Speaker Alistair Lang, BID St Andrews

On Tuesday night the speaker was Alistair Lang from Thorntons Law Firm.  Alistair, a former partner in Murray and Donald and now a partner in Thorntons, specialises in corporate and intellectual property but was speaking in his new role as Chairman of St Andrews BID (Business Improvement District).  The BID idea originated in Toronto in the 1970’s and has now spread to all parts of the globe.  In Scotland we have 29 such Districts.

The prime purpose of BID St Andrews is to give businesses a greater voice than they have hitherto had; to lobby and to provide a strategic direction for the entire business community.  The Board hope to be able to enhance the Town, to encourage greater engagement with the many festivals that exist, to market more effectively our many businesses and to promote new initiatives - such as town Wi-Fi.  Naturally there is a cost involved and there is to be a levy of 1.5% on the 169 businesses with a rateable value greater than £10,000.  This is in addition to any monies owed to Fife Council.

The present position is that BID St Andrews is looking for a manager to work alongside the Board and Alistair as Chairman.  The business levy is to be sent out and they are ready to instigate the initial projects.  We wish them well as the entire community should benefit from their efforts.

Simon Baldwin (possibly shell-shocked) gave the vote of thanks. He is part of the project himself and he now knows at last the path upon which he is embarked.