BID4Oban bids for renewal
BID4Oban said: ‘Oban has experienced many changes over recent years. From the cutbacks in local authority budgets, to the increased traffic in the town due to road equivalent tariff and the increased pressure that it is putting on the town’s limited parking provision.
Over the past five years BID4Oban has worked tirelessly on behalf of the business community with Argyll and Bute Council. Traffic management and access issues are a problem for many businesses. The continuing rise of energy costs and the new rateable values are putting more pressure on businesses. Oban requires a co-ordinated response from all businesses to address these problems and support them. Globally visitor numbers are increasing and Oban is no exception.
‘The retail sector in particular has suffered with the growth of online shopping but we are fortunate that having a strong tourist trade has helped to mitigate some of this impact with a vibrant, clean and attractive town.
‘To keep visitors and shoppers coming to Oban, we have to persuade them to come in the quieter months in increasing numbers and extend the season. In addition, we have to work with and occasionally lobby the local authority to ensure that local strategies do not negatively impact on trade.’
Over its first five years, BID4Oban has produced a whole range of initiatives that have improved the town.
Among them are the introduction of BID4Oban town ambassadors, who have interacted with more than 49,000 visitors; shop-front improvement grants have been issued to many businesses; numerous events have been supported financially including Oban Live; In addition, in kind support and advice has always been available. It has provided local business liaison during the implementation of the CHORD projects which included Stafford Street, Station Square and George Street improvements. BID4Oban has also been responsible for putting up over 700 hanging baskets and floral arrangements around the town over its current term; In partnership with Argyll and Bute Council we have enhanced the Christmas lights throughout Oban ensuring a welcoming and festive atmosphere. Along with the reindeer parade in November these investments ensure a vibrant town centre is created. The recent installation of BID4Oban WIFI in the main centre of Oban has enhanced visitors experience, we are now working with Scottish Government to extend and enhance this service; The town diary and updating the what’s on in and around Oban is an integral part in working with many organisations to highlight events. Our fantastic town centre fireworks display in November and Hogmanay are now an integral part of established events. Most recently BID4Oban has worked with local businesses to establish ad-hoc markets to enable them to promote both local produce and merchandise. BID4Oban works closely with the Cruise Group to ensure we capitalise on the many shipping lines now visiting the town and with the establishment of the new Pontoons in the town this attraction of Oban will only increase in this sector.
The “Love Oban” brand has been established for all our marketing and this will be enhanced in a second term. BID4Oban launched the Love Oban Gift Vouchers and these have been a fantastic success since its launch. Love Oban Voucher sales now top £32,000 and a major marketing plan is now in place to ensure Obanites, their friends and visitors benefit from this initiative.
BID4Oban is managed by a dedicated team to manage its resources. This includes Andrew Spence - BID Manager, Yvonne MacLean – Administrator, Kay McDonald – Digital and Town Ambassador and Joe Reich – Town Ambassador. They are there to support and enhance the BID and encourage additional funding from all available sources.
Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O’Hara backed BID4Oban, saying: ‘BID4Oban has worked hard to extend the season throughout the shoulder months and the footfall in Oban has increased with events like the Winter Festival, the Hogmanay fireworks and the renowned Oban Live festival, which has boosted the economy of Oban and the surrounding area. I would very much support its bid to continue this good work.’
Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell added: ‘BID is important in helping local business to improve the environment for itself and the communities it serves. BID4Oban has got off to a good start and has clearly made a difference to the town. However, there is much more to be done and I hope the town’s business community will keep faith with the project and back it for the next stage.’
Graham MacQueen MBE, from MacQueen Bros, said: “Oban is a very different, much improved place since the formation of our BID company. All Oban businesses must surely reelect BID4Oban to continue making our town a shining example of success”
A series of drop in meetings will be held at the BID4Oban offices at 43 Stevenson Street, Oban, PA34 5NA