Borders Town Traders Approve Initiative to Boost Commerce

An initiative designed to stimulate the local economy within a Borders town has received approval on its second attempt. The Business Improvement District (BID) in Galashiels will involve businesses contributing a levy, which will subsequently be allocated towards enhancing the locality. An earlier proposal to implement this program was turned down in 2018. Nevertheless, the recent vote demonstrated strong support for advancing the project. Out of the 129 enterprises participating in the ballot, 110 cast their votes in favour of establishing the BID. This initiative, which has the backing of the Scottish government, seeks to foster economic expansion in urban or commercial zones. Typically spearheaded by the private sector, it has the potential to generate supplementary income to attract more visitors and increase pedestrian traffic. Presently, over 30 BIDs are operational across Scotland, including one already established within the Borders region, specifically in the Tweed Valley. Mags Fenner, the project manager who also oversaw the initiative when the prior vote opposed the scheme in 2018, stated: “Having project managed the last time, this is fantastic.” She added: “I think the BID is going to make a huge difference to Galashiels.” She further commented: “It is a huge opportunity for the town as it puts businesses in the driving seat.” Debbie Paterson, representing the textiles firm Sinclair Duncan, serves as co-chair of the BID steering group. She remarked: “The yes vote was even greater than we expected which is really encouraging.” Paterson continued: “We did a lot of canvassing and listening to concern of the businesses, and there was a lot of enthusiasm towards what we hope to achieve.” She concluded: “It will now be a case of appointing directors and start making a difference for our town.” Lewis Roden, associated with Mitchell Glass, holds the position of the other co-chair for the initiative. He commented: “Businesses in Galashiels need all the help they can get, and this vote today is a good start.” Roden added: “We have the railway and some great attractions so it will be up to us to encourage as many visitors as we can to come an see the town for themselves.” He further expressed: “Many people go down to York for Christmas, I’d like to think we can similarly attract people.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information on our approach to external linking is available.