Traders urged to back Falkirk BID as it reaches 18 year milestone and renewal vote
Businesses are being urged to back Falkirk Delivers in a crucial vote for its future.
As the renewal ballot for the Business Improvement District (BID) is about to begin, local traders are being asked to once again endorse the initiative which has secured millions in funding and organised regular promotional events, as well as supporting them throughout turbulent economic times.
The vote comes as Falkirk Delivers marks its 18 year anniversary, making it Scotland’s longest-running BID.
Highlighting its support of the town centre, the BID highlights that over £1 million in additional funding has been secured in the past five years, while its popular Golden Ticket campaign alone has generated over £800,000 in town centre spend.
Footfall remains a massive priority, and the BID says its diverse calendar of events, from LEGO Trails and Dino Days to the Monthly Producers Market, has proven to be a vital draw. More than 500 town centre business events have been successfully promoted through the Falkirk Delivers What’s On Guide, contributing to a recent survey which revealed that a staggering 82 per cent of visitors stated they would not have visited Falkirk town centre were it not for BID events.
Reflecting on the 18-year journey, Elaine Grant, Falkirk Delivers BID manager, paid tribute to the resilience and community spirit of local traders.
"Reaching 18 years as Scotland’s longest-running BID is an incredible achievement," she said. "When we work together, we achieve things that truly make a difference. From generating millions for our high street to providing hands-on training for over 850 staff members, we have proven that collective investment works.
"As we approach the renewal ballot, we’re celebrating what we’ve delivered but also proposing what comes next based on direct feedback and consultation with local businesses. We want to build on the momentum of the past five years, expand our reach and continue to ensure Falkirk is a vibrant, safe and profitable place to do business. Whether that’s keeping the town centre looking its best or pushing for improved CCTV coverage and greater police presence.”
Looking ahead to a hopeful vote of confidence from traders, the next term will see an ambitious plan to expand the BID boundary to include Central Retail Park, a move designed to strengthen connections across the town and promote businesses working together as one joined up retail environment.
Deborah Taylor, chair of Falkirk Delivers, said local feedback has been the driving force behind the new proposals, adding: "Everything in our BID 2026-2031 term proposal has come from businesses and reflects their views.
"Through surveys and regular engagement, they have shaped our future direction. It is a business plan built by local businesses, for local businesses.
"I’ve been part of the Falkirk business community for many years, and I’ve seen first-hand the real difference we can make when we work together. By voting to support the BID, we can keep the momentum going and create more opportunities for growth."
Falkirk has long been known for the number of quality independent traders who line the town's streets. This week, several have spoken in support of the BID detailing how they have received everything from practical help with digital marketing to direct financial relief.
Lisa Fowler, owner of Scarlet Ribbons, credited the team with helping her business navigate modern retail challenges. "The support and advice we’ve received has been phenomenal," she said.
"From staff support and grant funding to improve our shop front, to IT training and saving money on our utility bills. The list is endless. I also really appreciate the ongoing work to tackle antisocial behaviour and keep our town centre clean. I would hate to see what Falkirk would be like if we did not have this team in place."
For long-standing businesses, the BID represents a vital safety net. Lauren Brown, owner of Sisters and Misters, which has been trading in Falkirk for 30 years, said: "I absolutely will be voting the BID back in. Having been in business for three decades here, I have seen the difference it makes when you’ve got a BID team on board that really work with you. They’re always at the end of the phone, they’ve brought in some brilliant promotions, and they are always there to help."
Other owners praised the tangible, day-to-day relief the team provides. Lorraine Glynn from Babe’s Boutique recalled how the team moved her entire shop from the Howgate to Glebe Street in just one day, arranging signage and offering immediate support.
While Andy Taylor of DTA accounting recognised what the BID means to the local community: “We’ve experienced first-hand the positive impact Falkirk Delivers has had on the town centre. The BID isn’t just about business, it’s about community. By voting yes, we’re backing a brighter future for Falkirk and helping ensure that local businesses continue to receive the BID’s support.”
Safety and environmental projects are also part of the BID's work: over 250,000 people have been supported by the town’s taxi marshal service since 2021, providing extra peace of mind for the night-time economy; traders also benefit from the Shop Safe Radio scheme and Retailers Against Crime system to combat retail theft; and visually the town continues to be enhanced through the Blooming Bairns floral programme and a dedicated BID handyman service.
Ballot papers will be dispatched to eligible town centre businesses by July 23, with voting set to close at 5pm on September 3.
The ballot will determine whether Falkirk Delivers continues its work for another five-year term. If the BID is not successfully renewed, all projects and services currently delivered by the organisation will come to an end in September.
Elaine Grant added: "An unsuccessful ballot would mean the immediate loss of all our vital services, from business improvement grants and promotional events to critical support in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour.
"Falkirk is undergoing massive change and investment right now, and losing this support would massively set back our business community. I’d urge local businesses to vote yes to keeping our town centre looking its best, securing future access to funding, fighting retail crime together and driving visitors along to the high-footfall events we all rely on."
Further information about the BID ballot is available here.