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The “Largs Matters” Business Improvement District BID Proposal 7 th January 2013 to 6 th January 2018

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Page 1: the “largs Matters” Business Improvement District Bid Proposal Bid Proposal.docx  · Web viewThe “Largs Matters” Business Improvement District. BID Proposal. 7th January

The “Largs Matters” Business Improvement DistrictBID Proposal

7th January 2013 to 6th January 2018

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Compliance with Legislation

In accordance with Business Improvement District (Scotland) legislation we acknowledge that as the Proposer, we must submit to North Ayrshire Council (LA) and the Scottish Government the following in respect of BID Proposals:

1. A document which demonstrates a cross section of at least 5% of the electorate, within the BID area supports the BID Proposal.

Please see Appendix 1 whereby we provide the positive responses to the BID proposal – 52 businesses out of an electorate of approximately 310 properties – i.e. approx. 17% support of the full database of companies.

2. A summary of the consultation the proposer has undertaken with those persons eligible to vote.

The BID Steering Group oversaw the process of consultation with the businesses and issued a detailed questionnaire to all eligible businesses within the Largs BID area. The BID has been able to formulate a series of ambitious projects and services which the businesses will vote on.

Please see Section 7 (The Consultation Process) of this document. Also see copy of questionnaire Appendix 1.

3. The Proposed Business Plan.

A copy of the Business Plan which will be issued to all of the BID electorate is provided with this Proposal document – see Appendix 2

4. The financial management arrangements of the BID body.

See section 13.2 ‘Financial Management’ on within the Proposal document.

5. The arrangements for periodically providing the LA and billing body with information on the finances of the BID body (i.e. after a successful ballot).

The BID finances will form an integral part of a monthly report issued to the BID Board of Directors. A representative from North Ayrshire Council will sit on the BID Board and will automatically be provided with the BID finance details. It is also expected that regular finance meetings will take place. An annual audit of the BID finances will also take place through an independent Auditor.

6. The names and addresses of all those eligible to vote and a description (address) of each relevant property.

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See database provided at Appendix 3.

7. A notice in writing requesting that the Local Authority instruct the ballot holder to hold a ballot.

In accordance with legislation, the attached letter – Appendix 4 will be issued to the LA by Peter Valerio, Chair of the Largs Matters BID Steering Group on 26th July 2012.

8. Provide the LA and the Billing Body with such information as they shall reasonably require to satisfy themselves that the BID proposer or, as the case may be, the BID body, has sufficient funds to meet the costs of the BID ballot.

Largs Matters has budgeted to cover the costs of the ballot.

9. A statement of the works or services to be provided, the name of the person responsible or body for the implementation (delivery) of these works and services and the status of such person/s. Both on and after the date the BID Proposals come into effect.

See Section 8.1 of the Largs BID Proposal document entitled ‘Proposed Projects’

A BID Manager will be appointed who will be responsible on a day-to-day basis for implementing the BID projects and services. The BID Board will oversee and direct the delivery of all the projects and services (see full details at Section 6.1 of the Proposal document.

10. A statement of existing baseline services provided by the Local Authority, Police and other agencies.

See Appendix 5 – Baseline Statement and Agreement highlights services provided by North Ayrshire Council, Strathclyde Police and Transport Scotland

11. A precise description of the geographical area of the BID, including a map, which defines exactly the boundaries of the BID area.

See map and list of streets in the BID area in Section 5 of the BID Proposal. A larger scale map showing the BID area can also be found at Appendix 6.

12. A statement providing details of any additional financial contributions, or additional actions, for the purpose of enabling the projects specified in the BID Proposals. i.e. where a BID project is expected to cost £X and the proposed levy raises a smaller amount (£Y), then the BID Proposals must state how that funding gap £X - £Y is to be met and by whom.

The BID Project Income and Expenditure (see Section 13.3 ) has been calculated to deliver all the projects as defined in the Proposed Projects section of the Proposal, including the contribution from North Ayrshire Council but without the requirement for additional financial contributions from other sources. It is expected that the BID will attract additional funding from other sources outwith the levy, however this has not been allowed for at this stage.

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13. A statement of which aspects of the BID Proposals and or Business Plan may be altered without the need for an alteration ballot to be undertaken.

See Section 13.2 of the BID Proposal for a statement regarding the alteration to BID Proposal & Business Plan.

14. A statement of the proposed start and end dates of the BID arrangements and the term of the BID. The BID arrangements must commence no later than a year after the date of the statement.

Following a positive ballot on November 1st 2012, the Largs BID will commence its activities on 7th January 2013. As the Largs BID will be for a term of five years, it will cease its activities on 6th January 2018.

15. BID Proposals shall specify the apportionment of BID levy in respect of relevant properties and who will be liable to pay the levy: - proprietors, tenants, occupiers or if appropriate a specific business sector or sectors of businesses who will participate.It is advisable to include caps, thresholds or other arrangements reflecting local circumstances or ability to pay.

See all of section 9 of the Largs BID Proposal ‘The BID Levy’.

16. Confirmation that the levy is to be calculated as a % of the RV or how the charge was arrived at.

See 9.4– Who will pay the levy? This confirms the way the levy has been calculated and has been approved by the BID Steering Group.

17. Confirmation that the % levy or fee is to be calculated on the RV of the property on the date of the ballot or, if not, another date and that is the date, which will be used to calculate the levy or fee over the term of the BID (BIDS Handbook).

See 9.1 of the BID Proposal for a statement on how the levy will be applied based on Rateable Value bands on date of ballot.

18. The apportionment of the levy between proprietors, tenants and occupiers –providing the BID is including tenants and proprietors in its proposals.

See Section 9.1 for details on apportionment of levy charges.

19. A statement as to how the Steering Group arrived at who will pay the levy, the % levy, and how the levy will be split between proprietors, tenants and occupiers (BIDS Handbook).

The Largs BID Steering Group set the geographic boundary for the BID. After much discussion and debate, the Steering Group voted on who will pay the levy (21st June 2012) and the levy amount (23rd July 2012). Whether any future reassessment of the RV of the property by the Rates Assessors will or will not be taken into account in the calculation of the levy (BIDS Handbook).

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It has been agreed by the Largs BID Steering Group that the levy amount will be calculated on the Rateable Value of the properties in the BID area at the time of ballot, and will not change during the 5-year term of the BID.

21. A statement on why groups or individual businesses are exempt or receive a levy discount (BIDs Handbook).

See Sections 9.1 and 9.2 in the BID Proposal for details of all exemptions to the levy. The Steering Group felt that as retail charity outlets would benefit equally to commercial retailers, they would not be provided with an exemption. It was agreed however that, non-retail charitable organisations would be exempt.

22. A statement on whether the levy will be index linked (BIDs Handbook).

See Section 13.3 of the BID Proposal for a statement on index linking of the levy. In the budget statement, no index linking was shown, however a statement indicating that the BID reserves the right to index link has been included.

23. A statement on whether any of the costs incurred in developing the BID proposals, holding of the ballot or implementing the BID arrangements are to be covered through the BID levy.

The costs involved in conducting the ballot and to implement the BID Arrangements. will be paid Largs Matters will 24. The constitution of the BID Company to be formed and its legal status. A statement on who will administer the BID, details regarding the BID Board and the BID body, and those who drew up the BID Proposals and Business Plan. (BID Handbook).

See Section 6.2 “BID Company Structure” for details on how the future BID company will be formed and administered. In accordance with legislation all legally binding procedures will be adopted by the BID company.

The BID will be administered by a newly appointed Board of Directors and projects will be delivered by the BID team. For full details see Section 6.0 of the Proposal document.

Sunil K. Varu, Project Manager, prepared the BID Proposals and Business Plan in full consultation and support from the Largs BID Steering Group.

25. The methodology for BID levy payers to nominate themselves or others to the BID Board of Directors and the proposed makeup of the BID Board, (BIDS Handbook).

See section 6.2 of the BID Proposal for details on how levy payers can participate on the Largs BID Board.

26. A statement on how the BID Proposals will be published prior to the ballot (BID Handbook)

The Largs BID proposer shall send a copy of the BID Business Plan to all persons eligible to vote on the proposals. Should any eligible person require copy of the BID Proposal, a copy will be provided on request. The Proposal and Business Plan will also feature prominently on the Largs Matters BID website at www.largsmatters.com

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

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 from the 750th 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

2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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2.1 Mission Statement for the Largs BID – To make Largs a destination of choice

2.2 The aims and objectives of the Largs BID

The aim of the BID is to deliver a series of projects and services that will improve the trading environment in the town of Largs to benefit businesses, their customers, clients and visitors.

The objectives of the BID are: 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 retail premises and

improve the retail offer.

2.3 Key findings

The BID team has 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 the Local Authority 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.

3.0 INTRODUCTION

3.1 What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?

A Business Improvement District (BID) is about businesses coming together, working in partnership with others and agreeing to invest collectively in projects and services, that 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 businesses in the BID area.

A BID can only proceed if:

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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

3.2 Background information

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 19 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.

4.0 LARGS’ POSITION

4.1 Why does Largs need a BID?

Largs has witnessed a decline in its fortunes since the hey days of the 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 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 making Largs a “destination of choice” fit for the 21st 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 (September 2011) 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, business development, and destination of choice for the 21st Century.

5.0 THE BID AREALargs’ 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.

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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 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.

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

5.1 Streets or part of streets within the 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

AvenueBlythswood Crescent

Boathouse Avenue

Boathouse Drive Boathouse Road Bowen Craig Bowen Craig WalkBoyd Street Brisbane

CrescentBrisbane Glen Rd (pt)

Brisbane Road

Brisbane Street Broom Court Broomfield Broomfield Crescent

Broomfield 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 LaneGallowgate Street Gallowgate

SquareGateside Street George Street

Glenacre Drive Glenacre Gardens

Glenburn Crescent Gogo Street

Gogoside Road Greenock Road Haco Street Hamilton CourtHaylie Gardens Haylie Neuk Hill Street Holehouse Road

(pt)Homemount Hutcheson Drive Hutton Park

CrescentHyndman Green

Irvine 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

GroveNoddleburn 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

AvenueWarren Park Mews Warrenpark Road

Waterside Street Waverley Court Wilson Street Windsor Gardens

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

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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

6.0 BID MANAGEMENT

6.1 The BID team

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.

6.2 The BID company structure

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.

Roles and responsibilities of the BID Board of Directors:

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:

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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.

7.0 THE CONSULTATION PROCESS

7.1 IntroductionLargs Matters – Detailed Business Engagement

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 over 90 businesses in Largs, and the results analysed through Survey Monkey.

2 Newsletters were distributed by post to every business on the database in March and April 2012

2 Networking evenings were held and both were very well attended:

14th March 2012 – 80 people attended to hear of the views of the 80 interviews the Project Manager had undertaken

2nd May 2012 – 65 people attended to hear :o the results of the questionnaire survey;o Alastair Mitchell, Falkirk BID Manager on the work of the Falkirk BID;

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

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.

A very successful major event (“Largs Live 2012”) was organised from 29th June to 1st 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 is planned for the summer. Taxi marshals will be deployed in the town centre during the 5 weekends from 3rd August through until 8th September at a time when the town centre is 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 the next BID to deliver.

A Summary document of the results of the Business Engagement process – interviews, newsletters, networking evenings, events and questionnaire survey results – will be mailed to all businesses and the head office of national companies.

BID legislation requires that before a ballot can take place, a minimum of 5% of the electorate must indicate that they are in favour of a BID. Of the 64 responses (representing 69 businesses) to the business questionnaire survey, 81% of the respondents indicated that in principle they were in favour of the BID. With only 5% indicating they would not vote for a BID while the remaining 14% required further information before committing themselves to voting “yes”.

7.3 Customer surveys

In Autumn 2011, North Ayrshire Council commissioned VECTOR Research to undertake a wide ranging survey of both local businesses and the general public to seek their views on Largs. This has been combined with the views of the businesses, and together forms the basis of this Business Plan and the BID Proposal.

8.0 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

8.1 Introduction

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The proposed improvement projects for the BID are based on feedback provided by the business and customer survey research and approved by the BID Steering Group. The projects have been themed and are detailed in the following pages of this document.The proposed projects will be progressed over the five-year period of the BID. Some projects will be provided on an annual basis while others are one-off projects. The time frame for delivering the projects will be decided by the Board of Directors of the new BID Company within the agreed budget.

The detailed project costs are estimates only. The actual capital cost of the projects will depend on a variety of factors and will not be definitive until competitive tenders have been submitted nearer the time. Some the projects may be subject to planning permission and other statutory approval.

8.2 LARGS BID PROPOSED PROJECTS

Business Plan for Largs BID

Business Plan Context :

VECTOR Report, 1-2-1 Consultations, Questionnaire Survey, BID Area/Trends, Douglas Wheeler/IBP Study on Training Needs. Tourism Strategy (£1billion over next 8 years)

2013 : Year of Active, 750th Anniversary of Battle of Largs, Sailing Events 2014 : Year of Homecoming, Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup

Key Themes, Potential Projects & Costs

1. Marketing and Events

CostsRe-Branding e.g. food & drink, niche retailing, sailing tourism, events/marketing

£5,000

Website (+Social Media) £3,000Largs Live £8,000Xmas Campaign £8,000EXPO 2013 £500Comedy Festival £8,000Shop Local Campaign £8,000Ice Cream Festival £8,000Total £48,500

2. Business Support Programme

CostsShop Doctor/Mentor (management training), Marketing, Social media, shopwindow displays, customer

£10,000

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careBusiness Improvement Grant (applicable to any BID member e.g. uniforms, specialised equipment etc)

£15,000

Benefit What’s On in Largs membership NilBenefit Media package NilBenefit Free cardboard pick-up for

businesses via social enterpriseNil

Benefit Utilities, Credit Card machines NilBenefit Zero waste – recycling

measuresNil

Total £25,0003. Clean and Safe

CostsBusiness Crime Partnership –retail, hospitality trade, fraud prevention, e-crime (partly training/business benefit/business support), Pubwatch, Radio Link, Festive Taxi Marshals

£9,000

Total £9,000

4. Advocacy/Facilitation

CostsNew Promenade – fit for 21st Century (infrastructure, Amenities etc)

Nil

Vision/Strategy for Largs NilBetter coastal connection between town centre and Marina

Nil

Address Parking situation – enforcement, lobby to construct at least one new car park close to town centre, parking strategy

Nil

5. Communications

Costs4 x Newsletters £1,500Email bulletins Nil3 x Networking meetings £750

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AGM £500Annual Report £750

Total £3,500

6. Resourcing the new BID Company

CostsFull Time Manager (incl on costs)

£30,000

No in-kind donation available Office : rent, rates, BID levy £10,000Equipment : IT, Insurances, Stationery, Furniture etc

£1,500

Management Accounts, VAT, Banking

£1,000

Auditors’ Fees £1,000

Total £43,500

7. Contingency/Bad Debt

CostsLevy Collection Costs (NAC) £5,000Contingency (2%) £2,000Bad Debt (5%) £5,500Renewal Costs (2%) £2,035Total £14,535

TOTAL : £144,035

9.0 THE BID LEVY

9.1 Who will pay the levy?

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 will be based on bands calculated on the rateable value of the property at the time of the ballot (Steering Group meeting of 21st June 2012 and 17th July 2012) 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.

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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.

There are approximately 310 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, (Boyd Street), Automatic Telling Machines, properties with Rateable Values under £1,000.

9.2 Thresholds

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.

9.3 Enforcement

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

9.4 Collection of the levy

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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 how much the investment levy will cost businesses based on the bandings highlighted :

Rateable Value of Property

Annual Levy Cost Per Day

Upto £999 Nil NilBAND A £1,000 - £4,999 £195 £0.53BAND B £5,000 - £9,999 £295 £0.81BAND C £10,000 - £19,999 £395 £1.08BAND D £20,000 - £45,999 £595 £1.63BAND E £46,000 - £94,999 £795 £2.18BAND F £95,000 - £217,999 £995 £2.73BAND G £218,000 + £1,495 £5.47

10.0 THE VOTING PROCESS

10.1 Pre-ballot

The BID Proposer must notify the local authority, the Scottish Ministers and the billing body 98 days in advance of the ballot date of their intention to hold a BID ballot. The local authority then has 28 days in which to veto or not the BID Proposal.

Prior to the ballot taking place, a ‘Notice of Ballot’ will have been issued to all businesses in the BID area. The BID Proposer must make available a full copy of the BID Proposal to any person who is eligible to vote on the BID Proposals and who requests a copy. A copy of the BID Proposal and Business Plan must also be sent to the Scottish Ministers and the Chief Executive of the local authority 98 days (Thursday 26th July 2012) in advance of the final ballot date. Prior to, or on the date the ballot papers are issued the BID Proposer must provide all those eligible to vote in the proposed BID area with a detailed Business Plan (2013 – 2018).

10.2 The ballot

Ballot papers will be issued to every business in the BID area 42 days (Thursday 20th 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.

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

Voting papers will be issued on Thursday 20th September 2012.

The final date for all ballot papers to be returned is 5pm on Thursday 1st 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 a person is a ratepayer for more than one business, that individual shall be eligible to cast more than one vote however they will be required to pay the levy for each of the properties that they occupy.

If a person (owner) owns more than one property (which are vacant) and they are liable to pay the non-domestic rates, that person will be eligible to cast one vote, but the rateable value for each property will be combined. They will also have to pay the levy for each vacant property that they own.

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

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

11.0 PUBLIC SECTOR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE BID

11.1 Baseline services

A Baseline Service Agreement ensures the Largs BID does not use the levy moneyto duplicate or substitute any services provided by North Ayrshire Council, Transport Scotland or Strathclyde Police.

The services directly delivered by the BID must be an effective and efficient use of the levy funds and must be additional to any statutory service provided by the statutory authorities. The

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Baseline Services Agreement 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.

Additionally, a baseline agreement avoids the risk that all relevant public agencies will not reduce its current statutory level of service to the BID area following a successful ballot.

For a full and detailed list of services provided in the BID area by North Ayrshire Council and Transport Scotland, please see Appendix 5– North Ayrshire Council and Transport Scotland Baseline information and Baseline Agreement.

The services already provided by North Ayrshire Council (both statutory and discretionary)within the BID area:

Statutory Services : Waste removal – charged trade waste collection and disposal service.

Street lighting – installation, management and maintenance.

Road maintenance – road and footpath repairs including winter road and footpath maintenance.

Ground maintenance – maintenance of grassed areas and ground maintenance plots.

Street cleaning – including litter and dog fouling.

Traffic Road Safety Services

Discretionary Services : Street furniture – finger posts, visitor orientation signage, and panels, signage, bins,

bollards and benches.

Planting – containers, landscaping, shrubbery and walling.

Public conveniences – the provision and maintenance of one public toilet.

Graffiti and Chewing Gum removal

Economic Development – Tourism Product Development and Tourism Intelligence

Christmas – street decorations and lighting

Strathclyde Police

Baseline Information provided by Inspector Andy Clark, Strathclyde Police.

In keeping with the objectives of the BID Strathclyde Police would contribute to the overall aim by specifically contributing to the objectives of the BID:

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Police coverage of the North Coast and Cumbraes area is split between 5 distinct core policing groups, containing both Response and Community Policing Teams.

The BID area itself is contained within the geographical policing beat known as UA20. Specifically, as part of the local Community Policing Team, there are 2 uniformed Community Policing officers whose predominant role is to patrol beat UA20, commensurate with any other operational duties they may be required to undertake. These officers routinely undertake either foot, cycle, or mobile patrol in uniform.

Serious crime is not a significant issue within the BID area and as such, policing is divided into 3 main areas;

Daytime crime & disorder Nightime crime & disorder Events

Daytime crime relates to mainly opportunist thefts and shoplifting. Disorder is minimal, athough instances of drug misuse have been experienced.Night time crime and disorder is mainly associated with alcohol consumption, particularly at weekends. Youth disorder is also more prevalent at night, particularly during the summer period.Events play a significant part in the Largs area, with many annual parades and events bringing an increased footfall to the area.

Providing two dedicated Community Police officers, supported by other members of the Community Policing Team. The Town Centre Community Police Officers will work with partner agencies and other groups, including the Largs BID to address local concerns and to provide a highly visible police presence.

As previously stated, there are 2 Community Policing officers, whose predominant role is to patrol beat UA20, subject to any other operational duties they may required to undertake.These officers operate as part of the local Community Policing Team at Largs Police Office. They operate a regular dayshift work pattern - Monday to Friday and every second Saturday, 0900 hours until 1700 hours.

Outwith these times, 24/7 police coverage is split between 5 distinct core policing groups. These 5 Groups contain uniform officers in both Response and Community Policing Teams. When a specific need is identifed, this core policing function can be augmented by a number of specialist policing departments and services

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

Transport Scotland

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Baseline Service information provided by Transport Scotland relating to Largs and the A78 Trunk Road which is owned by the Scottish Ministers and currently operated and maintained by AMEY.

Transport Scotland has contracts in place with Operating Companies who ensure the trunk roads are safe, efficient and well managed. Maintaining the condition of our trunk road and motorway network is vital to the economy of Scotland. Work is carried out by Operating Companies, currently working under separate contracts. These contracts are divided into 4 regional units.

o North West – Operated by Scotland Transervo North East – Operated by BEAR Scotlando South East – Operated by BEAR Scotlando South West – Operated by Amey (including the A78)

The contracts are publically available through the Transport Scotland Website: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/responsibilities/operating-companies

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

These contracts employ over 1,100 staff directly and 100 more through sub-contracts.

12.0 MEASURING SUCCESS.

12.1 Measuring the success of the BID

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,

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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

In developing the Interim Review, BIDs Scotland consulted with,

key stakeholders and organisations independent businesses key UK national businesses and the Scottish Retail Consortium

The Assessment and Accreditation Interim Review is recommended by BIDs Scotland as good practice and is included as one of the good practice elements of all Scottish BID Proposals and BID Business Plans.

13.0 FINANCES

13.1 Estimated income and expenditure

It is calculated that there are 310 eligible properties located within the Largs BID area (this figure may change as businesses move, expand or close). The BID levy income is calculated to be approximately £114,035.00 per annum. Current Scottish collection rates for the BID levy are about 95%. With this in mind, an amount has been set aside in the budget under ‘contingency’ to recover any bad debt.

13.2 Financial Management

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.

North Ayrshire Council will collect the levy payments on behalf of the BID, and will retain these funds in a separate interest bearing account until the BID Board calls these funds down to deliver the projects and services. This arrangement will ensure the financial transactions of the BID Company are transparent and answerable to the business levy payers in the BID area.

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13.3 LARGS BID PROJECT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE – 2013-2018

Year1 Year 2 Year 3 Year4 Year5 TOTALTotal Income from BID Levy

£114,035 £114,035 £114,035 £114,035 £114,035 £570,175

Core funding from North Ayrshire Council

£30,000 £30,000 £30,000 £30,000 £30,000 £150,000

Project Cost HeadingsObjective 1 – Marketing & Events

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

Objective 2 – Business Support

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

Objective 3 – Safe & Clean

£9,000 £9,000 £9,000 £9,000 £9,000 £45,000

Objective 4 - Advocacy

£Nil £Nil £Nil £Nil £Nil £Nil

Objective 5 - Communications

£3,500 £3,500 £3,500 £3,500 £3,500 £17,500

Objective 6 – Resourcing the 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 £647,500Contingency £14,535 £14,535 £14,535 £14,535 £14,035 £72,675Total Expenditure £144,035 £144,035 £144,035 £144,035 £144,035 £720,125

*Please note that 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 except.

14.0 CONTACT INFORMATION

If you would like more information on BIDs please contact

Sunil K. Varu,Project Manager,c/o Largs & Millport Information Bureau,88 Main Street,Largs,KA30 8AN.

Telephone 07725 044 450Email [email protected]

APPENDICES

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Please see Appendix 1 whereby we provide a copy of the questionnaire and copies of the positive responses to the BID questionnaire proposal – 52 businesses out of an electorate of approximately 310 properties – i.e. approximately 17% support of the full database of companies.

A copy of the Business Plan which will be issued to all of the BID electorate is provided with this Proposal document – see Appendix 2

See database provided at Appendix 3.

In accordance with legislation, the attached letter – Appendix 4 will be issued to the North Ayrshire Council by Peter Valerio, Chair of the Largs Matters BID on 26th July 2012.

See Appendix 5 – Baseline Statement and Agreement.

See map and list of streets in the BID area at Appendix 6.

APPENDIX ONE – QUESTIONNAIRE

Dear Colleagues,

Largs Matters Questionnaire – ONLY TAKES 15 MINUTES TO COMPLETE!

Following our successful networking evening of 14th March 2012 which 80 businesses attended, EVERY BUSINESS is now given the opportunity to complete this short questionnaire to help shape the future of Largs.

Your views are important in helping shape the direction of the BID. The information you provide is confidential to the BID Steering Group and will only be presented in an aggregated form. Participation in this survey in no way commits you to supporting the Largs Matters BID.

This will take 10 minutes but it would be very helpful if you completed the questionnaire online through the Largs Matters website www.largsmatters.com . The deadline is Wednesday 18th April 2012.

To help you I attach a sheet of quotes from the 80+ Largs businesses who told us about issues they felt were important. Please take time to read them before filling the questionnaire.

WHAT NEXT? DATE FOR YOU DIARY : WEDNESDAY 2ND MAY 2012

The results of the survey will be revealed at our next Networking Meeting which I urge you to attend as the Falkirk BID Manager, Alastair Mitchell, will be our Guest Speaker. Alastair is an excellent speaker and will enlighten us on his work which includes going through the BID process not once but twice as Falkirk businesses have voted for it twice. The meeting will take place :

5.45pm for 6pm

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Wednesday 2nd May 2012

Brisbane House Hotel

Please email us on [email protected] to let us know if you are going to attend.

I look forward to seeing many of you then and PLEASE complete the questionnaire ONLINE sooner than later! If completing the paper copy, please return it in the envelope provided to the Largs & Millport Information Bureau, 88 Main Street, LARGS, KA30 8AN.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Valerio,Chairman

YOUR BUSINESSWhy did you locate your business in Largs? ________________________________________What is the key factor for your business success? ____________________________________

What is the biggest challenge you face in the next 12 months? ____________________________________________________________________________

As part of the wider consultation Largs Matters has identified five potential themes and various projects for the proposed BID. We would like your opinion on how important they are to you and Largs.

A. Single Point of Contact : For Largs Matters to act as a “one stop shop” and collective voice to identify issues and solutions for businesses and to represent them to North Ayrshire Council, Transport Scotland and other organisations.

Do you think your business would be better if LargsYes No Not

Sure1. Had a collective voice under one business-led

organisation, to lobby to help plan the future of Largs

2. Businesses collaborated more with partners to promote the wider Largs area

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B. Marketing /Branding/Promotion/ Events : For Largs Matters to build on the existing pride, work on spreading a positive image of Largs both locally & nationally, & to organize and coordinate a programme of events

Do you think your business would be better if Largs had the following

Yes No Not Sure

New branding strategy for Largs

Seasonal marketing campaign

An organized calendar of events aimed at increasing footfall and business

Visitor maps and guides

Dedicated website with social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter etc) and online business directory of all businesses to drive customers to your business

A Largs “App”

A shop local campaign

Improved signage in Largs

Any other issues _________________________________________________________________________

C. Clean & Safe : For Largs Matters to work with businesses and North Ayrshire Council and Strathclyde Police to cut down business crime, ensure employees and visitors feel safer when in Largs and improve the cleanliness of the area

Do you think your business would be better with the followingYes No Not

SureA Business Crime Reduction Partnership to reduce business crime (e.g. theft, e-crime, etc) – working with Strathclyde Police, North Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership, Scottish Business Crime Centre and the CCTV Control Room

Largs Pubwatch scheme – in partnership with Strathclyde Police, North Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership, Scottish Business Crime Centre and the CCTV Control Centre

Coordinated Radio Link system (two way radio communication between businesses aimed at reducing shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and help increase staff safety

Ensure North Ayrshire Council maintains agreed cleaning standards of street and beach cleaning and

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rubbish collection

Providing extra gum and graffiti removal services

Ensure town looks presentable with floral enhancements and improve the look of vacant properties and sites

Any other issues _________________________________________________________________

D. Accessibility/Orientation/Parking : For Largs Matters to promote awareness of parking and access to the town.

Pressure on car parking in Largs is most evident in (please tick one):

Summer months summer weekends all year round

Tell us your views on the followingStrongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

It is easy for your customers to get parked within a short walking distance (5 minutes) of your business?

Car parking should be better enforced

Largs needs a good balance of short term and long term parking options to meet the needs of employees in the businesses and customers/visitors

Largs needs additional parking

Signage to car parks is good

Largs is well serviced by public transport

Any other issues _______________________________________________________E. Business Support : For Largs Matters to seek out training and

collective buying opportunities for businesses

Do you think your business would benefit from the following:Yes No Not

SureLocal Awards scheme to highlight achievements and good practice by local businesses

Business Training programme e.g. marketing, social media, customer service, etc.

Collective buying initiatives e.g. print, media

Cost savings in business payment services such as telecommunications, insurance, utilities, payment swipe cards

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Cost savings through recycling and reduction in trade waste collection by working with organisations such as Zero Waste Scotland

To be able to apply for a grant to complete a project that will improve your business performance or appearance

Other collective buying opportunities ____________________________________________________________SUPPORTING A BID

BID projects will be funded by an investment levy which all businesses will pay if successful. For the majority of businesses this will be no more than a few hundred pounds per year and will be agreed by your business-led “Largs Matters” Steering Group. Importantly, your investment will help leverage additional funding which would be spent on the projects which will be put forward to all businesses in the form of a costed Business Plan in the Autumn 2012.

In PRINCIPLE, would you be in favour of a BID for Largs? Please tick ONE:

I’m interested in a Largs BID I’d like to hear more before I decide I think we and Largs are doing fine the way we are

YOUR DETAILS

Company Name & address____________________________________________________

Key Contact: ________________________________________Owner/Manager (please delete one)

No of Employees: Full Time:__________ Part Time:_________Business Type (please tick) Retail Restaurant café

Pub/Club Financial/Legal Services Hotel B&B/Guest House Self-Catering Other Please state ___________

Website: ___________________________________ Email________________________________________

Member of Business Association (please tick all appropriate) Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Federation of Small Business Other (Please state) _____________________________

APPENDIX 2 – BUSINESS PLAN

Business Plan for Largs BID

Business Plan Context :

VECTOR Report, 1-2-1 Consultations, Questionnaire Survey, BID Area/Trends, Douglas Wheeler/IBP Study on Training Needs. Tourism Strategy (£1billion over next 8 years)

2013 : Year of Active, 750th Anniversary of Battle of Largs, Sailing Events

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2014 : Year of Homecoming, Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup

Key Themes, Potential Projects & Costs

8. Marketing and Events

CostsRe-Branding e.g. food & drink, niche retailing, sailing tourism, events/marketing

£5,000

Website (+Social Media) £3,000Largs Live £8,000Xmas Campaign £8,000EXPO 2013 £500Comedy Festival £8,000Shop Local Campaign £8,000Ice Cream Festival £8,000Total £48,500

9. Business Support Programme

CostsShop Doctor/Mentor (management training), Marketing, Social media, shopwindow displays, customer care

£10,000

Business Improvement Grant (applicable to any BID member e.g. uniforms, specialised equipment etc)

£15,000

Benefit What’s On in Largs membership NilBenefit Media package NilBenefit Free cardboard pick-up for

businesses via social enterpriseNil

Benefit Utilities, Credit Card machines NilBenefit Zero waste – recycling

measuresNil

Total £25,00010. Clean and Safe

CostsBusiness Crime Partnership –retail, hospitality trade, fraud prevention, e-crime (partly training/business benefit/business support), Pubwatch, Radio Link, Festive Taxi Marshals

£9,000

Total £9,000

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11. Advocacy/Facilitation

CostsNew Promenade – fit for 21st Century (infrastructure, Amenities etc)

Nil

Vision/Strategy for Largs NilBetter coastal connection between town centre and Marina

Nil

Address Parking situation – enforcement, lobby to construct at least one new car park close to town centre, parking strategy

Nil

12. Communications

Costs4 x Newsletters £1,500Email bulletins Nil3 x Networking meetings £750AGM £500Annual Report £750

Total £3,500

13. Resourcing the new BID Company

CostsFull Time Manager (incl on costs)

£30,000

No in-kind donation available Office : rent, rates, BID levy £10,000Equipment : IT, Insurances, Stationery, Furniture etc

£1,500

Management Accounts, VAT, Banking

£1,000

Auditors’ Fees £1,000

Total £43,500

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14. Contingency/Bad Debt

CostsLevy Collection Costs (NAC) £5,000Contingency (2%) £2,000Bad Debt (5%) £5,500Renewal Costs (2%) £2,035Total £14,535

TOTAL : £144,035

APPENDIX 3 – LARGS BID DATABASE

TO BE INSERTED

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APPENDIX 4 – Letter from Peter Valerio, Chairman – 98 day notice

Elma Murray,Chief Executive,North Ayrshire CouncilCunninghame House,IRVINE,KA12 8EE.

26th July 2012

Dear Ms. Murray,

Largs Matters Business Improvement District Formal Notification to put BID Proposals to Ballot

We refer to the above legislation, which requires the BID Proposer to notify you in writing that we wish to put the Largs Matters BID Proposals to a ballot.

This letter is our formal request for North Ayrshire Council to instruct the ballot holder to put the BID Proposals to a ballot on the 20th September 2012

Will you kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter.

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Yours sincerely,

Peter Valerio,Chairman,On behalf of Largs Matters

cc Scottish Government : Ms Christine Gresswell, Policy Officer, Local Governance Team, Local Government Division, Scottish Government, Area 3-J North, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ

BID Scotland Director : Ian Davison-Porter

APPENDIX 5 - Baseline Statement and Agreement.

PROVIDED SEPARATELY AS ATTACHMENTS AT PRESENT

APPENDIX 6 – Map and List of Streets in the BID area.

MAP TO BE INSERTED

Acre Avenue Aitken Street Allanpark Street Anderson CourtAnthony Court Anthony Road Aubery Court Aubery CrescentBarr Crescent Bath Court Bath Street BeachwayBellmans Court Blackdales

AvenueBlythswood Crescent

Boathouse Avenue

Boathouse Drive Boathouse Road Bowen Craig Bowen Craig WalkBoyd Street Brisbane

CrescentBrisbane Glen Rd (pt)

Brisbane Road

Brisbane Street Broom Court Broomfield Broomfield Crescent

Broomfield 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 LaneGallowgate Street Gallowgate

SquareGateside Street George Street

Glenacre Drive Glenacre Gardens

Glenburn Crescent Gogo Street

Gogoside Road Greenock Road Haco Street Hamilton Court

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Haylie Gardens Haylie Neuk Hill Street Holehouse Road (pt)

Homemount Hutcheson Drive Hutton Park Crescent

Hyndman Green

Irvine 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

GroveNoddleburn 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

AvenueWarren Park Mews Warrenpark Road

Waterside Street Waverley Court Wilson Street Windsor Gardens