Issue - meetings

John Forteith provided a power point presentation on the progress to date of BID4Oban, giving a summary definition of a BID as “A geographically defined area where businesses have voted in a legally binding ballot, to invest collectively to make local improvements to their trading environment.”

The BID4Oban proposal includes all businesses in Oban within the 30mph speed limit zone; includes all businesses/ properties with a rateable value of £3000 or above; and excludes charitable & not-for-profit organisations (with exception of charitable retailers)

Mr Forteith informed the group that improvements are funded with money collected through a levy paid by businesses located within the BID area, and are not a replacement for services provided by the local authority or other public bodies.  It is hoped that the BID for Oban will increase the number of visitors and shoppers to the town, provide an opportunity to improve the business performance within the town and improve the ambience of the town.

The presentation concluded that BID4Oban Management Board are to deliver a 5 year business plan by June 2012 with an approximate budget of £150K per annum, and that a successful BID for Oban will mean:

• a “One Stop Shop” for all sectors of the business community covering Retail, Support services, Hospitality, Leisure;
• a credible self funding organisation that represents the business community of Oban
• Safety in numbers and a strong voice under one umbrella