About I love Clarkston Business Improvement District (BID)

The Clarkston Town Centre Business Improvement District is made up of some 132 businesses centred round Clarkston Toll and the Sheddens Roundabout. Located in East Renfrewshire it was put forward for a BID by the East Renfrewshire Chamber of Trade and Commerce. The BID’s aim was to create a business-led programme of investment to tackle issues identified by businesses, with the aim of increasing the number of people shopping, visiting, working and investing in Clarkston town centre. The BID went to ballot in June 2010 where it achieved a yes and became Scotland’s tenth Business Improvement District. Further to this, a successful re-ballot took place in June 2015 at the end of the BID’s first term, meaning I Love Clarkston will continue until at least 2020.

Andy Dunlop – BID Manager

Andy is the I Love Clarkston BID Manager, and the first point of contact for all queries relating to the I Love Clarkston BID project for members and for any questions relating to inclusion within the Business Directory

What Is A BID?

In 2010, The Scottish Government defined a Business Improvement District (BID) as; “A precisely defined geographical area of a town, commercial district or tourism and visitor area, where businesses vote to invest collectively in local improvements resulting in an improved business environment and improved local economic growth.” As such, the Clarkston BID ‘I Love Clarkston‘ was developed by the town’s commercial sector and continues to be managed and paid for by the same businesses – plus or minus a few retailer changes. The concept only works if voted in by a majority of businesses, and it is then sustainable for its 5-year term by the payment of a compulsory BID levy. This collective investment pulls businesses together, including both independent and national retailers, and forms a large support network in which all businesses can flourish. In Clarkston, 2015 saw both the BID’s first 5-year term come to an end, and the passing of a successful renewal ballot, meaning I Love Clarkston shall remain until at least 2020. This proves that our BID is indeed successful at creating a great business environment and improving local economic growth, but it is so much more. As a collective body, all businesses in the area have a stronger influence in what matters to them, whether that be lobbying against local government decisions perceived to be harmful to Clarkston, or organising fun community events such as the annual Winter Wonderland. BIDs have proved to be successful and innovative across the UK, and further afield, so let’s continue to make the most of I Love Clarkston!