Essential Edinburgh Business Plan

7/29/2019 Essential Edinburgh Business Plan

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/essential-edinburgh-business-plan 1/19

Bsiess Pla 1st Jly 2013 t 30th Je 2018

Yr BsiessYr Ftre

Vte YES



Andy Neal

Chie Executive, Essential EdinburghOver the last ve years, we have worked hard to represent the businesses

o Edinburgh’s city centre BID, prvidig a pwerl vice r bsiess,capaigig r chage, deliverig real iprveets ad vercig

challeges by actig tgether.

It is now time to vote in a renewal ballotto secure the city centre BID or another5 years.

With your gig spprt, the heart o Scotland’s capital city is now a

cleaer, saer and re attractive place t d bsiess. It oers a war

welce or visitors and locals alike and we believe that there’s a bright

tre ahead.

A ‘re-lach’ o the city centre is essential to return visitors and shoppers once

trams are in operation and will be the largest prtial capaig the

city has ever see. Without the support, co-ordination and nancial resources

o the BID, this simply cannot happen.

We hope that this document will makethe right decision clear.

Yr “YES” vte will let s ace the tre tgether, with r

citet t a rther ve years sstaied iprveet,

dedicated spprt ad prti r the BID area.

“A vibrat CityCetre leads ta vibrat City”

Rt H Dald Wils

Lrd Prvst

ESSENTIAL EDINBURGH | BuSInESS PLAn 2013 – 2018 | 03| BuSInESS PLAn 2013 – 2018 | ES SENTIAL EDINBURGH

03 Itrdcti

04 Chaira’s Frewrd

06 We Are

08 We Have

20 We Will

28 Sary

30 The BID Levy, Fiacials

32 The Vtig Prcess

34 Legislati



Chaira’s Frewrd

During the past ve years we have scceeded i

deliverig p r rst bsiess pla. In response

to wider challenges acing our members we have

delivered two additional benets not included in that

initial plan:

• We have identied savings of over£250,000 or BID businesses byintroducing collective purchasingo waste collection services.

• We have initiated a facelift ofRose Street, which has alreadyhad a positive impact on the area,a clear demonstration o howleveraged unds can produceresults on the ground.

Your BID has gained accreditation rom British BIDs

(one o only 12 in the UK) and BIDs Scotland. This

conrms our operating practices and procedures are

o the highest standard.

We have consulted widely and listeed t yr

ccers ad wishes, this Business Plan refects

the pririties y have deed r s. This is yr

pla ad we will deliver it.

The over-riding priority is to maximise the opportunity

aorded by the completion o the construction phase

o the tram line. We have wrked very clsely with

parters to negotiate a und to market the City Centre

with the ocus being to re-connect those who live in

and around Edinburgh. never bere has sch a d

bee prpsed i Edibrgh ad it is depedet

p yr ‘YES’ vte.

We will enhance the Clea Tea service and use ourability to rgaise cllective prchasig to deliver

tagible beets acrss a wider rage services.

Our work with partners will continue to challege ideas

and assist i develpig a cheret strategy or the

City Centre. Our central role in establishing a cllective

way rward or George Street during the Festival will

aiise pprtities r yr bsiess and is a

clear example o how we can use our infuence to your

benet. Next year will see the Commonwealth Games,

The Ryder Cup and Homecoming 2014 celebrations

in Scotland and we must ensure that we have plans in

place or your bsiess t beet lly r these

iqe evets.

To achieve all this or you, we eed y t vte ‘YES’

i the April reewal ballt to ensure the continuation

o Essential Edinburgh or a urther 5 years. There is

much to be done and we are champing at the bit to

continue and build upon the start we have made.

Dezil Skier

Chaira, Essetial Edibrgh

| BuSInESS PLAn 2013 – 2018 | ESSENTIAL EDINBURGH ESSENTIAL EDINBURGH | BuSInESS PLAn 2013 – 2018 | 05

enzil Skinner

hairman, Essential Edinburgh

“ There is a recognition by both

Marketing Edinburgh and the

Council, that the new tram

represents an excellent

opportunity to re-launch the

city to visitors and shoppers.

Together, these organisations

with Essential Edinburgh will

work toward creating a

marketing und o £1 million

which will be invested in the city

over two years. Central to this is the successul renewal ballot

or Essential Edinburgh who will

drive orward this campaign.”Greg Ward

Head Ecic Develpet

The City Edibrgh Ccil

Accreditation



WE ARE• Cied deiei eue

iprveets r all bsiesses ithe BID area, helpig r stakehldersbth ake ad save ey.

• Uiquey expeieced wi e ye wrkig i partership with rlevy payers ad parter agecies tdeliver sltis r bsiesses ir city cetre.

• Deeied e dce BID area bsiesses, destratigr cllective stregth i lbbyig,arketig ad i prchasig servicesat best pssible vale.

• Eiey cued EdiuCity Cetre. While bsiess ratesare apprtied acrss the ctry,yr ctribti t the BID areawill ly be spet i yr city cetre yr chse prjects.

The Bsiess Iprveet DistrictEssential Edinburgh was established to run Edinburgh’s Business Improvement

District; a dened area where businesses vote to invest collectively in local

improvements in addition to those provided by the Local Authority and Police.

In this document, we will outline successes delivered over the last ve years

and the plans or the uture we have developed by listening to eedback rom

BID businesses.

We have wrked hard t esre yr BID area is:

• Prted as a great place to work, visit,shop and enjoy.

• Clea ad Attractive so that everyoneexperiences our city centre at its best.

• Sae ad Secre both night and day, minimisingcrime and supporting business.

• Accessible to visitors o all ages and abilitieswho want to enjoy our city centre.

It is time to vote in a renewal ballot which can secre the spprt

ad epertise Essetial Edibrgh or the next ve years.

All the important details about how the ballot process works,

hw y ca take part - and why it’s critical that you do -

are included at the back o this document.


BID area*

* A ull list o the streets in the BID area

can be ound on page 35.



WE HAVEPRomoTED THE BID AREA

Edibrgh tall has perred well. I thetwelve ths bere the st recet trawrks, Edibrgh tperred uK tallaverages i 9 t the 12 ths.

T gather re data the fw pedestriasard the BID ad itr the health the citycetre, we have istalled ew ad additialtall cters withi the District, raisig theber r 2 t 7.

As tras ve it perati i the ear tre,this ew eqipet will be sed t track psitiveipacts pedestria veets i r city

cetre.


EvetsFrom our outdoor cinema “uder the Stars” to the ever-popular “Spa i the

City,” Essential Edinburgh events have driven ootall into the city centre and

allowed businesses to showcase their products and services. over 70%

Spa i the City attedees wet t eat, drik r shp i the BID area ,

using the exclusive oers booklet provided at the event.

Your investment has enabled many other signicant events designed to draw

in visitors and raise the prole o businesses in the BID area. These events

have included:

• The Fringe Hub at the Assembly Rooms - bringing5000 additial peple a day to George Streetduring the August estival.

• The Christas lights switch on event and Ice Rink.

• A range of Art Festival evets within the BID area.

• The Jazz Festival Carival along Rose Street.

• Big Dace 2012.

Spa in the City, 2012

“The event was good,

very busy! There

was denitely an

increase in sales

and ootall ”Le mde,

‘Spa i the City’



media CapaigsWith your signicant collective investment, we havebeen able to market and promote the Edinburgh BID area

and have a direct infuence through wide-reaching

campaigns including “This is my Edibrgh” and

“Edibrgh Sparkles.” External evaluation showed

that edia cverage geerated by Edibrgh

Sparkles 2011 was wrth well ver twice the

at ivested.* (Source: Marketing Edinburgh Evaluation 2011)

FestivalsWith key sponsorship during the Frige Festival,

Essential Edinburgh has helped drive ootall rom the

wrld’s largest cltre ad arts estival into our city

centre. Businesses within the BID area have had the

opportunity to promote themselves at no additional cost

in the Assembly Fringe Guide over the last two years.

We have listened to our stakeholders and worked hard

to draw estival tall into the BID area and create

additional Frige destiatis. In 2012 we maximised

the impact o the Assembly Rooms re-opening by

securing the additional draw o the SpiegelTerrace on

George Street.

The Essetial Privilege CardProviding incentives or employees and shoppers

in the BID area, benetting rom special deals,

discounts and events.

The Privilege Card AppOur App is becoming an ‘essential’ shopping tool,extending the advantages o the Essential Privilege Card

to mobile device users. Encouraging

people to ‘shop in town’ it’s been

used 22,590 ties (and counting) -

helping to icrease tall ad

trade within the BID area.

Cstat CtactWe began our rst term by providing inormation and

advice to visitors and tourists onstreet through our team

o Abassadrs. Over their two-year project, they were

instrumental in setting up our hugely successul Check

ot scheme.

This project has evolved to meet the needs o BID

businesses and now employs tw ll-tie BID

Liais ocers, providing an essential link between

Essential Edinburgh and our stakeholders. Meeting

with levy-payers on a regular basis, they liste t

bsiesses and provide us with vital eedback

iprtat isses, help to shape our strategy and

inorm levy payers about how new projects can best

be o benet to their business.

Under the Stars - outdoor cinema screenings

The Priviliege Card App| BuSInESS PLAn 2013 – 2018 | ESSENTIAL EDINBURGH ESSENTIAL EDINBURGH | BuSInESS PLAn 2013 – 2018 | 11

WE HAVEPRomoTED THE BID AREA




WE HAVEmADE THE BID AREA CLEAnAnD ATTRACTIVE, ImPRoVInGTHE EnVIRonmEnT

Rose Street ‘Poetry Planter’ Hanging basket, St Andrew Square

71% visitrst Edibrgh

believed theBID area wascleaer tha

the rest thecity.

Edibrgh Visitr’s Srvey,

2012

Clea Tea

A great success o the rst term has been the impact o our Clea Tea. They go beyond the baseline services provided by the City o Edinburgh

Council to ensure our city centre is clea ad attractive.

In the last year, they removed gum rom over 15,260 2 o pavement -

an area greater than two ull-sized ootball pitches!

Keep Scotland Beautiul provide regular, independent audits o towns and

cities across Scotland and their ‘Cleanliness and Attractiveness’ r ating or

the Edinburgh BID area has rise 10% since the Clean Team started work.

In addition there has been an 85% redcti i fy pstig in the BID area

as well as improved reporting on grati to speed its removal.

Flwer PwerWe have brought colour and decoration to George Street, Castle Street,

Princes Street, Rose Street and St Andrew Square with hagig baskets

and sbstatial platers.

St Adrew Sqare Garde

Essetial Edibrgh peed the beatil space at St Adrew Sqare

Garde t the pblic i 2008. A popular draw or shoppers, visitors and city

centre workers alike, the Garden has also been a stunning venue or events

and exhibitions, delivering ootall to the area.

83% o businesses surrounding the garden expressed their appreciation or our

management o the space, responding to surveys that quality and cleanliness

are either ‘ecellet’ or ‘very gd.’

“ Having gum

cleaned rom the ront o our store

has very much

improved the

approach to our

business... the

chaps doing the

work did so in a

very unobtrustive

and pleasant

manner...”Bill Barbr

Whistles, Gerge Street



| BuSInESS PLAn 2013 – 2018 | ES SENTIAL EDINBURGH

WE HAVEHELPED To mAKE THE BIDAREA SAFE AnD SECuRE

Alst 72% bsiesses†

reprted aicrease isaety ad

secrity. 73% visitrs tEdibrgh eltthat the BID

area was saertha the cityverall.*

† Essetial Edibrgh

Bsiess Srvey, 2011

* Edibrgh Visitrs Srvey,2012

Check otThis unique project, launched jointly by Essential Edinburgh and Lothian and

Borders Police has exceeded all expectations, ivlvig ver 150 retailers

and using techlgy t redce crie through real-tie irati

sharig. Retail crime gures in the BID area show a redcti ver

30% coupled with an 80% slti rate - e the best i the uK.

Check IWe have played an active role in tackling hotel crime in the capital, unding

the website or this innovative par tnership between hotels and the police.

Check In is creating a saer eviret r residets, sta ad visitrs;

the csters ad cliets bsiesses within the BID area.

CCTV ad Trasprt marshallsSaety and security are paramount to the success and growth o the n ight time

economy o the BID. We have unded tw additial CCTV caeras at key

lcatis, as well as providing Transport Marshalls to help get our evening

customers and sta home quickly and saely, using suitable transport. Over our

years, these initiatives have contributed to a 78% icrease i peple’s sese

secrity i the BID area at ight*. (*source 2011 Progressive Partnership Survey.)

ChildsaeOur Childsae scheme aims to ensure the saety childre ad vlerable

adlts and has helped unite dozens o lost children with their parents.

Marshalled taxi ranks increase a sense o security

ESSENTIAL EDINBURGH | BuSInESS PLAn 2013 – 2018 | 15

“ We had one o our

best stock loss

results ever last

year and made

savings in excess

o the levy ee.

The Check Out

initiative denitely

contributed to this

reduction in loss.”

David Kig

Geeral maager

Raes & Paters

Prices Street




ParkigWe have worked with the City o Edinburgh Council to

deliver parkig prtis at key tradig ties

to ecrage additial visits ad sped. The “Alive

ater Five” project was designed to capitalise the early eveig

shppig and leisure activities which are now very much a eature o customer

shopping habits. Facilitating ree parkig to support later opening times

helped our local businesses to compete with edge o town developments

and increase their income. We provided aps r shppers ad visitrs

to the city centre which made it easy to identiy parking areas both in and

adjacent to the BID. Parking and access is the number one issue or most

towns and cities across Scotland and will continue to be a priority project

or Essential Edinburgh and our partners as we strive t iprve access

ad parkig prvisi.

SigageWe have worked in par tnership with the City o Edinburgh Council to improve

sigage i the BID area, specically in the use o seven vertical inormation

signs along Rose Street; the only business directory signage in the city centre

- iprvig idetity ad creatig a sese place r r bsiesses

ad their csters.

Map initiatives help shoppers and visitors into and around the BID

WE HAVEmADE THE BID AREAmoRE ACCESSIBLE

75% visitrssaid that

sigage wasbetter i theBID area tha

elsewhere ithe city cetre.

Edibrgh Visitr Srvey,

2012

“ As a Rose Street

trader I have been

very impressed with

the work o Essential

Edinburgh…

improved trac

management and

signage has proved invaluable. We now

have pedestrian

status being

enorced and this is

all down to Essential

Edinburgh.”

Li Cherrigt

Creative Ckware

Rse Street




or wasteaageet

prject hasidetiedsavigs

ver £250,000.Crretly 170bsiesseshave jied the

prgrae.

WE HAVEFACILITATED GRouP InITIATIVESFoR THE BEnEFIT oF ALL ouRSTAKEHoLDERS

Waste maageet

We have delivered signicant savings or participatingbusinesses on trade-waste collection costs through our

Zero-2-Landll scheme. over hal have saved re

thrgh this e iitiative tha the ttal cst

their aal BID levy.

With some businesses seeing savigs ver

75%, that’s a acially rewardig way t be

eviretally aware, iprve crprate scial

respsibility and reduce the number o trade bins

and lorry movements around the area. It’s also an

opportunity to help BID businesses comply with

the upcoming 2014 waste legislati.

With an apprval ratig ver 85%* we can use

this project as a model or a range o other grp

byig iitiatives such as utilities, communications

and merchant services. (*source Business Feedback Survey 2011)

TrasEssential Edinburgh has taken a lead role in brigig

tgether city cetre bsiesses concerned about

the impact o the tram works and associated trac

restrictions.

Chairing the key Trams Group and representing the

views o our businesses in consultations with the City

o Edinburgh Council, we have been a collective voice

or your BID - securing £300,000 prtialspprt or the city centre and ensuring a cessation

o works during the vital Christmas trading period

in December 2011.

Rse StreetWe commissioned the Princes Trust or the Built

Environment to help shape the development o Rose

Street in consultation with businesses and owners.

The resulting Rse Street Acti Pla is now being

delivered, with planning in place or ew etrace

ways and attractive street aiati prjects.

It includes unique ‘poetry planters,’ new bollards,

improved lighting, de-cluttering o street urni ture

and enorced pedestrianisation at key times.

This work will iprve the appearace ad

eviret Rse Street creating a sense

o place and a distinct identity or the area.

Essetial TredsOur City Cetre mitrig Prject, in partnership

with the City o Edinburgh Council, keeps track o the

health and vitality o the city centre by monitoring

key indicators like ootall, visitors and turnover.

These valuable statistics help with business planning

or those in the BID, providing a constant overview

o the city centre’s perormance.

“We eel the work o

Essential Edinburgh

has had a antastic

eect on the Rose St

area. Footall has

increased and our

business has seen

increased trade as

a result.”Fillig Stati,

Rse Street



WE WILLWe have bee listeig - i pers, the phead thrgh cs grps, eetigs, r websitead scial edia. We wat t be sre that rbjectives are atched t yr pririties, deliverigthe best pssible retrs r everye i the BID.

• We wi uiie £5 ii iee deieyr chse prjects ad iitiatives r the BIDarea ad actively seek additial dig rlcal gveret ad parter agecies.

• We wi ciue epee yu iee,vice yr ccers ad lbby r the chagesy wat t see. We’re strger tgether,whether ifecig the right peple, arketig

yr bsiesses r sig r grp byig pwert save everye ey.

• Eei Ediu e uique expeiecead the right relatiships t deliver rshared visi r the city cetre, all the whileaitaiig a sae, clea, attractive adaccessible BID area.

Our landmark investment will be in a ajr re-lach

the city cetre once the trams are operational - the

largest prtial capaig i the city’s histry.

We will cit r resrces and ull support to

coordinate a programme that brigs peple it

the BID area ad keeps the cig back .

“ We retailers need to make sure that ollowing the tram works we re-launchthe city centre; the best way that we cando that is to vote ‘yes’ at the Essential Edinburgh renewal ballot. Essential Edinburgh will drive orward the re- launch and with their additional undingthe campaign will have more impact.”

Barry Blaire, mD, The Jh Lewis Partership(Edibrgh)

“ There is a recognition by both Marketing Edinburgh and the Council, that the new tram represents an excellent opportunity to re-launch the city to visitors and shoppers. Together, these organisationswith Essential Edinburgh will work toward creating a marketing und o £1 million which will be invested in thecity over two years. Central to this is the successul renewal ballot or Essential Edinburgh who will drive orward thiscampaign.”

Greg Ward, Head Ecic DevelpetThe City Edibrgh Ccil




• Bring back shoppers who have been dissuaded

rom shopping in the city centre through a high

prole re-launch once the trams are running,maximising the potential benet to all

stakeholder businesses.

• Engage in marketing and promotion on yourbehal in order to see the BID area consistently

ahead o UK averages or ootall and revenue

growth.

• Continue to support and communicate with youthrough our BID Liaison Ocers.

• Advertise cultural, seasonal and festive events as

part o the re-launch strategy, including TV andradio coverage.

• Maintain our focus on cleaning doorways and

steps rom vomit etc.

• Introduce an early morning shift for our “CleanTeam” to ensure a spotless start or workers,

visitors and shoppers arriving in our city centre.

• Improve our scores by a further 10% in the

independent ‘Keep Scotland Beautiul’ audit -an essential measure o the cleanliness and

appeal o our city centre.

• Facilitate an increase in the number of PrincesStreet waste bins.

• Reduce the number of trade waste bins and

improve collection to reduce costs to businesses

and enhance the environment or everyone.

• Deliver a calendar of high-prole events,

including our popular “Spa in the City” and“Under the Stars” lm events and maximise the

benet o local and national events.

• Continue to drive the Alive after Five campaign,growing revenue ater 5pm and creatingpromotional opportunities or your business.

• Create further free promotional opportunities for

stakeholder businesses through the EssentialPrivilege Card and mobile app.

• Improve signage from the Old Town as a key

tourist destination, driving visitor ootall into

the BID area.

• Facilitate transport and parking initiatives toincrease ootall and customer spend.

• Maintain the current high standard in St Andrew

Square Garden as a signature event space,leisure location and ootall magnet.

• Extend festive lights in Hanover, Frederick and

Castle streets to visibly improve the area duringthis key shopping period and stimulate our cross

streets as a vital gateway to the BID.

• Enrich the BID area with stunning oral displays

to provide a more attractive environment orcustomers and refect our pride in the city

centre.


WE WILLPRomoTE THE BID AREA

5 YEar InvEstmEnt • £2 mIllIon •

To ConSISTEnTLY ouTPERFoRm uK FooTFALL AVERAGES BY 2%

WE WILLEnSuRE THE BID IS CLEAn& ATTRACTIVE5 YEar InvEstmEnt • £1.5 mIllIon • to EnsUrE an InCrEasE of

A FuRTHER 10% In THE KEEP SCoTLAnD BEAuTIFuL AuDIT SCoRE

“ It is also nice to see the pavements in ront o the building chewing gum ree,thanks to the Clean Team or cleaning our basement stairs including sick and dog waste, also or steamcleaning the mould. Another great job done!”

Ady CrraThe Ryal Sciety Edibrgh



• Building on the success of our Check Out

initiative, we’ll measure our successes against

Police crime gures to show ongoingimprovement over the next ve years.

• Improve CCTV coverage with investment inadditional camera equipment.

• Facilitate additional lighting in areas identiedby the police.

• Enhance our retail security initiatives with an

online “FaceWatch” community, sharing

inormation between members and the policeto identiy potential risks.

• Champion parking initiatives and pursue

increased parking provision or business useand or visitors.

• Develop a co-ordinated signage plan which

helps visitors nd their way into the BID andlocate the businesses they’re looking or.

• Support cyclists through improved access andsecure bicycle storage acilities.

• Ensure the accessibility benets offered by the

tram are marketed and harnessed or the beneto your business during and ater the re-launch

campaign.


WE WILLmAKE THE THE BIDInCREASInGLY SAFE & SECuRE5 YEar InvEstmEnt • £153,000 • to sUstaIn thE 30% rEDUCtIon In rEtaIl CrImE

ALREADY ACHIEVED AnD SEEK ImPRoVEmEnTS WHEREVER PoSSIBLE

WE WILLmAxImISE ACCESSIBILITYWITHIn THE BID5 YEar InvEstmEnt • £110,000 • to DoUblE thE bID arEa’s sCorE for aCCEssIbIlItY

AnD PARKInG, ComPARED WITH THE REST oF THE CITY (AS mEASuRED BY EDInBuRGH VISIToRS SuRVEY)

“ Check Out has delivered real results that highlight the benets o working with partners such as Essential Edinburgh.The project has been eective in reducing and preventing retail crime inthe city centre, and has also improved solvency rates. As a result, criminal gangs and would-be thieves who might otherwise have viewed the city centre as an attractive target now see the area as a hostile environment.”

Sgt. Gerge Liddle, Lthia ad Brders Plice



• Use our collective buying power to secure

valuable discounts on business costs such as:

insurance, legal ees, merchant services etc.

• Champion a controlled move to mixed use

on Princes Street, driving increased revenuethrough a diverse oering and creating placesto linger into the evening; spreading the BID’s

vibrant night time economy onto this fagship

street.

• George Street Festival - expanding festivalactivities into all our blocks while maintaining

parking and accessibility and creating new

opportunities or all BID ood and drinkbusinesses to provide rereshments to

estival goers.

• Create cost savings and efciencies through

the extension o our Trade Waste initiativeand related utilities projects.

• Be a united voice representing your interests

and infuencing decision making in all orums.

• Petition the Council to address the current

situation with beggars and ‘chuggers’ in thecity centre.

• Facilitate discussion on transport issues.

• Work with BID businesses to nd solutions

which minimise delivery vehicle movements,improve the visitor experience and provide

cost savings.


WE WILLFACILITATE GRouP InITIATIVES FoR THEBEnEFIT oF ALL ouR STAKEHoLDERS5 YEar InvEstmEnt • £160,000 • makIng thE bID lEvY Cost nEUtral

BY DELIVERInG SAVInGS To BID BuSInESSES

“ [the waste management scheme] is a great initiative or the city and refectsthe work Essential Edinburgh is doingto support all businesses. Jenners and Frasers have an ongoing commitment to reduce waste in line with legislation, and this project gives us a great opportunity to continue to do so whilst reducing costs to our business.”

Vhairi mathesJeers



IF THE BID CEASES ToExIST You WILL LoSE:r A £1 illi arketig capaig

(£400,000 r BID ds, £600,000

r pblic ds) t “Re-lach” the

City Cetre ce Tras are peratial

r A prgrae evets desiged t

bst tall at key ties

r Chewig g reval; Grati reval;

Clea Tea hit sqads

r Lightig ad fral arrageets

r Check ot

r Trasprt marshalls ad CCTV caeras

r Blk byig schees r tilities ad

waste aageet

I the BID is t reewed, all activity stps i Sprig 2013. I this crret

ecic cliate, it wld be realistic t asse that this wrk will be

take by thers.

r A strg vice t represet bsiess

r The tre St Adrew Sqare Garde

i the absece Essetial Edibrgh is

clear

r The tre Essetial Treds, tall

cters ad the City Cetre mitrig

Prgrae is clear

r The Essetial Privilege Card ad App

r or c-rdiatig rle i the Gerge

Street estival hb ad the assciated

beets r yr bsiess


ordon Drummond

rector, Harvey Nichols

“ Over the past ve years Essential Edinburgh has been very supportive

and invested heavily in promoting the

city centre, proving themselves an

integral part o moving Edinburgh

orward. Their management o St Andrew

Square, with activities such as Spa in the

City, “Under the Stars” lm screenings,

Edinburgh Art Festival and Edinburgh

International Science Festival, has

demonstrated their success in partnering

with local businesses to attract shoppers

and visitors to the area. Essential

Edinburgh has, very importantly, helped

maintain ootall during the ongoing

trac diversions throughout the City.”

Grd Drd

Directr, Harvey nichls



The BID LevyA BID levy is an equal and air way o unding additional projects

(additional to the Council’s statutory and concessionary services).

Over the past 5 years businesses have contributed a 1% levy based

on the rateable value o their property. It has been agreed by

the BID Management Board that the levy will be calculated at

1% of the rateable value of the property at the time of ballot

(23rd May 2013) and throughout the 5 year term.

When the Assessors revalue the rateable values in 2017 (or at any

other time during the BID term), the levy will remain at the rate on

the day o the ballot until the BID term ends in 2018.

• All eligible non-domestic properties with a rateable valuation

within the BID area will be liable or the levy or the duration

o the BID including the local authority, other statutory agencies

or non statutory bodies and agencies.

• The levy payments are not linked to what businesses actually pay

in rates but are based on the rateable value o the property.

• The levy payment may be subject to an annual increase of 1%

on the approval o the Board o Directors e.g. RV o £25 000

will have a levy o £250 in year 1, Year 2 £252.50, Year 3 £255,

year 4 £257.55, year 5 £ 260.12.

• Any non-payment of the BID investment levy will be strongly

pursued and statutory powers will be enorced to ensure airness

to those businesses that have paid the levy.

• The levy must be paid in one instalment. Payment must be made

within 14 days rom the date the levy invoice is issued.

• Properties with a rateable value of under £25,000 will be exempt

rom the levy and are not eligible to vote.

• The list of BID levy payers and their contribution will be updated

by the BID management team throughout the duration o the BID.

• There will be no levy relief for charities, public bodies or empty

buildings. I the property is empty on the date o issue o the levy

or at any time during the BID term, the property owner will be

liable or the ull levy amount until the property is occupied.

Ice & EpeditreEssential Edinburgh core operational costs represent

20% of total expenditure, recognised as best practice

by BIDs Scotland.

• If the occupier (the eligible person, liable to pay the non

domestic rate) vacates a property, rebates or the outstanding

unoccupied period will be given at the discretion o the BID

Board.

• If there is a change or multiple changes in occupier then rebates

will be given at the discretion o the BID Board o Directors. Until

a new occupier is ound or a property the property owner will be

liable or the amount o levy.

• Any additional rateable property formed/created, subdivided

or merged during the lietime o the BID will be liable to paythe levy e.g. new building developments, alterations to use

such as church property becoming commercial.

The Ballt• All eligible voters (i.e. those persons liable to pay non domestic

rates) will have one vote or where a person is liable or non

domestic rates or more than one business, that individual shall

be eligible to cast more than one vote however they will be

required to pay the levy or each o the properties they occupy.

• If a person (owner) owns more than one property (which is

vacant) and they are liable to pay the non-domestic rate, that

person will be eligible to cast one vote, but the rateable value

or each property will be combined. They will also have to pay

the levy or each o the vacant properties they own.

• Where a business property is vacant the voting papers will be

sent to the property owner.


BuDGET 2013-2018

InComE YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 ToTAL

LEVY (net) 97% 974,891.45 984,640.36 994,486.77 1,004,431.64 1,014,475.95 4,972,926.17

OTHER INCOME* 48,000.00 48,000.00 48,000.00 48,000.00 48,000.00 240,000.00

Edinburgh Farmers Market 130,000.00 131,300.00 132,613.00 133,939.13 135,278.52 663,130.65ToTAL 1,152,891.45 1,163,940.36 1,175,099.77 1,186,370.77 1,197,754.47 5,876,056.82

ExPEnDITuRE

Marketing/Comms/Events 363,792.28 462,128.92 441,145.89 404,084.22 408,309.27 2,079,460.58

Clean and Attractive 289,253.06 289,955.91 290,679.84 291,425.49 292,193.52 1,453,507.82

Sae and Secure 57,000.00 24,000.00 24,000.00 24,000.00 24,000.00 153,000.00

Acessibility 20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 30,000.00 110,000.00

Facilitation 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 65,000.00 65,000.00 160,000.00

Contingency 5% 32,031.16 35,201.33 34,023.61 34,848.06 35,424.71 171,528.86

C entral c osts 247,576.60 236,768.11 239,075.37 241,430.25 243,833.96 1,208,684.29

Renewal 2018-2023 0 0 0 20,000.00 20,000.00 40,000.00

TOTAL BID 1,019,653.10 1,078,054.27 1,058,924.71 1100,788.02 1,118,761.45 5,376,181.55

EdInburgh Farmers Market 103,074.80 103,274.80 103,476.80 103,680.82 103,886.88 436,394.20

T oTAL 1 ,122 ,727 .90 1 ,181 ,329 .07 1 ,162 ,401 .51 1 ,204 ,468 .84 1 ,222 ,648 .33 5 ,812 ,575 .75

Decit/surplus 30,163.55 -17,388.71 12,698.26 -18,098.07 -24,893.86 63,481.07

TOTAL SURPLUS YEARS 1-5 45,962.24

ASSumPTIonSOnly guaranteed income included.

LEVY includes a 1% annual increase . For example an RV of £25,000 will have a levy of £250 in Year 1,

Year 2 £252.50, Year 3 £255, Year 4 £257.55 Year 5 £260.12.

* Rental income rom Coee Pavilion in St Andrew Square Garden.



The Vtig PrcessYou will receive a notication o the ballot in March.

Papers or the postal ballot will be sent to you on the

11th April 2013 and must be returned no later than

the 23rd o May in order or you to cast your vote.

• Your ballot paper needs to be completed byplacing a cross in either a ‘YES’ or ‘no’ box,

as a response to the question “Are y i

avr the Bsiess IprveetDistrict?”

• The ballot paper must then be signed bythe person eligible to vote and returned in

the prepaid envelope.

• The ballot will close on the Thrsday 23rd

may 2013 at 5p. Ballot papers received

ater 5pm will be deemed null and void.

• For the ballot to be successul there must

be a minimum “turn-out” of 25% of eligible

voters (the headcount) both by number andby combined rateable value.

• Of those that vote over 50% by number and50% by combined rateable value must vote

in avour o the BID or a postive result.

• The results o the ballot must be declaredby the City o Edinburgh Council within 1

week o the count. It is the City o Edinburgh

Council’s intention to publicly announcethe results on 27th may 2013.

• Following a successul ballot the decision

is binding on ALL eligible businesses within

the dened BID area, regardless o how theyvoted.

• Since 2008, the Essential Edinburgh teamhave delivered the BID projects and services

under the direction o the Essential Edinburgh

Board o Directors. Following a successulYes vote; Essential Edinburgh, a company

limited by guarantee, will continue with the

management and operation o the EdinburghBID rom 1st July 2013 and will run or a

period o 5 years. All Directors will maintain

their positions on the Board until the AGMwhere nominations or appointment as a

director can be submitted or consideration

by the Remuneration & NominationsCommittee. Candidates will then be proposed

to the ull Board o Directors and appointedsubject to a majority vote o the existing

Board o Directors.

• The Board will ensure that individuals being

invited to join the Board ull the normal good

practice, duciary and governance criteria.

Fll details BID cpay gverace,

ballt prcedres ad relevat legal

irati are available via r website

at: www.essetialedibrgh.c.k r reqest

i writig.


avid Johnston

ontpelier Group

“ Essential Edinburgh strives to provide our city with a united voice by understanding

local business needs and pursuing plans

that will benet the economy o our city

centre. A Yes vote in the renewal ballot

will ensure that all local businesses are

continued to be heard and supported.”

David Jhst

mtpelier Grp



Alterati StateetThe BID Board o Directors will have the authority to adapt or alter

the projects and services rom year to year to refect changes in

economic circumstances - or any new opportunities that may arise.

This will be in the best interests o the businesses and without

recourse to an alteration ballot.

• The company reserves the right to work with representatives from

other BIDs who can oer specialist expertise where appropriate.

• The Board of Directors reserves the right to consider creating

a charitable arm o the company to enable it to secure additional

unding that can only be sourced with charitable status.

Assessig ad miiisig Risk The Board will take all steps necessary to minimise any risk

associated with the BID (nancially or otherwise) by only using

reputable contractors to deliver BID projects. The Board will also

adopt best practice in governance and operational procedures

whilst being open and transparent in its operations.

The BID will undergo an Assessment and Accreditation Interim

Review (AAIR) - an independent evaluation o its activities both

at the halway point and toward the end o its second term to ensure

it is delivering the projects and services as detailed in this plan.

Prtig the BIDAll BID projects and services will be branded to clearly inorm levy

payers and all interested parties o the activities and progress o

Essential Edinburgh. Essential Edinburgh will continue to play its

part in the national BIDs amily and will collaborate with other BIDs

in exchanging good practice ideas whilst maximising the collective

strength o BIDs by working closely with BIDs Scotland.

measrig SccessThroughout the lietime o the BID, all work on projects identied in

this Business Plan will be monitored to ensure that they achieve a

high level o impact and that they are progressing to the satisaction

o the businesses in the BID.

The Board o Directors will monitor and oversee the ecient

delivery o the BID projects.

Evalati ad mitrigThe Company will undergo an Interim Review o its activities both at

the hal way point and towards the end o the second term to ensure

it is delivering the projects and services as detailed in this plan.

Essential Edinburgh this year secured Accredited BID status rom

both BIDs Scotland and British BIDs, demonstrating to our levy

payers that the company is implementing best practice in all areas

o management.

“ The independent assessment o Essential

Edinburgh establishes that the BID is perorming

well against all areas o operation and activity

with no major risks or issues identied.

Essential Edinburgh is delivering good quality

project activity and is well-placed to move

orward into a second BID term.”

(Summary report by Mhairi Donaghy, Associate Director,

independent consultancy, EKOS)

Cicati ad Ctactwith Levy PayersThe Company will liaise with all levy payers and stakeholders by all

means at its disposal including regular emails, newsletters, media

coverage, Essential Trends bulletins, meetings, visits by BID Liaison

Ocers etc. This will ensure that all levy payers are kept inormed

o all progress the BID is making on their behal.

Cllecti the levy• City of Edinburgh Council will continue to collect the levy on

behal o businesses within the BID area. This ensures completetransparency, security o money collected, and auditable

collection procedures. These monies are then drawn down

as agreed in the Operating Agreement to deliver the project

and services over the ve year period.

• The BID Revenue Account and levy cannot be accessed by the

City o Edinburgh Council nor can it be used by the City o

Edinburgh Council as an additional source o income.

Essential Edinburgh will ormally measure perormance through

the ollowing Key Perormance Indicators (KPI’s):

• Footfall research

• LEAMS report

• CIMS report

• Customer satisfaction surveys

• Survey of BID levy payers

• Vacant property reports

• City Centre Revenue

• Visitor Survey Report

• Car park data

• Crime statistics

The projects and services delivered by Essential Edinburgh will

either be in addition to services already provided, enhance those

existing services - or introduce a new level o service considered

to be a priority by businesses. Statutory services, currently

delivered by City o Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders

Police, are known as Baseline Services*. A Baseline Services

Agreement is in place and will identiy precisely what the statutory

authorities provide to the area in return or their business rates and

ensure that the levy investment does not duplicate any services

already provided. The level o progress made on these projects

will be assessed during each year o the BID and reported back

on a regular basis to levy payers through perormance measures

including:

• Monthly operations meetings

• Quarterly monitoring meetings to ensure compliance

with Baseline Service Agreements

• Annual Review

• AGM

• Quarterly board meetings

• Newsletters

• Continual website updates

• Frequent e-bulletins

Streets iclded i the BIDCastle Street, Charlotte Square (between George Street and South

Charlotte Street: No 33 – 39 only), Elder Street, Frederick Street

(South o George Street), George Street, Hanover Street (South o

George Street), Hope Street Lane, James Craig Walk, Meuse Lane,

Multrees Walk, Princes Street, Rose Street, Rose Street Nor th Lane,

Rose Street South Lane, South Charlotte Street, South St Andrew

Street, South St David’s Street, St Andrew Square, St James Centre,

Waverley Steps, West Register Street, West Register Street Lane.

*Example baseline services include:

• Lighting

• Maintenance

• Highways

• Car Parking

• Estate Management

• Public Transport Services

• Trafc Enforcement

• Trading Standards

• Public Conveniences

• Street Furniture

• Police

For a ull and detailed list o services provided in the BID area see

www.essetialedibrgh.c.k


VoTE YES11TH APRIL

To 23RD mAY



Essetial Edibrgh, 139 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JY

t: 0131 220 8580 e: [email protected] w: www.essentialedinburgh.co.uk

Wh are Essetial Edibrgh?

The Bard:

Dezil Skier

Chair

Viie o’BrieStandard Lie Investments

Greg WardCity o Edinburgh Council

Grd DrdHarvey Nichols

Kevi Havelck

Royal Bank o Scotland

Barry BlaireThe John Lewis Partnership

Christpher Waye-WillsMacdonald Hotels

David JhstMontpeliers (Edinburgh) Ltd

Rss TppigDirty Dicks, 1780 & The Rosehip

David J BirrellEdinburgh Chamber o Commerce

Adrew WatsFranchisee, McDonald’s Restaurant

malcl Graha

Chie Superintendent

marti ClarkeEdinburgh Woollen Mill

Grd DalrypleBoots Princes Street (Joining)

The Tea:

Ady nealChie Executive

Carly SithPA to Chief Executive (P/T)

Sha DavidsHead of Corporate Services (P/T)

Eily JhstMarketing and CommunicationsCoordinator

Bria mcAteerEvent Coordinator

Richard Darke

Projects Coordinator

Cassadra RitchieBID Liaison Ocer

Grat StewartBID Liaison Ocer

Grat RbertsMarket and Events Assistant

Gillia JaesMarketing Assistant (P/T)

Essential Edinburgh Business Plan

Documents

Transcript of Essential Edinburgh Business Plan