability £1,000

Auditors’ Fees Legal requirement £1,000

Total £43,500

417

Please note: The BID Board will reserve the right to consider an index-linked increase (RPI) every year at issue of levy invoices.

The above income figures include North Ayrshire Council core contributions but do not reflect any additional income/sponsorship that the BID will source from other funding bodies.

LARGS BID PROJECT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE – 2013-2018

Year 1INCOME

EXPENDITURE

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

TOTAL Total Income

from BID Levy

£114,035

£114,035

£114,035

£114,035

£114,035

£570,175

Core funding from North Ayrshire Council

£30,000

£144,035

£30,000

£144,035

£30,000

£144,035

£30,000

£144,035

£30,000

£144,035

£150,000

£720,175

£48,500 £48,500 £48,500 £48,500 £242,500 £48,500

Theme 2

Theme 1

Business Support

Marketing andEvents

£25,000 £25,000 £25,000 £25,000 £25,000 £125,000

Theme 3

Safe & Clean

£9,000

£9,000

£9,000

£9,000

£9,000

£45,000

Theme 4

Advocacy Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Theme 5

Communications

£3,500

£3,500

£3,500

£3,500

£3,500

£17,500

Cost ofrunning the newBID Company

£43,500

£43,500

£43,500

£43,500

£43,500

£217,500

BID Projects Total

£129,500

£129,500

£129,500

£129,500

£129,500

£647,500

Contingency

£14,535

£14,535

£14,535

£14,535

£14,035

£72,675

Total

Total Income

Expenditure

£144,035

£144,035

£144,035

£144,035

£144,035

£720,125

ContingencyBenefit to BID Investors Costs

Levy Collection Costs (North Ayrshire Council) The Council is considered the best organisation to collect the

levy on behalf of the BID

£5,000

Contingency (2%)

Bad Debt (5%)

Renewal Costs (2%)

Good business practice

Good business practice

Fund set aside for a renewal ballot if required

£2,000

£5,500

£2,035

Total £14,535

18

In compiling the necessary research to develop a BID in Largs, the Steering Group believed it was essential to demonstrate to the businesses in Largs what a BID could potentially deliver to them and make Largs a destination worthy of visiting.

From the beginning, communication with the businesses was deemed to be of paramount importance and the BID established its own website (www.largsmatters.com), created and distributed high quality, full colour newsletters (both hard copies and electronically to the available database) and staged 3 successful Networking meetings informing attendees of the work of the BID Steering Group. These were a departure from previous attempts at business engagement. To further demonstrate the worth of a BID, the Steering Group undertook an ambitious project to host a 3 day festival of music and street theatre called “Largs Live 2012”.

The event was staged with a joined-up approach with key stakeholders : North Ayrshire Council (funding partner), BIG Lottery Fund (Awards for All – funding partner), Largs Yacht Haven, Kelburn Castle Estate. The festival was marketed across the west of Scotland by radio, newspaper, 70,000 flyers and website/social media, and staged during the only pre-Olympic event to be staged in Scotland, the 470 European Sailing Championships, as well as Kelburn Castle Estate's annual “Garden Party”. It galvanised the support of 20 venues, from pubs, cafes, hotels and Vikingar hosting the headline act, Eddi Reader. The feedback was positive from businesses and the public while the Festival made Largs a destination worth visiting by the valuable sailing community.

An on-street questionnaire survey on Saturday 30th June indicated very encouraging results about the festival and for future events in Largs :

Demonstration Projects

LargsLive

2012

What thevisitors

said

TaxiMarshals

August /September 2012

Networkingand

Communications

· 30% said they were inspired to visit Largs more frequently

· 46% said they would attend more events in Largs

· 34% said they would be more likely to encourage family and friends to visit Largs

· 79% said they would return to Largs for other events

· 49% said they would have gone to work or stayed at home

· 8% would have visited elsewhere in North Ayrshire

· 6% would have visited elsewhere in Scotland

· £71 was the average spend on accommodation

· £67 per person was the total spend on the current trip,82% of which was spent in Largs

Thanks to Largs businesses for their generous prize donations for Largs Live 2012:

DDZ Marine Half day charter of a luxury yacht for six peopleBrisbane House Hotel Overnight stay for twoWoodhouse Hotel Family carvery for fourNardini's Dinner & wine for two, fish tea for fourConcept Clothing £20 voucherKelburn Castle Two tickets to the ‘Garden Party’Lounge/Room £20 vouchers

The Steering Group recognised the importance of the BID playing its part in helping to manage the evening economy and giving the general public sufficient comfort in going home safely at the end of an evening having enjoyed Largs' hospitality. A short term taxi marshal service during the four busiest weekends during the summer was paid for by Largs Matters and encompassed the highpoint for Largs footfall: the combination of the annual Viking Festival in Largs and the Country and Western Festival in Millport which are staged simultaneously. Reports from Strathclyde Police were very positive in the effectiveness of the Taxi Marshal service in ensuring an orderly queue for taxis and in reducing the overall anti-social behaviour.

419

Ron MuirVice Chairman

Toni Dawson Lynn BeckettSugar & Spice Royal Bank of Scotland

Richard CraigmileCandy Box

Scott McGregorLPC Design + Print

Willie WoodWoodhouse Hotel

Anne DickieJan De Vries

Peter ValerioLargs Hardware

Susan CraddockPost Office

Alan HillCouncillor

Tom MarshallCouncillor

Alex GallagherCouncillor

Stephen McDonaldLounge/Room

Alan NeilsonIBAC

Sunil VaruProject Manager

Largs Matters Steering Group Members

Largs Matters thanks North Ayrshire Council and Scottish Government fortheir support of the development of Largs Business Improvement District

Feel free to talk to any of the Largs Matters steering group. These are the individuals who are overseeing the BID on your behalf.If you would like more information email Sunil Varu, Project Manager, on info@largsmatters.com

Promotions, retail events, loyalty schemes, website

and social mediato help business

The BID investment will leverage new funding

from many other sources to help business

Business Support programme

to help business

Cost Saving opportunities

to help business

Representing Largs to help business

Five key reasons why youshould support the Largs’ BID

THIS BUSINESS PLAN CONTAINS MORE DETAILS ANDMORE REASONS AS TO WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE YES VOTE YES4