What Is a BID and Why It Matters to Fort William

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined area where businesses work together to invest in local improvements that they have identified as priorities. These improvements are funded through a levy agreed by the businesses themselves and are delivered in addition to the services provided by the local authority.

Across Scotland, BIDs have been used to strengthen town centres, support local economies, and create cleaner, safer, more welcoming environments for businesses, residents and visitors alike.

Why This Matters in Fort William

The BID Fort William has the potential to bring tangible benefits by helping local businesses respond to some of the key challenges facing our town.

Some of the priorities raised locally include:

• Improved cleanliness and appearance of the town centre
• More joined-up promotion of Fort William as a place to visit, stay and invest
• Better communication between businesses, public services and community groups
• Support during the quieter trading months to retain staff and stabilise turnover

A BID can help address these through direct investment and partnership working, underpinned by a clear, deliverable business plan. The levy creates a reliable source of income which is ringfenced for local priorities, decided by the businesses themselves.

What Other Scottish Towns Are Doing

Several BIDs across Scotland are already making a measurable difference to their communities. Here are a few examples:

Across Scotland, BIDs are generating real value for the businesses that fund them. Here are examples of how levy payers are seeing a return on investment:

• BID4Oban
  Delivered over £1.5 million in added value since its launch. Cruise tourism has increased, with dedicated meet-and-greet services and coordinated promotion leading to higher footfall and direct spend in the town centre. Events supported by the BID, including Oban Winter Festival, generate an estimated £500,000 annually in visitor spend. www.bid4oban.co.uk
• Falkirk Delivers
  Secured significant match funding, with around £3 generated for every £1 of levy income. Projects have included town centre cleaning, event delivery, digital promotions and business engagement, all aimed at increasing dwell time and retail performance. www.falkirkdelivers.com
• Essential Edinburgh
  Supports over £1 million of levy-funded activity annually. Recent data shows footfall in the BID area is up 1.7% year-on-year, despite a broader national decline. Projects include managed taxi ranks, public safety initiatives, and seasonal campaigns such as “This is Edinburgh”, which have supported retail and hospitality recovery in key trading periods. www.essentialedinburgh.co.uk

Each of these BIDs reflects the priorities of the businesses within their area. No two are the same, but all share the principle of local investment for local benefit.

Looking Ahead for Fort William

The Fort William BID is in its early stages. There is an opportunity now to shape what it delivers and how it operates. Business owners and stakeholders will be invited to contribute to setting the agenda.

Key areas for discussion may include:

• Town centre improvements
• Visitor and tourism strategy
• Off-season business support
• Grant funding and business continuity planning
• Place marketing and local events

By working together, levy payers can ensure that funding goes directly to the things that matter most, with transparent governance and regular updates.