BID4Oban News
Bid4Oban is making a few changes following a look at BID priorities and staff restructuring. Because of this Andy Spence is leaving the Bid from the 1st of March and we would like to thank him for all his work he has done with the BID and wish him well for the future.
Kay is however continuing in her role and dealing with levy members queries with the office remaining open during the following hours, 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.
Work with the BID is continuing including the delivery of the world-famous Clipper Race and promoting the town as a place to visit. There are a growing list of public and private sponsors for Clipper and a programme of activity will shortly be published. . For example, a contract with EventScotland has been signed to fund a food and drink village and a meeting was held on Thursday at The View to discuss local sponsorship opportunities. Please contact Kay at the BID4Oban office if you were unable to attend but would like more information. A Business Connect meeting is also to be held at SAMs and several concerts have been organised at the Corran halls and other Oban venues.
The Bid is also looking at a range of other activities to support the town going forward. Any ideas on what the BID can do for levy payers are welcome.
Please look out for further information from the BID Board in the coming weeks. We are also looking for new board members to support our work. Please contact Kay if interested. Email: info@bid4oban.co.uk
Did YOu SEE THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT STORY In THE OBAN TIMES?
Levy payers can head to our Business Improvement Grant page for more information and application forms.
The principal aim of the BID is to deliver projects and services that will improve the trading environment of the BID area to the benefit of businesses, their customers and visitors.
Established November 2012. BID4Oban is clearly focused on improving Oban as a commercial and tourist destination. Our key objectives reflect this:
Making the best first impression
Let’s shout about what's happening in Oban
Extend the season
Making Oban the place to stay, explore and spend
Working together for a more prosperous future
Making our town easier to visit
Levy Payers
Since the inception of BID4Oban in 2012 and following successful re-ballots in 2017 and 2022 we have worked to improve the business and commercial opportunities for Oban.
The BID is funded by a small levy that is charged to every business in Oban that has a rateable value of £3000 or above. The smallest levy paid is £150 up to £5000 for the largest businesses. This generates an annual income of £145,000. The levy is used to supplement and fund services and grants for which there would be no funding available if the BID was not in place.
About BID4Oban
The BID was originally set up by a group of businesses in Oban. Every five years the business community vote for the continuation of the BID or not. We work to a fluid business plan that can adapt to the economic climate throughout the duration of the BID. We are ideally placed to receive additional funding for key projects from various partners including Argyll and Bute Council.
Supporting Business Community and Other Groups
BID4Oban has supported not just the business community but other groups and organisations within the town with event funding grants, funding of community projects and offered commercial support for community organisations.