Fate of Paisley First business lobby group hangs in the balance
Businesses across Paisley town centre have just a few days left to have their say on whether to continue with the Business Improvement District (BID).
Paisley First is the name of the BID for the town centre, which was set up five years ago to boost business in the town.
As with all BIDS across the UK, the maximum period it can operate is five years when it has to hold a ballot of members to ensure they want it to continue.
All businesses within the designated BID area – in this case, Paisley town centre – pay an annual levy ranging from £200 to £6,000 towards the BID, which varies depending on the size of the business.
Ballot papers have been sent out to businesses to ask them if they want the BID to continue for another five years. The vote closes at 5pm tomorrow with a result expected seven days later.
Chair of Paisley First, Colette Cardosi, said she hoped businesses would back the BID.
“For more than four years, Paisley First has delivered a number of successful initiatives aimed at improving the town centre, driving footfall to the town and supporting businesses,” she said.
“We are all aware of the challenges of running a business in the town centre today. It is the same in most town centres up and down the country.
“By working with Paisley First, businesses can ensure that our town centre remains both vibrant and relevant for locals and visitors alike.
“The cost to businesses in supporting Paisley First can be recouped in part, or more, by engaging with the Paisley First team and the projects and services they deliver.
“The BID is here to bring investment into the town, deliver projects which wouldn’t happen otherwise, to listen to business owners, to shoppers in the town and to residents. Running a BID is extremely challenging and we have all learned a lot in the last five years.
“As well as all the events, promotional activities and business support that are now in place, the experience we have gained puts us in a great position to achieve an even greater amount in a second term.”
Critics of Paisley First say they are unable to pay the financial levy and have criticised the use of sheriff officers to recover unpaid levies. Some also claim they’ve not benefitted from any of the activities or campaigns organised by Paisley First.
Since it began, Paisley First has been responsible for several summer Lego trails in the town as well as Paisley’s Winterfest, which runs throughout December. It has also worked with Renfrewshire Council for the Free for Three parking campaign and offered training courses for business owners in the town.
Looking ahead, it plans to continue to look at parking in the town centre, clean up derelict buildings, grow the Paisley First mural trail, bring more events to the town, engage with the local and international student community and launch the Paisley Town Centre Business Awards.
To continue, there needs to be a minimum turnout of 25 per cent and a majority vote. The combined rateable value of those who vote yes has to be greater than the combined rateable value of those who vote no.
Businesses can call the Paisley First team on 0141 237 8120, email ask@paisleyfirst.com or visit www. paisleyfirst.com
Paisley First has delivered a number of successful initiatives aimed at improving the town centre