A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined area in which businesses work together and invest collectively in local improvements. It gives business owners a stronger voice, more influence, and the ability to shape decisions that affect their trading environment.
Across Scotland and the wider UK, BIDs have already helped hundreds of towns and city centres unlock new potential, attract more visitors, and enhance the everyday experience for businesses and communities alike.
From festive lights and family days to market weekends and cultural celebrations, we aim to fund and coordinate events that bring people together and boost the local economy year-round.
Our new voucher scheme makes it easy to give the gift of local shopping while supporting businesses right here in town. By choosing to spend with independent retailers and service providers, every pound stays in Fort William, helping to create jobs, strengthen businesses, and sustain a vibrant town centre.
We’re committed to creating a town centre that businesses and the community can be proud of. We aim to create a place that attracts footfall, encourages longer visits, and supports pride of place.
Highland Council has published the draft Fort William Integrated Transport Plan and is seeking input from businesses across the town.
Transport infrastructure directly affects trading conditions, staff access, servicing, customer movement and long-term investment confidence. It is important that local business voices are clearly represented in this process.
We encourage levy payers to review the proposals and complete the survey to ensure commercial considerations are fully understood.
We are delighted to announce that local artist Mark Faulkner’s design, Our Special Lochaber Oaks, has been selected for the new High Street mural. The project celebrates Fort William’s heritage and will include creative workshops with local primary schools and Room 13.
BID Fort William has launched two new funding schemes to support local businesses and boost town centre activity. The Property Improvement Scheme offers match funding to smarten up shopfronts and public-facing premises, while the Event Support Scheme provides financial help to develop new or existing events that attract visitors and drive local spending.
Looking to bring a burst of energy to the Highlands during the quieter months? The Highland Council’s brand-new Strategic Events Grant Fund for 2025/26 is here to help you make it happen. Backed by a £75,000 allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and rubber-stamped by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 29 May, this […]
BID Fort William is now inviting nominations for our first Board of Directors—and we’re looking for local business owners and representatives like you to get involved. If you’re passionate about the future of Fort William’s town centre, this is your opportunity to help lead meaningful projects, represent your sector, and make a difference in the […]
