Oban will continue to be a Business Improvement District (Bid) town after Bid4Oban announced it has been successful in its ballot.
Of the votes cast there was a 75% vote in favour of the Bid continuing for the next five years which represented 68% of the rateable value of businesses that completed the ballot.
Andrew Spence, Bid4Oban chief executive, said: “This is a resounding mandate from the town’s business community to continue the work of the Bid company. The Bid company has worked hard over the last five years to improve the environment of the town of Oban along with funding for festivals, events and infrastructure projects. The Bid has also worked with their partners in the tourist industry to promote the town as a destination for visitors.”
Mr Spence added: “The hard work starts now to continue to improve the town’s economy, infrastructure and environment. We will continue to invest in any project that improves the economy of the town. We want an all-inclusive working relationship with every business sector in Oban to ensure we are servicing all our levy payers.”
He praised the dedication of the Bid team based in Oban without whose support, commitment and hard work this result would not have been possible.
Mr Spence also thanked the returning officer of Argyll and Bute Council for administering the ballot.
The not for profit limited company Bid4Oban was formed in 2012 when the first ballot was successful.
A Business Improvement District (Bid) is a proven business-led initiative, supported by legislation, where businesses work together and invest collectively in local improvements to their business environment.
Oban’s Bid is unique in the UK, in establishing a Bid for a whole town area – that is, all businesses falling within the 30mph limit of Oban being included within the district.
