Stirling’s Business Improvement District (BID) is inviting levy payers to a virtual meeting which will help shape the organisation’s future plans.
The Annual Levy Payers Meeting takes place next Thursday, March 11.
We are also seeking new Board members who have a passion for Stirling and its business community and want to be part of driving forward the BID’s projects.
Go Forth Stirling BID Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “We hope as many Levy payers as possible will come along to our online meeting to hear what we’ve been doing over the past four years and our objectives for the coming years.”
“We want to engage our business community and have them help us shape the next BID term. We’ve learned a lot over the past four years and are now ready to create new plans for the future which are directly influenced by our local businesses.”
“We are also looking for forward-thinking business owners who would like to join our Board. We need people who are willing to participate and make a difference to engage with us and share their ideas – and being on the Board allows them a platform to drive their proposals forward.”
Go Forth Stirling has also recently launched a Facebook group where BID members can share ideas, ask questions and find out relevant information.
Ms McRorie-Smith added: “We produce a weekly Newsletter which keeps members informed about what’s going on but also wanted to create a dialogue between members and a Facebook forum seemed the best conduit for that. It’s a private group where BID members have a voice to share ideas with us and with each other and it also allows us to communicate up to date information to our traders.”
Next Thursday’s virtual meeting will begin with an update from Ms McRorie-Smith followed by a Q&A session.
Any levy payers with questions or suggestions for projects which will enhance Stirling\’s trading environment are welcome to speak at the meeting and can submit their ideas in advance by emailing admin@goforthstirling.co.uk
They should also email if they are interested in joining the BID board or receiving an invitation for the private Facebook group.
There is an Eventbrite link for the meeting, which begins at 12.30pm (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/annual-meeting-with-go-forth-stirling-bid-levy-payers-registration-140060134633 )
The meeting provides a chance to shape the direction of the rest of the BID\’s initial five-year term – which ends next September – and put in place plans for the next five years.
A ballot among city traders will take place next Spring to secure the BID’s future for its second term which will run from September 2022 until 2027.
The BID was set up in September 2017 following a vote and currently represents more than 600 local businesses with a key objective of delivering projects and services which improve the area’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors.
Recent projects have included delivering mandatory training accreditations free of charge; the provision of protective equipment and social distancing aids; digital grants and shopfront improvement grants; installing attractive flower displays throughout the city centre; PR and poster campaigns and a comprehensive online business directory.
The team is currently working on the Street Stories initiative which will see eight of Stirling’s empty shops transformed into vibrant works of art in a bid to encourage footfall around the city centre.
Plans are also underway for the creation of Independent Stirling as a brand to highlight the city’s thriving independent scene and promote the stories and personalities behind these unique businesses.
Further projects include the provision of a free WiFi service throughout the city centre and major investment in winter lighting to create a warm and welcoming ambiance which will attract visitors and residents alike.
