THE collapse of the Bute Business Improvement District, or BID, will have serious repercussions. As a developing economic collective, it spoke for businesses large and small across Bute.
The BID was reaching for an enriched second term with a focus on events and tourism to boost Bute, but its endeavours have been rejected.
Here, the BID adviser, Phil Prentice, writes exclusively for The Isle of Bute News.
“The Isle of Bute Business Improvement District is no more. The businesses on the island have clearly said that they don’t want it. So be it. As adviser to the Board, this defeat falls on my shoulders squarely. I’m extremely deflated, a personal failure.
“I was asked to come to Bute a year ago by the previous board, who engaged my services to shut the BID down. Staff and Directors were facing extreme, and in my mind, unfair criticism. They’d had enough.
“I came back to Bute to meet them and it immediately stirred fond memories. A beautiful island in the Firth of Clyde, Gothic mansions, Victoria villas, glorious beaches, independent retailers, characters galore and all a hop, skip and jump from mainland Scotland. Lots of things to build on. The Victorian Winter Garden and world-famous toilets, the renovation of the Pavilion, Mount Stuart House, Rothesay Castle and so much more.
“The Isle of Bute BID was the first Island BID in the world. It had also been the first to start during the Covid pandemic. Not the easiest set of circumstances to deal with.
“However, the voluntary Board managed some impressive outcomes: the outdoor piazza at the amphitheatre, which allowed small traders to keep open during Covid-19, was copied all across Scotland. The BID also delivered big time on the key objective of marketing the Island to the central belt and beyond. CalMac confirmed visitor numbers were up 16% year on year. All on a shoestring budget and a board of volunteers.
“So we tried to reset rather than close down. We knew business was being taxed heavily and facing challenges, so we kept levies at 2021 levels and ensured charities and churches, schools, medical facilities, etc. were exempted.
“A new board was put in place. A superb project manager was appointed. We turned the corner. Open meetings with levy payers were held. We listened and undertook to carry out the key actions to remedy concerns. Finances were published, more marketing, more transparency, more communication. Regular newsletters were introduced. Halloween and Christmas went well, visitor numbers kept increasing.
“Bute was also being considered for the European Democracy conference and for the UK Town of Culture. High stakes, lots of funding. The regeneration the Island deserves.
“All to no avail. The renewal campaign has failed. The businesses have said no.
“So, without the BID, important events such as the Christmas Lighting Festival won’t happen. The Visit Bute web and marketing platform will close. The Amphitheatre, Kids Playpark, Gardens will be left unfinished or without a maintenance plan.
“Perhaps the naysayers will fill the space. I won’t hold my breath.
“For Duncan Martin as Chair, Jill Devlin as manager and the directors – I wish you all the best. You are the invisible and humble volunteers who strive to make Bute a better place for all.”
