Dundee Publican Calls for Hospitality Businesses to Back the BID
A Dundee publican is calling for fellow licensed trade and hospitality businesses to back the campaign for a Business Improvement District.
Eligible businesses have just days to submit their vote for the BID, which, through pooling resources, would deliver a safer, cleaner and more vibrant city where the business community has a voice and is actively involved in positive change.
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 hopefully announced the next day.
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.
As part of the BID communication process, a recent meeting was held in The Barrelman, attended by a group of local licensees.
Owner Tommy Fox, who also owns Bruach in Broughty Ferry, said, “I had some experience of BIDs in Stirling, so I understand the difference that working together can make. Historically, in Dundee, small groups of businesses used to meet regularly, and there was a shared radio system for licensees in case of urgent issues. Over the years, use of that has dwindled, and running a hospitality business feels pretty isolating, which can have knock-on effects.
“Having a BID could help bring us back together again and improve communication across the licensed trade and the wider hospitality sector. That shared communication and knowledge would also be valuable for marketing opportunities. For example, if we know that a cruise ship is coming in, a conference is being hosted, or there’s an event taking place in the city centre, we can all maximise those opportunities rather than letting them pass us by. That’s a win–win for everyone — our customers, our staff, and the image we project of Dundee.
“The BID would enable us to collectively market Dundee as a premier destination for large-scale conferences and events, driving significant footfall to our hotels, bars, and restaurants while fuelling the wider local economy.
“As the pre-vote BID survey indicated, safety, security and cleanliness are high on the list of concerns for businesses. We need to attract people into the city, but we also need to keep them here — and that requires the right environment. The city must feel attractive, welcoming and safe.
“While some of this responsibility lies with the local authority and the police, I’m also realistic and appreciate that they can’t do everything, 24 hours a day. So, whether it’s improving streetscapes, increasing greenery, or providing additional cleaning and security measures, it’s about working together cohesively, pooling our resources and making good use of the money we raise collectively.”
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.
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