Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
Scotland’s thriving network of improvement districts are delivering impactful change and boosting businesses in communities across the country by giving people the means to unlock the unique potential of every place.
About Business Improvement Districts
A Business Improvement District (BID) is part of a town, tourism / visitor area, commercial district, or specific theme (such as food and drink), in which businesses work together to invest in local improvements.
BIDs came into force in Scotland in 2007 as a result of primary legislation in Part 9 of the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 and other secondary legislation.
This included UK parliamentary regulations needed to implement reserved aspects of the policy.
Scotland has a network of over 30 BIDs that are leveraging local investment, encouraging innovation, unlocking opportunities, and delivering sustainable change locally. See a full list of operational BIDs.
Scotland Improvement Districts (SIDs)
We fund Scotland Improvement Districts (SIDs) as the National Centre for Improvement Districts to provide advice and governance support for BIDs in Scotland. This work is managed by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP).
BIDs have been established in various settings and environments in Scotland, including town centres, business parks, industrial estates and tourism initiatives.
Benefits of a BID
Improvement Districts are an important driver for the wider Scottish economy. They support collaborative working to deliver better local economic and social outcomes through a focus on towns and cities across the country.
The BIDs model is a key mechanism to support local living and thriving town centres at the heart of a green, fair and growing economy.
The SIDs website contains case studies that provide details of the positive impacts BIDs have had in Scotland.
How BIDs are created
In order for a BID to be established, it must secure support from a clear majority of local businesses in a vote.
BIDs operate for up to five years and are developed, managed and paid for by businesses through a compulsory BID levy.
At the end of the five year period, if the businesses that are part of a BID want to continue, another vote (a renewal ballot) must take place.
Developing a BID in Scotland
In addition to Scotland’s operational BIDs, there are a number of BIDs that are in the process of being developed.
The development of a BID proposal to take to ballot can take between 12 to 18 months. SIDs provide advice and support to BIDs in development, whilst Scottish Government also provide ‘seedcorn grants’ to support the initial development of new BIDs.
Scottish Government also support the implementation of BIDs and can award seedcorn grants for BID development. Any questions regarding the development of a new BID or seedcorn funding should be directed to SIDs in the first instance.