The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Businesses to be balloted on town improvement vision
Ballot papers will be sent out to almost 200 companies in Inverurie this week, in advance of a vote about proposals to create a Business Improvement District in the town.
The vote takes place on June 22, and 199 businesses will have their say on whether or not Inverurie will have a BID.
This term defines a situation where businesses in a defined local area decide to invest collectively in local improvements over and above those provided by statutory authorities such as the local councils.
It is a partnership agreement whereby the business community work with the authorities on a variety of projects that will benefit the local firms and economy.
The aims of Inverurie’s BID venture include creating an attractive town, raising Inverurie’s profile, increasing footfall, and generally re-establishing Inverurie as a desirable market town.
“We are INverurie” is the name of the steering committee for BID. And its chairman, Ian Sinclair, is happy with how it has been received by businesses.
He said: “We are delighted with the response so far from the businesses owners in the BID area, as well as many others in the wider Inverurie area.
“They are very supportive of the positive effect a BID would have on the town and beyond.”
Ashley Wilson, BID coordinator, revealed that they have already received backing from a number of local organisations.
She added: “We are delighted to have support pledged from VisitScotland, VisitAberdeenshire and Abellio already as well as Aberdeenshire Council.”
For more information on Inverurie’s BID plans, visit: www.weareinverurie. co.uk
“Very supportive of the positive effect a BID would have”