scotland’s only - cdn.website-start.de€™s only sand racing event on kirkcaldy beach a message...

Scotland’s onlysand racing event on

Kirkcaldy beach

A message from the Chair

The journey so far

Mission, Aims and Objectives of Kirkcaldy 4 All

What have we achieved so far?

History of the BID movement / Why does Kirkcaldy need a BID?

Kirkcaldy 4 All BID – How we consult and communicate with you

Kirkcaldy 4 All BID – Your Views

Projects to be delivered in Year One

Projects: Area Promotion

Projects: Clean & Attractive

Projects: Safe & Welcoming

Projects: Helping Your Business

The BID area: Who is included?

The BID Levy:Who pays it, exclusions, how muchis it and who collects it?

What if I vote No?

The BID ballot process / Key Dates

How will the BID be managed?

BID Income / BID Expenditure

Monitoring BID performance

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Contents

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Section Page

The journey so far

Kirkcaldy 4 All was established in 2010 and after a necessarily slow start during major town centre works has increasingly engaged with all aspects of Town Centre regeneration, promotion and advocacy. The effects of the economic recession and change of retail habits for customers has undoubtedly impacted on Kirkcaldy Town Centre.

However, a momentum has been building and through the efforts of the BID Team, Board and Levy payers, positive results

to ensure the town continues to improve and move forward, albeit in challenging times, but your BID has been tackling these issues head on and, with your support, in a second term will continue to do this and more. As the town continues to face many changes and opportunities, the BID will represent your voice and help to shape the town’s future.

“A YES vote will also deliver even more services that will make a lasting difference and help raise

• Created an open, collaborative and independent ambassador for the town, which has positioned itself centrally to all town centre matters.

• An organisation that has developed excellent partnerships with key town centre stakeholders and can

• A more appealing town centre with town centric events and promotions that are valued by the community.

• Helped businesses with grants, cost savings and business advice.

• Developed digital media platforms to ensure town centre businesses move with this ever growing method of media and communication.

• Lobby Fife Council and form a strong case on parking in the town centre and be the voice for change.

• Support initiatives that kick-start the night time economy.

• Help town centre businesses embrace digital technology and build on the social media offering for the town.

• More promotions to drive footfall around all of the BID area and distinct branding for town centre ‘quarters’ or Streets to highlight their unique identity and offer.

• Continue to build on the role of independent facilitator and supporter of all town centre matters.

• Be town centre guardians, in the face of future development.

• Over £1.3 million investment will

• The town would lose ground when competing with nearby towns and cities who are continuing to invest in themselves.

• Additional funding in terms of grants which are available to small town centre businesses would be lost.

• There would be little or no town centre marketing and promotions, including future work with social media platforms on behalf of town centre businesses.

• There would be a void in the provision of Christmas lights and the investment to date would be lost.

• The full time team whose responsibility is to coordinate and market our town centre initiatives would be lost.

• Everything that has been developed and achieved to date would remain in the past, with Kirkcaldy falling behind.

The LastFive Years

The NextFive Years

LIFE WITHOUTA BID

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improvements over and above those provided by statutory authorities. It is a partnership arrangement where the local business community and the

economy and local businesses.

Supporting Kirkcaldy 4 All is a great opportunity to continue to work together and make the changes we all want. I believe that the real cost to our businesses is low and through the BID we can continue to access external assistance and funding not available to individual businesses. All of the proposed Projects/Improvements were ideas from you which came out in our surveys and consultations. Every business in the area has had the opportunity to let us know what their priorities are.

By voting for Kirkcaldy 4 All to continue, we can work together to increase footfall, reduce costs, stimulate investment and enhance the reputation of our town.

The purpose of Kirkcaldy 4 All is to support your business, increase trade and

website www.kirkcaldy4all.co.uk or for more general or national information refer to www.bids-scotland.com.

A notice of ballot was sent to all eligible persons on 10th of December 2014, to be followed by the ballot papers on 21st of January 2015. You will have six weeks to cast your vote before the ballot closes at 5pm on 4th of March 2015.

I would ask you all to vote YES so that we can work together to make Kirkcaldy town centre better.

PLEASE VOTE YES - For the good of Kirkcaldy.

I’m delighted to present this business plan. It outlines your priorities and gives clear guidance to a strategy for making Kirkcaldy Town Centre better by working together.

A message from the Chair

Harry CormieChair - Kirkcaldy 4 All

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Fife InternationalCarnival

Kirkcaldy High Street 2014

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Mission, Aims and Objectives of Kirkcaldy 4 All

The principal purpose of Kirkcaldy 4 All is to deliver projects and services that will improve the trading environment of

The Mission Statement is for

‘Kirkcaldy town centre to be a place where people want to work, shop, live and spend their leisure time; in awelcoming environment which is customer focusedand investment friendly’

The four main aims of Kirkcaldy 4 All are: The objectives of the Kirkcaldy Town Centre BID are:

Area Promotion (showcasing Kirkcaldy on a regional, national and international stage)

Clean & Attractive (having a town centre environment that appeals to all town centre users)

Safe & Welcoming (nurturing a user friendly town centre that feels safe and gives a warm welcome)

Facilitation (Helping Your Business and beingyour voice)

Create a well promoted and vibrant town centre

Increase the number and quality of events

Create a family friendly atmosphere

Attract more visitors and increase spend

perception of the town

Help create a safe and welcoming town centre

Create a cleaner, more attractive town centre

Help businesses make cost savings

Address green issues

Improved signage

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What have we achieved so far? - Area Promotion

Since Kirkcaldy 4 All commenced in 2010, a lot has been achieved that would not have happened if the BID had not been voted in.

Beach Motorcycle racing

2012 / 2013 / 2014 averaging 5000 attendance.

This event has attracted both Television and National Press coverage.

Adam Smith Festival

Responsible for the “food” element of the week-long festival.

a Food Festival on the High Street. Attracted around 1500 people and14 exhibitors as well as Celebrity Chef demonstrations. This festival is delivered in partnership with Kirkcaldy’s Ambitions and the Adam Smith Global Foundation.

Lantern Parade and ChristmasLight Switch On

This event included four free workshops for children to make theirown Lanterns in the town centre. 300 Lanterns were made for the Parade. Added to this were contributions from 12 local Schools who also paraded. Approximately 5000 people attended the event.

2013 approx.20,000 visitors2014 approx.5000 visitors(gales and high winds).

Many businesses reported

and turnover.

Fife International Carnival

“Working in collaboration to deliver major events in Kirkcaldy Town Centre”

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Ingolstadt Beer & Music Festival

Supported Fife Council in bringing the Halfords Tour Series to Kirkcaldy

This televised event was held in 2012 & 2013 and attracted between 3000 and 5000 spectators.

Shop Local Campaigns

Funded several campaigns in association with the Fife Free Press. Open to all Levy Payers, this initiative spotlighted a different area/business each week. The campaigns lasted for three months.

Smaller Events for Burns Nightand Easter

Smaller Scale events designed to lift

Advertising on Local/Regional Radio“1,2,3,4 Everything you’re looking for.”

Using specially written ‘jingle’ to promote Kirkcaldy Town Centre.

Part Funder and member of the Organising Committee. Thesebi-annual Events have proven to be very successful and welcomed by all sections of the Community.

TV Promotion within the Mercat Shopping Centre

Contributed towards the purchase of a 52” Flat Screen Monitor that is used to not only promote events but also as a Public Information facility.

Kirkcaldy 4 All are working with small and independent businesses by managing their Social and Digital Media output. In many cases these businesses have had little or no involvement with these types of media. Each month every business is visited by a “Brand Manager” to discuss what can be promoted. Businesses have a 363 day helpline that is open from 07: 00 until 23:00. Early results already indicate that Kirkcaldy 4 All Facebook is now reaching up to 20,000 users. In another instance a Tweet was picked up by the ‘Economist Magazine’ and retweeted to their 25,000 followers.

Social iStreet

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Gutter Clean

Kirkcaldy 4 All has embarked on two campaigns to clean up the town centre. One involved cleaning ‘roof Gardens’ the other removing all hanging wires and cables. The gutter cleaning operation also involved an education element designed to show property owners that prevention is better than cure. Several buildings worked on were found to be in need of immediate attention. These repairs were effected.

At the start of the BID in 2010, Kirkcaldy West Community Council were responsible for a small number of hanging baskets in the Town Centre. The BID Company invested in more hanging baskets and planters to expand the existing display. This initiative led to a collaboration with Fife Council and a desire to raise Civic Pride in Kirkcaldy. As a result Growing Kirkcaldy was formed. The Group has enjoyed great success in both Keep Scotland Beautiful and Beautiful Fife competitions. To date the group has won three gold awards and two silver awards. Allied to this has been a prestigious horticultural award for Fife Council. Kirkcaldy 4 All has been a major funder of this Group.

Pest Control

Like many other seaside towns Kirkcaldy suffers from gulls nesting in and around the town centre. As the population continued to grow, attacks on members of the public were increasing and in some cases resulted in injury. Kirkcaldy 4 All has funded and overseen a three year project of nest and egg removal that

This initiative has been expanded to nearby residential areas.

Civic and Festive Lighting

Circa £100,000 has been invested in upgrading Civic and Festive Lighting for the Town Centre. This forms part of a rolling programme that will see civic and festive lighting being spread through the town. The programme is designed to ensure that Kirkcaldy Town Centre and outlying areas

lighting. Kirkcaldy 4 All is presently advising Burntisland with their Festive lighting initiative.

What have we achieved so far? - Clean & Attractive

Founder Member of Growing Kirkcaldy

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Business Alert

Introduced a ‘Business Alert’ feature to our website. This system allows the quick exchange of information between users of the system. Information can range from forged bank notes to adverse weather conditions and is co-ordinated by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre.

Pubwatch

The Pubwatch Scheme, started before the BID was formed, lapsed in 2013. Kirkcaldy 4 All has attended meetings with the Pubwatch and Police in an attempt to re-establish the Group.

Town Centre Signage

As part of the Kirkcaldy’s Ambitions, Kirkcaldy 4 All has acted as a ‘Champion’ for this project. The BID Company has also contributed £10,000 towards the cost. A Prototype sign is presently being manufactured. It is envisaged that the Signage will be installed inSpring 2015.

What have we achieved so far? - Safe & Welcome

Worked with Scottish Business Resilience Centre to achieve ‘Safer Shopping Accreditation’ 2014 – 2016. Only the third town in Scotland to achieve this award.

Safer Shopping Award

Worked in conjunction with Police Scotland Community Safety Team to introduce a ‘Retail Watch Scheme’ within the BID Area.

Retail Watch

Shop Safe Radio Scheme

A scheme where businesses are linked to the Police and other users by radios. Kirkcaldy 4 All has upgraded the handsets and has also reduced the costs for the users. This initiative continues to be especially effective at reducing shop theft and helping in the apprehension of criminals. Kirkcaldy 4 All holds a bank of three handsets that are loaned out to businesses that are thinking of signing up for the scheme.

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What have we achieved so far? - Helping Your Business

Initially Kirkcaldy 4 All worked alongside Fife Council in providing match funding for Grants. Allied to this was the collaboration in both managing and making awards from the Fund. After the initial Funding was exhausted Kirkcaldy 4 All continued with the Grants using own funding. These Grants have had a very positive impact for recipients and great feedback has been received. Since the Grants began in 2012 we have awarded £81,733.36 and continue to receive requests. Fife Council have contributed £25,000 towards the fund.

Business Support Grants

Kirkcaldy 4 All represented Fife Chamber of Commerce as part of this Group

Scottish Town Centres ReviewExternal Advisory Group Report

As with Business Advisory Support, Kirkcaldy 4 All engaged this company to visit Levy Payers and look at options to save money on their telecommunications package.

Silver Cloud Telecommunications

Special Meetings have been held with businesses in Hunter Street and the East End Traders whilst a Consultation was held with the West End Traders to discuss plans for phase 3 of the High Street refurbishment.

Special Meetings/Consultation

Quick method of communicating with the majority ofLevy Payers on a range of different topics relevant to the town centre and their businesses.

Universal Emails

This company was introduced to the Levy Payers as part of a campaign to reduce costs for businesses. Cost reductions were found in Electricity, Gas, Water and Merchant Services. Savings have varied from a few hundred pounds per year to £4000 per year for one particular business. To date 134 contract reviews have attracted savings.

Business Advisory Support

Quarterly Business Forum Meetings are held in different venues within the BID Area. On average 40 businesses attend the meetings. Meetings start with a greeting from the Chair and formal presentation from the Manager. From time to time, there is a guest speaker, followed by an opportunity for BID Members to ask questions. The Forums are also proving to be a useful networking opportunity for BID members.

Business Forum Meetings

Increased communication with the BID Business community about BID projects and Town Centre matters.

Quarterly Newsletters

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nearly 40 years ago, by the town’s business community.

The town’s businesses were increasingly under pressure from the new shopping centres that were being developed on the outskirts of the town, diverting shoppers away from the traditional town centre out to the new shopping malls. As a result some businesses were forced to cease trading and the town started to look tired and neglected.

For many years Kirkcaldy has been a desirable place to live, work and do business. However in recent years a combination of global pressures, the growth of online retailing, and challenges from surrounding towns have hit the town.

Neighbouring towns surrounding Kirkcaldy are now operating successful BIDs, and more are in development, therefore it is important that Kirkcaldy builds on the success of the last five year BID term to stay ahead of the game.

Our economic times are challenging and competitive so it is crucial that Kirkcaldy Town Centre does not lose out and remains a strong contender for investment.

If we do nothing, nothing will be done.

To stop the haemorrhage of deserting shoppers, local businesses fought back to revitalise the town. They successfully lobbied for legislation for all the businesses in the proposed BID area to pay a levy. The levy money was used to improve the physical appearance of the town, and then promote the town centre as a vibrant, attractive and safe place to work, shop and live. The strategy paid off, as shoppers started to return to the town centre in large numbers.

The success of the Bloor West Village BID paved the way for future BIDs, not only in Toronto; but spreading throughout Canada, and the USA in the late 1960s and 1970s. Today there are over 1700 successful BIDs worldwide.

five years, there have been seven renewal ballots in Scotland with all of the BIDS voted in for a second five year term, and approximately 99% of businesses vote in favour of continuing the BID when they come up for renewal. BIDs can support regeneration, grow local economies and create a cleaner safer trading environment. A key element to their success is that the local businesses take more ownership of their trading environment, identifying the projects necessary to resolve common problems and issues, and overseeing their implementation.

BID legislation was passed in Scotland in 2006 with the Scottish Government funding six pilot projects in March 2006. The Scottish Government fully supports the development of BIDs in Scotland.

History of the BID movement

Why Does Kirkcaldy need a BID?

There are 150 BID areas in the UK, with 28 operational in Scotland and a further 21 in development.

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Why does Kirkcaldy need a BID?

Kirkcaldy town centre has a range of businesses, from quality independent retailers, national chains, professional services, pubs and restaurants. They all have their issues and they all want to see the town thrive.There are lots of voluntary groups in Kirkcaldy, such as ‘Growing Kirkcaldy’ who coordinate the town’s floral enhancements, all of whom are passionate about what they do. The BID won’t replace any of them – the BID works in partnership with them and will support them in continuing to make Kirkcaldy a more successful place.

Kirkcaldy Town Centre and surrounding area is rapidly gaining an envied reputation as a centre where collaboration with Fife Council and other Agencies is delivering results whilst planning for the future.

We must keep this momentum going – if we lose it, we lose our edge and the current challenges of our time will become even more challenging!

Kirkcaldy 4 All will therefore continue to:

promote the town centre and its businesses

help each and every business in the BID area to grow

help existing voluntary and strategic groups to achieve more e.g Growing Kirkcaldy, Kirkcaldy and Mid Fife Tourist Association, Kirkcaldy West Community Council, Kirkcaldy Old Kirk and Kirkcaldy’s Ambitions.

Act as a facilitator and ambassador to all things town centre

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Kirkcaldy is a great town with a great history and with continued investment, hard work and a collaborative attitude we will continue to move forward.

Why does Kirkcaldy need a BID?

Over the last five years, excellent partnerships have been developed with

if the BID was not here.

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BIDs are unique – they offer a viable and sustainable opportunity to work in partnership with other local businesses, the local authority and national agencies to make the local business environment better.

Kirkcaldy 4 All acts as a facilitator and gives you a strong local voice by giving you an input into the future development and direction of Kirkcaldy Town Centre.

A BID can:• Reduce costs• Increase footfall• Increase consumer spend• Address the issues of individual sectors• Give businesses a strong, coordinated voice• Create a better environment for employees and customers• Increase the areas desirability and attract new businesses to the area• Create strong relationships with local authority and other statutory bodies

What benefits does a BID offer?

A BID is a fair and democratic business where all that benefit contributes to the cost of delivering the projects and services.

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Launching a new business is a vitally important time and requires enthusiastic support from the people in the town who can elevate exposure and spread the word. When we launched Komandor Scotland (Central) in May this year, Kirkcaldy 4 All raised the bar and made sure the right people knew about us and helped ensure that we were promoted at the highest level in our home town.

Kirkcaldy Town Centre must be the jewel in our crown - recognised and supported by the residents of the town and remembered by visitors. Kirkcaldy 4 All form the forum for us to build the town centre that we want and must receive the support of all to create our goal. There are many in the town who are working to achieve things for our town. They shouldbe supported.

Ken Hunter & Peter MurphyKomandor Scotland

introduced to the concept and having seen BIDs working in other parts of the country, I was keen for the business community in Kirkcaldy to embrace it as I saw it as a lifeline and a voice when communicating with our local council.

I own two properties in the town centre so I pay two levies therefore it’s important that I “get my money’s worth”.

My experience has been that rather than a levy being an overhead it’s been an investment as I have taken advantage of what was on offer with regards to grants and keener prices on utilities etc.Without Kirkcaldy 4 All I would not have been privy to the opportunities available.

I trust the town centre business owners will return Kirkcaldy 4 Allfor a second term because without them there is no sound alternative.

Dom MigeleMigele Experience

Kirkcaldy 4 all has provided Love Restored with an accessible business point of call for our business needs. As part of our start up we were directed by Kirkcaldy 4 All to the Business Advisory Service who helped us organise our communication and utility requirements.

This helped greatly during such a stressful time. Given that there is no other available localised support for businesses, this proves to us that the BID provides an important role in supporting the vitality and growth of Kirkcaldy’s Town Centre and it’s loss would be detrimental to this.

Lorraine & NadiaLove Restored

What our BID levy payers say about us!

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You would like:

n A well promoted and vibrant town centre

n To attract more visitors and see increased spend

n Kirkcaldy’s profile raised by improving people’s perception of the town

n To see parking issues resolved within the BID area

n To create a cleaner, more attractive town centre

n To see fewer vacant units

n To see the development of a new cinema complex in the town centre

n To see less derelict buildings in the town centre

n New niche businesses to be attracted to the town centre

n A more diverse High Street to attract customers

We sent you a postal survey in June 2014 and 28% of you completed the survey. You told us the following:

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You feel the strengths of Kirkcaldy Town Centre are:

Good transport links (21%)

A good catchment area (13%)

A good variety of shops and services (11%)

The waterfront and sea-front (7%)

Pedestrianised High Street (6%)

You feel the weaknesses of Kirkcaldy Town Centre are:

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Parking provision, costs and traffic management (33%)

The number of empty units in the town centre (18%)

That it is looking run-down and has a litter and seagull problem (7%)

36% of youstrongly agreed

You were asked if the BID objectives of Area Promotion, Clean and Attractive, Safe & Welcoming and Facilitation (helping your business) were still relevant. Thirty six percent of you strongly agreed and fifty seven percent agreed.

57% of you

agreed

Kirkcaldy 4 All BID – Your Views8

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To monitor our performance and plan for the future, Kirkcaldy 4 All constantly listens to you. We consult with you in the following ways:

We have conducted a number of pieces of research,

public opinion polls.

Independent Research

Kirkcaldy 4 All have conducted a number of surveys asking businesses for their sentiments. A number have been carried out at business forums and, in view of the forthcoming renewal, a postal survey was sent to all BID members to gauge your opinion on what is important to your business and the town. All feedback was analysed and informed this proposal; a response was received from 28% of businesses and is summarised on page 17.

Business Surveys

We hold regular quarterly business forums to inform you of our progress and any matters that affect the town centre and your business. These also enable us to gain face-to-face feedback. Attendance at these forums is generally 40-50 BID Members.

BID Forums

Businesses are visited regularly by members of the BID or a representative, although a more formal process of ‘Member Visits’ is planned for the next BID period.

Business Visits

We realise it’s important that you are able to air your concerns affecting your business. Therefore the BID has an open door policy when it comes to listening to your feedback and concerns, with a convenient High Street

Open Door Policy

The BID team meets monthly with the BID Board to gain informed direction and feedback. This steer allows the BID to react quickly to the current and potential issues that could have an impact on your businesses.

BID Board

7Kirkcaldy 4 All BID –How we consult and communicate with you

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Some members of the Kirkcaldy 4 All BID Board

How we communicate with you…

■ Business Forums

■ Quarterly Newsletters

■ Email alerts

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■ Regular updates on our social media channels

■ Our website – www.kirkcaldy4all.co.uk

■ Local newspaper articles

■ One to One meetings

New Leisure Centre2013

Part of an excitingnew waterfront

development

By ranking a list of projects in order of importance, the following list represents what you would like the BID to address:

Parking issues resolved within the BID area

Fewer vacant shops

Need for a more diverse high street, including cafes, restaurants, wine

buildings.

Addressing derelict buildings

Development of a new cinema complex in the town centre

Attracting new niche businesses in to the town centre.

The dedicated Kirkcaldy 4 All Team and the

Kirkcaldy 4 All Board met, considered the issues,

concerns, ideas and aspirations you raised and

developed the projects and services listed in the

next few pages to address the challenges you

see in Kirkcaldy Town Centre. Your views form

the basis of this proposed Business Plan and the

by further activities which we aim to achieve

over the following four year period

(2016 – 2020).

What future projects for the town are most important?

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Kirkcaldy 4 All BID – Your Views

Area Promotion

59% of you agreed or strongly agreed that the Fife International Carnival has raised awareness, increased footfall and is important to the BID area.

45% of you agreed or strongly agreed that the Christmas Lantern Parade has raised awareness, increased footfall and is important to the BID area.

46% of you agreed or strongly agreed that the Ingolstadt Beer Festival has raised awareness, increased footfall and is important to the BID area.

Helping Your Business

9 0% of you agreed or strongly agreed that lobbying for reduced business rates and rateable value are important to you and your business.

89% of you agreed or strongly agreed that working to reduce vacancy levels is important to you and your business.

85% of you agreed or strongly agreed that working to resolve parking issues within the BID area is important to you and your business.

84% of you agreed or strongly agreed that the BID representing BID members and arguing the importance of town centre businesses is important to you and your business.

Clean & Attractive / Safe and Welcoming

89% of you agreed or strongly agreed that collaboration with police and businesses is important in creating a safe and appealing town centre.

83% of you agreed or strongly agreed that increased

appealing town centre.

54% of you agreed or strongly agreed that the Safer Shopping Accreditation Award was important in creating a safe and appealing town centre.

75% of you agreed or strongly agreed that the gutter project and foliage removal are important in creating a safe and appealing town centre.

66% of you agreed or strongly agreed that the Kirkcaldy free Wi-Fi is important in creating a safe and appealing town centre.

84% of you agreed or strongly agreed that controlling the number of seagulls is important in creating a safe and appealing town centre.

48% of you agreed or strongly agreed that the Shop Safe Radio is important in creating a safe and appealing town centre.

Are the BID priorities still relevant?

Over 50% of you said that you feel Area Promotion is number one priority for the BID.

Just under 50%

Safe & Welcoming / Helping Your Business were seen as third and fourth priority.

However, 93% of you agree or strongly agree that the four priorities are still relevant for the BID.

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The following projects are planned to be delivered in the

accordingly:


Activity Measurement Costs per annum to BID

Area Promotion

International Carnival

Christmas in Kirkcaldy Event & Lantern Parade

Beach Motorcycle Racing

Support and develop the Adam Smith Festival

Post Event Analysis

Footfall measurement

Business feedback

A well promoted and vibrant town centre

Increased footfall

Increased dwell time

Raised perception of Kirkcaldy Town Centre

£20,000

£12,000

£3,500

£12,000

Social iStreet

Social media and ‘Kirkcaldy4you’ website

Customer feedback

Footfall increase

Post-Trial Analysis of the Project

Increased local, regional and national marketing – brand visibility.

To attract more visitors and see increased spend

Increase customer loyalty via building on customer relationships

£17,000

Shop local campaigns Business feedback Increased footfall

Increased customer spend

£5,000

campaigns

Eg Merchants Quarter

Re-branding sections of High Street/Town Centre

Footfall measurement Reduced number of vacant/run-down units in town centre

New niche businesses setting up in the High Street


£5,000

TV promotion in Mercat – extend to leisure centres

Awareness by public of

town centre events and promotions.

Increased footfall and awareness of activities in the town centre.

The dedicated BID Team deliver this as part of the core operations.

Resource: Staff hours assigned as required.

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Small family-friendly street events x5 throughoutthe year


Business feedback

Public feedback


Increased footfall anddwell time

£15,000

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Quarter/Street Specific



Area Promotion (cont)

Clean & Attractive


Liaise with Inward Investors and Fife Council to attract new amenities i.e. Cinema

Arrival of new amenities Kick start Evening Economy The dedicated BID Team deliver this as part of the core operations

Resource: Staff hours assigned as required

Advertising and Marketing collateral costs

n/a Supports area promotion campaigns

£8,860

TOTAL £98,360 p.a.

Beautiful Scotland /Beautiful Fife Awards

Award recognition To create a cleaner, more attractive town centre

£6,000

Gull control Egg removal and monitoring of gull levels

Addresses the seagull problem

To create a cleaner, more attractive town centre

£10,449

Vacant Shop Improvement Scheme

(Vinyls in empty shops to promote Kirkcaldy – shops, history, heritage etc). Identify key sites

Number of vacant shops dressed with vinyls

Improves people’s perception of the town

Helps vacant unit issue by dressing shop fronts and giving perception of being occupied

£5,000

Christmas Lighting – upgrade and enhance

£13,500

TOTAL £34,949 p.a.

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Safe & Welcoming


Helping Your Business

Safer Shopping Accreditation Award

Award recognition To create a safer, more welcoming town centre

£3,627

TOTAL £3,627 p.a.

Town Centre Parking Review

Lobby Council on parking issues.

Introduction of a Kirkcaldy town centre parking strategy.

Increased visitors to town centre. Reduces loss of visitors to retail park and competing towns.

Increased dwell time for visitors



Kirkcaldy Small Business Support Grant

Helping small businesses to improve their business

Uptake from business community

Access new funding for developing your business

£42,000

Comprehensive cost reduction projects


Aiming to make the BID levy COST NEUTRAL for small & independent businesses

Business feedback Reduced Utility Bills

Reduced Trade Waste Costs



Training Sessions

Working with Business Gateway to explore various sector needs


Increased staff retention



To negotiate business to business cost savings services from fellow BID area businesses

Uptake from business community and staff

Better value marketing opportunities for BID

enhancements.



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Helping Your Business (cont)

Regular Business Forums

Increase communication between BID and BID members & provides opportunity for networking


Increased B2B sales opportunities

Increased town centre focused communication

£2,000

Regular Newsletter (quarterly) & E-bulletins (monthly)

Business feedback Businesses kept up to date on developments in Kirkcaldy

£1,923

Work in partnership with existing local groups

Identify local groups whose aims align with the BID, practical support for

parties.

Business feedbacktown centre decisions by increasing collaboration



Coordinated Voice for Kirkcaldy Businesses

Represent the business community with relevant bodies. Ensure that business views are represented in consultation exercises.

Focused collaboration with Local Tourism Authority, Historic Scotland, Visitor Groups and Tourist Associations.

Views and concerns of individual town centre businesses will be voiced to

greater power than the one voice



TOTAL £45,923 p.a.

Regular member vists Business feedback BID Team Member making regular one-to-one visits for increased feedback and communication

The dedicated BID team deliver this as part of the core operations.


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Social iStreet

Social media and ‘Kirkcaldy4you’ website

Customer feedback

Footfall increase

Post-Trial Analysis of the Project

Increased local, regional and national marketing – brand visibility


Increase customer loyalty via building on customer relationships

£17,000

International Carnival

Christmas in Kirkcaldy Event & Lantern Parade

Beach Motorcycle Racing

Support and develop the Adam Smith Festival

Easter Event & Other Events as the opportunities arise

Promote the Waterfront as an events/social hub

Post Event Analysis


Business feedback


Increased footfall

Increased dwell time

Raised perception of Kirkcaldy Town Centre

Attract visitors

£20,000

£12,000

£3,500

£12,000

£8,000

£10,000

Projects - Area Promotion


The following projects are planned for the following four years 2016 – 2020.

Attract new businesses Unit vacancy rates Reduced number of vacant/run-down units in town centre


A more diverse high street to attract more customers

£2,860

Shop local campaigns Business feedback Increased footfall

Increased customer spend

£5,000

campaigns

Eg Merchants Quarter

Re-branding sections of High Street/Town Centre

Footfall measurement Reduced number of vacant/run-down units in town centre



£5,000

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Quarter/Street Specific


Projects - Area Promotion


TV promotion in Mercat – extend to leisure centres

Awareness by public of town centre events & promotions

Increased footfall and awareness of activities in the town centre



Liaise with Inward Investors and Fife Council to attract new amenities i.e. Cinema

Arrival of new amenities Kick start Evening Economy The dedicated BID Team deliver this as part of the core operations.


Printing and marketing collateral

n/a Supports area promotion campaigns

£3,000

TOTAL £98,360 p.a.

Beautiful Scotland /Beautiful Fife Awards

Award recognition To create a cleaner, more attractive town centre

£6,000

Gull control Egg removal and monitoring of gull levels

Addresses the seagull problem


£10,449

Vacant Shop Improvement Scheme

(Vinyls in empty shops to promote Kirkcaldy – shops, history, heritage etc). Identify key sites.

Number of vacant shops dressed with vinyls

Improves people’s perception of the town

Helps vacant unit issue by dressing shop fronts and giving perception of being occupied

£5,000

Projects – Clean & Attractive11

25

Christmas Lighting – upgrade and enhance

£13,500

Projects - Clean & Attractive



Recycling / waste advice Increased knowledge and execution of town centre waste management.




Addressing Derelict Buildings

Decline in Vacancy rates To create a cleaner more attractive town centre

Encourage new investment



Town Centre Signage Public / business feedback Easier access for public to town centre businesses

External funding acquired

Support business crime reduction schemes, i.e.

Shop Safe Scheme

Radio Link Scheme

Business Alert Scheme

Business feedback

Lower rates of theft detection and prosecution leading to decreased cost.



Safer Shopping Accreditation

Award recognitionpositive awareness of the town being a safe place to visit.

£3,627

Projects – Safe & Welcoming12

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TOTAL £3,627 p.a.

TOTAL £34,949 p.a.

Projects - Helping Your Business


Town Centre Parking Review

Lobby Council on parking issues

Introduction of a Kirkcaldy town centre parking strategy

Increased visitors to town centre. Reduces loss of visitors to retail park and competing towns.

Increased dwell time for visitors



Kirkcaldy Small Business Support Grant

Helping small businesses to improve their business


Access new funding for developing your business

£42,000

Comprehensive Cost reduction projects


Aiming to make the BID levy COST NEUTRAL for small & independent businesses

Reduced Utility Bills

Reduced Trade Waste Costs

Business feedback

Assist small businesses and start-ups which is important for diversity and growth in the town centre.



Training Sessions

Working with Business Gateway to explore various sector needs


Increased staff retention



To negotiate business to business cost savings services from fellow BID area businesses

Uptake from business community and staff

Better value marketing opportunities for BID

enhancements.



Regular Business Forums

Increase communication between BID and BID members and provides opportunity for networking.


Increased B2B sales opportunities

£2,000

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Projects - Helping Your Business


TOTAL £45,923 p.a.

Regular Newsletter (quarterly) & E-bulletins (monthly)

Business feedback Businesses kept up to date on developments in Kirkcaldy

£1,923

Work in partnership with existing local groups

Identify local groups whose aims align with the BID, practical support for

parties

Business feedbacktown centre decisions by increasing collaboration



Coordinated Voice for Kirkcaldy Businesses

Represent the business community with relevant bodies. Ensure that business views are represented in consultation exercises.

Focused collaboration with Local Tourism Authority, Historic Scotland, Visitor Groups and Tourist Attractions.

Views and concerns of individual town centre businesses will be voiced to

greater power than the one voice.



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The BID area – Who is included?

The BID area has not been changed. Accordingly the following streets are included, either in whole or in part:

Charlotte Street Olympia ArcadeCoal Wynd Park PlaceEast Fergus Place St Brycedale AvenueSt Brycedale RoadEsplanade The MercatGlasswork Street The PostingsHigh Street Thistle StreetHill Place Tolbooth StreetHill Street

Hunter Place Whytehouse AvenueHunter Street Nicol StreetKirk WyndBennochy RoadWhytescauseway

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■ There are over 500 commercial properties in the BID area which will generate a BID investment levy income of approximately £160,000 per annum and an estimated total levy income of £800,000 over five years. Fife Council will provide some match funding, subject to approval, to help augment the BID levy for projects and initiatives by up to £117,000 in year one and £77,000 through years 2016 – 2020. With additional funding from other sources this will be a total estimated income of £585,000 from Fife Council and other sources through 2015 – 2020.

■ All eligible non-domestic properties (i.e. the eligible person, those liable to pay the non-domestic rate) that are listed on the Local Assessors Valuation Roll on the ballot date will be liable to pay the levy.

■ The levy payments are not linked to what businesses actually pay in rates but are based on the rateable value of the property as at 1st April 2015.

■ The levy must be paid in one payment within 28 days from the date of the levy invoice.

■ If there is a change, in occupier to a property, until a new occupier is found, the property owner will be responsible for paying the levy.

■ Any new commercial development, sub division of existing properties or merging of properties or new business with a non-domestic rateable valuation

coming into the area during the five year term of the Kirkcaldy business improvement district will be liable for the BID Improvement Levy.

■ If the property is vacant on the date the levy is issued and for any subsequent vacant periods, the property owner will be liable for the full levy amount, which must be paid within 28 days.

■ Self-catering holiday accommodation which is not the sole or main residence of any person and which is available (or intended to be available) for letting on a

remain liable for non-domestic rates for the whole year and will be liable to pay the levy.

■ to levy payments.

Exclusions

The following categories of property are exempt from paying the BID levy in Kirkcaldy:

Police, Non-Retail Charity, Places of Worship and Kirkcaldy United Services Institute.

A BID levy is an equitable and fair way of funding additional projects and services, which the local authority are not required to provide. It has been agreed by the Board of Directors that the levy rate will be a fee structure based on rateable value of the property at the time of the ballot (4th March 2015)and throughout the 5-year term of the BID. The BID improvement levy will be paid by the occupier (the eligible person liable to pay the non-domestic rate), however, the property owner will be liable to pay the levy where a property is vacant on the day the levy invoice is issued and for all the period thereafter when the property is vacant.

There will be no variation in the levy amount as a result of the Rating Revaluation in 2017.

The BID Levy:Who pays it, Exclusions, how much is it and who collects it?

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The Levy Table - A guide to current levy costs

Collection of the Levy

Fife Council collects the investment levy on behalf of the BID, as this is an safe and cost effective method of collection. Fife Council will lodge the levy within a BID Revenue Account. The BID levy can only be drawn down by the Board of Directors of the BID to allow the delivery of the business plan.

The BID Revenue Account and levy cannot be accessed by Fife Council nor can it be used by Fife Council as an additional source of income.

■ The projects and services detailed above will not be delivered

■ The money ear-marked by Fife Council will not be made available for Kirkcaldy Town Centre

■ Issues highlighted by businesses such as parking provision, parking costs, attracting more choice of retail to the town centre will not be addressed and may get worse

■ There will be no coordinated voice for business in the town

■ It is possible that Kirkcaldy will fall behind the surrounding towns with established BID Companies (Dunfermline and Falkirk) and be less able to compete for new businesses.

Rateable value of property Annual Levy

£10,000 or less

£10,000 - £15,000

£15,000 - £20,000

£20,000 - £25,000

£25,000 - £30,000

£30,000 - £50,000

£50,000 - £100,000

£100,000 - £200,000

Flat rate of £100

Between £100 - £150

Between £150 - £200

Between £200 - £250

Between £250 - £300

Between £300 - £500

Between £500 - £1,000

Between £1,000 - £2,000

What if I vote No?16

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Face painting atHigh Street

Easter event 2014

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The BID Ballot

Scottish BID legislation.

Voting papers will be issued to every eligible person located in the BID area and addressed to the person responsible for casting a vote for that property.

A notice of ballot will be sent to all eligible persons on 10th of December 2014,

to be followed by the ballot papers on 21st of January 2015.

You will have six weeks to cast your vote before the ballot closes at 5pm on 4th

of March 2015. Ballots received after this date and time will be deemed null and void.

Voting papers are easy to complete, simply place a cross on either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question ‘Are you in favour of a BID?’ The ballot paper must be signed by the person eligible to vote and returned in the pre-paid envelope.

For the ballot to be successful, there must be a minimum of 25% ‘turnout’ (the headcount) by number of eligible persons and by combined rateable value.

Of those that vote, over 50% by number and 50% by combined rateable value must vote in favour of the BID.All eligible voters (i.e. those persons liable to pay non-domestic rates) will have one vote or where an eligible person is liable for non domestic rates for more than one business, that individual shall be eligible to cast more than one vote and will also be required to pay the levy for each of the properties they occupy. Where the property is vacant or empty (i.e. with no tenant or occupier in place) then the property owner will receive the ballot paper as the eligible person.

If an eligible person has more than one rateable property they will receive a ballot paper for each property. Each paper counts as one vote. It is important that every ballot paper received is completed and returned.

The ballot papers will be counted on Thursday 5th March 2015 and the results announced within one week.

Following a successful ballot, the BID will re-commence on Wednesday 1st

At the end of the five year period, the eligible voters will be given the choice of continuing the BID for a further five years. This renewal ballot process will be conducted using the same methods as the original ballot.

Of the seven BIDs in Scotland who have gone through the renewal ballot, all seven have been voted back in for a second five year term.

Pre Ballot

The BID proposer must notify the local authority, the Scottish Ministers and the billing body 98 days in advance of the ballot date of their intention to put the BID Proposals to ballot. The local authority then has 28 days in which to veto or not the proposal.

Prior to the ballot taking place, a ‘Notice of Ballot’ will have been issued to all eligible properties in the BID area.

The proposer must make available a full copy of the BID Proposal to any person who is eligible to vote on the BID Proposals who requests a copy. A copy of the BID Proposals and BID Business Plan must also be sent to the Scottish Ministers and the Chief Executive of the local authority 98

Prior to, or on the date the ballot papers are issued the BID Proposer must provide all those eligible to vote in the proposed BID area with a detailed BID Business Plan.

The BID ballot process / Key Dates17

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Proposed BID Expenditure p.a.

Notes: Budget may be transferred between projects (due to the projects being amended or postponed) as the needs of the business dictate on the authority and instruction of the BID Board without resorting to an alteration ballot.

Expenditure Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total

Area promotion £98,360 £98,360 £98,360 £98,360 £98,360 £491,800

Clean & attractive £34,949 £34,949 £34,949 £34,949 £34,949 £174,745

Safe & welcoming £3,627 £3,627 £3,627 £3,627 £3,627 £18,135

Helping businesses £45,923 £45,923 £45,923 £45,923 £45,923 £229,615

Operating cost £74,604 £74,604 £74,604 £74,604 £74,604 £373,020

Bad debt £2,820 £2,820 £2,820 £2,820 £2,820 £14,100

Contingency £10,000 £10,000 £10,000 £10,000 £10,000 £50,000

Renewal ballot cost £7,000 £7,000 £7,000 £7,000 £7,000 £35,000

Total expenditure £277,283 £277,283 £277,283 £277,283 £277,283 £1,386,415

35% 13% 1%

27% 4% 3%1%

17%

Area Promotion

Operating Cost Bad Debt Contingency Renewal Ballot Cost

Clean & Attractive Safe & Welcoming Helping Businesses

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Following a successful ballot, Kirkcaldy 4 All will continue to operate as a limited liability company with the responsibility of delivering the Kirkcaldy 4 All Business Plan.

The BID currently comprises a total of eleven Directors who are voluntary and unpaid. The Directors are tasked with overseeing the delivery of the BID projects within the Business Plan.

Places on the Board are open to every business that pays the levy and has the passion to take the project forward . They have the opportunity to nominate themselves or someone else from within the BID area to be elected to the Board. The

and also the range of business sectors within the town. Fife Council

currently has two elected members

attend Board meetings in an advisory capacity. There is also a member from the Police service who attends meetings in an advisory capacity.The BID board agrees on an annual basis how the funds will be spent for the coming year following a review of the business plan and in consultation with the businesses. This enables

any change on circumstances and to meet business needs. The BID board has the authority to make relevant variations to projects within budgets

operation of the company and in line with good business practice without the need for an alteration ballot.

The Management Team

There is currently one full time BID Manager employed who reports to the board and implements the projects and services detailed in the

Business Plan. Within the BID Team, there is also a BID Co-ordinator and a BID Administrator.

Minimising Risk

The Board will continue to take steps to minimise risk associated with the BID by only using reputable contractors to deliver projects.

The Board will also adopt best practice in governance and operational procedures whilst being open and transparent in its operation. The company will undergo an independent evaluation, as Assessment and Accreditation Interim Review (AAIR) at two and four years, developed for Scottish BID Companies (see Section 20 – Monitoring BID performance).


Projected five year Budget

Income 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total

Bid levy £160,283 £160,283 £160,283 £160,283 £160,283 £801,415

Fife council + other sources £117,000* £117,000* £117,000* £117,000* £117,000* £585,000

Income total £277,283 £277,283 £277,283 £277,283 £277,283 £1,386,415

How will the BID be managed?18

* Subject to full allocation from Fife Council and funding from other sources.

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Fife InternationalCarnival

Kirkcaldy Town Square 2014

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There will be a series of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to ensure that performance will be monitored. These include:

■ Footfall monitoring

■ Annual report to communicate performance

■ Quarterly analysis of trends. We will liaise with

businesses to monitor sales and footfall

■ Car park data – working with private operators and

Fife Council

■ Safety and Security – liaison with police to ensure that

projects have a positive impact on business crime

■ Media coverage – keep accurate records of articles

that are attributable to the BID.

The BID will undergo Assessment and Accreditation Interim Review (AAIR) for Scottish BID Companies.

The AAIR

and reviewed existing Assessment and Accreditation Frameworks, including existing documents used by businesses to assess BID Proposals in the UK to identify key lessons for transfer to the Scottish context.The Assessment and Accreditation Interim Review is recommended by BIDs Scotland as good practice and is included as one of the good practice elements of any Scottish BID Proposal and BID Business Plan.

“Towns and cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody”Jane Jacobs, Author Championed community-based planning for over 40 years.

Kirkcaldy, where levy payers can visit the BID team during working hours or call on 01592 640040.

■ is a bespoke review which recognises and accords with

the Scottish BIDs legislation and the public and private

sector environment in Scotland

■

Directors that the practices of the BID Company are

robust and accord with good practice and

■ supplies an audit trail to support any future evaluation

of the BID Company.

In developing the Interim Review, BIDs Scotland consulted with,

■ key stakeholders and organisations

■ key UK national businesses and

■ the Scottish Retail Consortium

Monitoring BID Performance20

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Sgt Paul Thomson

scotland’s only - cdn.website-start.de€™s only sand racing event on kirkcaldy beach a message...

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