BID-ding for Improvements – Dundee Businesses Urge a ‘YES’ Vote!
A group of Dundee city centre businesses are urging fellow traders to vote for the Dundee BID, describing it as an ‘opportunity for lasting change that can’t be missed’.
By pooling resources, a Dundee Business Improvement District would deliver a safer, cleaner and more vibrant city where the business community has a voice and is actively involved in positive change.
If approved by ballot, the Dundee BID will comprise approximately 380 eligible city centre businesses, spanning national retailers, traditional family businesses, cultural venues, hotels, and third-sector organisations.
By contributing a set levy based on their rateable value, 1.5%, they could potentially raise £2.4 million over five years, which would be invested directly into city centre improvements. All levy payers would have a say in the BID’s priorities, which might include enhanced street cleaning and maintenance, marketing and events to drive footfall, crime reduction and security initiatives, business support and networking, and improvements to public spaces.
Businesses with a rateable value below £25,000 would not pay the levy and are not eligible to vote. However, they would still benefit from the BID’s investment and would have a role within the BID Board, if the proposal succeeds.
The BID can only be introduced if the majority of businesses operating in the city centre vote ‘yes’ in a postal ballot. The six-week voting period ends at 5pm on 19 March 2026, with the result announced the next day.
Today, a group of local organisations gathered to encourage others to vote ‘yes’.
Gillian Dunlop, Service Manager, Capability Scotland, explained, “For us, this isn’t about driving sales or increasing footfall, it’s about creating a city centre where everyone feels safe and included. Most of the people we support can only access the community alongside our staff, and that includes spending time in the city centre, whether that’s swimming, shopping, meeting for lunch or getting a haircut. We work to ensure the people we support are safe, healthy, active, respected and achieving. Their experience in the city centre should reflect those same values. If we all get behind the BID, we can create a place that doesn’t just thrive commercially but truly belongs to everyone.”
Meanwhile, Scott Jarron, owner of long-established butchers, Scott Brothers added, “Our family business started almost 100 years ago and I remain extremely committed to Dundee, but we’re seeing too much go wrong in the centre. High street businesses are struggling and we can’t let things deteriorate further. We also need to revitalise the night-time economy. I’ve lived here all my life and our night life used to be unbelievable. While the likes of Live House are doing a great job in attracting big names in, what else can we do to bring people in at night, help them feel good about coming into town, and ensure they get home safely?
“The Dundee BID presents an opportunity to turn that around, get the streets cleaner, safer and more welcoming. Too often, the first impression when you come into the centre is negative, and we need to get that fixed. The BID will have a lot to do but, together, and with a ‘can-do- attitude, we can agree on how the money is spent and take some tangible action.”
And while small businesses with a rateable value of under £25,000 are not eligible to vote, they will still benefit if the BID is approved.
Carrie Shannon, Co-Owner of Archies and co-Chair of Dundee BID said, “As Co-Chair of the proposed Dundee BID, I believe this is a defining moment for our city centre.
“The challenges facing high streets are real, but so is the opportunity. A BID gives businesses in Dundee the power to invest collectively in marketing, safety, events and long-term improvements, with funding ring-fenced specifically for the city centre. This is about businesses taking control of their own future and creating lasting change, together.”
Louise Fraser, Project Manager, Dundee BID stressed, “City centre businesses are crucial to our local economy and the wider image of Dundee. Through my many discussions with business owners over the last few months, it’s clear we’re at a critical juncture in our city centre’s life. Many businesses tell us they feel isolated and disconnected from decision-making.
“It doesn’t have to be that way. We’re urging people to channel the passion and pride that drew them to Dundee, along with the optimism and determination that keep them here, into something productive. By coming together, we can unlock targeted improvements that no business can deliver alone. If we are to maximise our potential, we need the BID to succeed. This is an opportunity for lasting change that can’t be missed. Make your voice heard and vote ‘yes’ before the 19th of March.”
Eligible businesses should have received a ballot paper for each property that falls within the Dundee BID zone.
If you were expecting to vote, and your ballot paper has not arrived or you require a replacement, contact hello@dundeebid.co.uk without delay.
Completed ballot papers should be returned to the ballot box at Customer Services, Dundee City Council, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS by 4pm on 19 March 2026.
For more information, visit www.dundeebid.co.uk
ENDS