CAMPAIGNING is underway to secure a fresh mandate for Bute’s business body as it seeks a second term in office.
The Bute Improvement District (BID) team is adapting its support for island businesses by helping to drive more tourism to the island.
Its focus is on building and boosting tourism and events and is emphasising it exists for every business and everybody on Bute.
Its chair, Duncan Martin, told The Isle of Bute News he is very confident of securing a fresh mandate and a second term for the group.
“It is like everything else. You will not please 100 per cent of people, but you do go out there to please the majority and to deliver what they need and want.
“We have some exciting new projects coming along, but nothing is being imposed.
“It is being driven by us, but it is very much a case of listening and acting on what people say they want. It really is up to them to make their voices heard, and we give every opportunity to do so.”
He said he would like to think there is a lot of support for the direction of travel the BID is taking.
Scotland’s foremost expert on the BID programme is Phil Prentice. He told this newspaper he has a positive vibe about the second term for Bute.
But he emphasised this is a campaign and the team is looking for feedback and, ultimately, support.
“We take nothing for granted. We exist to help businesses of whatever size and complexity. If someone needs help or assistance, they need only ask.
“And if they have ideas on the direction of travel we should take, or to help us develop the tourism and events programming, I’d be delighted to hear from them.”
Duncan Martin said he is unaware of any negative lines about the organisation on social media. “I don’t use it, I don’t read it, so if there is, I don’t see it.”
He said he hoped if anyone had concerns or doubts, they would find a way to raise them directly with him, rather than resorting to what can often be anonymous keyboard activity.
The Bute BID team is crafting a series of events over the summer and plans to help raise the profile of the island nationwide and further afield.
Mr Martin said: “I am born and bred on Bute. I always want the best for here.”
Phil Prentice said he believes the group should have a higher visibility and profile in Rothesay itself, and the team is working hard to deliver that. “We have a plan,” he said, “and when that is in place, people will be able to see us more easily.”
The application for renewal has to be with Argyll and Bute Council by the end of April. It is expected there will be elections to the body in the late summer.
