St Andrews Businesses Vote YES to Renew BID

St Andrews businesses have voted in favour of renewing their Business Improvement District, securing more than £1 million of investment for the town over the next five years.

Following a programme of consultation and a formal ballot involving around 300 eligible businesses – including national retailers, family businesses, restaurants, retail charities and accommodation providers – more than three quarters (79%) of votes cast were in favour of renewing the St Andrews BID. The ballot included businesses representing 41.17% of the BID area's total rateable value.

The St Andrews BID, which has been in force since 2016, gives levy-paying businesses (those with a rateable value of over £12,000) the chance to continue supporting the town centre economy for another five years, running from 2 August 2026 until 1 August 2031.

BID St Andrews delivers projects that go beyond the core services provided by Fife Council. A key priority of the renewed BID is to further improve the appearance, cleanliness, and overall environment of the town centre and build on the success of the Clean and Green Team, with work underway to explore how this can be expanded and enhanced.  This will sit alongside a winter programme of events and health and wellbeing initiatives to attract visitors and support businesses during the quieter months, as well as improved signage, wayfinding, business support and training opportunities.

Welcoming the news, Debbie MacCallum, Honorary Chair, BID St Andrews, said, “We're absolutely delighted that businesses have voted to renew the St Andrews Business Improvement District for another five years.

"This is a hugely positive result and a strong endorsement of everything that we have achieved together so far, as well as underlining our ambitions for the future. We'd like to thank every business that took the time to vote and place their confidence in the BID.

"While St Andrews is a beautiful and unique place to live, visit and do business, we do not and cannot thrive by chance. The town needs vision, investment and collaboration, and we're proud that the BID will continue to play a key role in that, especially with The Open returning next year.  We look forward to building on our success, delivering on our new business plan and continuing to work alongside our levy payers and partners to create an even stronger future for St Andrews."

Debbie’s views were echoed by Stephanie Lee, Director of Sales and Marketing, Seaton House, who added, “I’m delighted to hear of the successful BID St Andrews result,; the impact for St Andrews is huge.  As a world -renowned destination, our visitors come from all over and have high expectations.  The work that the BID does throughout the year, from additional town cleaning to high -profile special events, is so beneficial and really enriches the experience for both visitors and locals alike.”

Cllr Jonny Tepp, North East Fife Area Committee convener, said, "This is a positive vote of confidence in St Andrews and its future. The BID has played an important role in supporting businesses and enhancing the town. We're pleased to continue working in partnership to build on that success over the next five years."

For more information:

Telephone 01334 477697

Email info@bidstandrews.co.uk

Website www.bidstandrews.co.uk