Council endorses Inverness BID draft 5-year plan and renewal ballot

At the meeting of The Highland Council, Highland Councillors have considered and endorsed a draft business plan for Inverness BID for 2023-28 and agreed that a ballot for the renewal of Inverness BID will take place on 23 March 2023.

Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Ian Brown said: “Inverness Councillors are very supportive of the partnership working with Inverness BID and the contributions that the BID makes to the city. The Council has agreed to support the new 5-year term of Inverness BID.”

A report to Councillors concluded that: “All the BID projects support the development and quality of the City in the Highlands as a place to live in, visit or very importantly, as a place to invest in.

“All the contributions made by BID to operational projects can be seen as ‘adding value’ to the services provided by the Council or its other partners in the public sector.  A number of activities and projects would not be deliverable by the Council or would cost more to do so.”

The report added that: “The Partnership offered by BID with the Public Sector offers both flexibility in delivery and engagement with a vital sector of the business community, often leading to a contribution either in kind or financially – through the commitment of levy funds – to the delivery of projects that make a difference.”

The renewal ballot on 23 March 2023 will be the 4th term renewal of Inverness BID.

In the latest 5-year term of office to 31 March 2023 more than £1m will have been generated by BID levy paid by businesses and invested in Inverness city centre.

Inverness BID draft business plan can be viewed at this link.