'Overwhelming' yes vote secures Falkirk Delivers Business Improvement District for another five years
The Falkirk Delivers Business Improvement District (BID) will run for another five years after businesses in the town voted overwhelmingly to renew its term.
The latest ‘yes’ vote marks a historic fifth term for the town’s BID – Scotland’s longest-running – and secures a new five year programme of investment, support and partnership working.
More than nine in ten of the businesses to vote, voted in favour of the renewal, with 90.36 per cent voting yes.
Support was also strong by rateable value, with 86.66 per cent of the total rateable value voting in favour.
The result provides a strong mandate for Falkirk Delivers to continue its work and build on its track record of supporting Falkirk’s business community.
The renewed BID, which runs from 2026 to 2031, will continue supporting businesses across Falkirk town centre, while welcoming Central Retail Park and surrounding businesses in the improvement district for the first time.
The expanded boundary aims to bring together Falkirk’s key retail destinations and wider business community, creating stronger connections across the town and a more joined-up destination for businesses, residents and visitors.
The result of the ballot marks an important new chapter for Falkirk's business community, bringing together independent businesses, national retailers, hospitality operators, services and retail park businesses with a shared ambition to create a safer, cleaner, more attractive and successful destination.
Elaine Grant, BID manager at Falkirk Delivers, said: “Today’s result is a resounding vote of confidence from Falkirk businesses and recognition of the value that working together can deliver.
“The next five years will build on the work already delivered by Falkirk Delivers, including supporting businesses, improving the town centre environment, creating activity that attracts visitors, supporting safer trading through initiatives such as Shop Safe Radio and CCTV partnership working, and helping businesses access grants and training opportunities.
“We are particularly pleased to be welcoming a host of new businesses from the Retail Park and surrounding area into the BID, helping to strengthen connections across Falkirk’s business community. This is not about one part of Falkirk replacing another; it is about creating a stronger, more connected destination by bringing the town’s retail areas and wider business community together.”
The renewed BID will continue delivering projects focused on increasing footfall through events, campaigns and destination marketing; supporting safer trading environments and tackling retail crime; providing practical town centre support through initiatives such as Street Ambassadors and handyman services; supporting business development through signposting grants, training and advice; and promoting Falkirk as a vibrant place to shop, visit and invest.
The team will continue to work closely with local businesses, Falkirk Council, community partners and other stakeholders to deliver the priorities set out in the Falkirk Delivers Business Plan 2026–2031.
Deborah Taylor, BID chair, added: “We would like to thank every business that took part in the ballot process. The renewal gives Falkirk businesses the opportunity to continue shaping the future of the town and work together to deliver positive change.
“I’d also like to personally thank the BID team for all their hard work, not only over the past five years, but for their dedication, commitment and professionalism throughout the ballot process.
"Their hard work has helped us reach this important milestone and secure the future of Falkirk Delivers for another five years.”
Further information about Falkirk Delivers and the 2026-2031 Business Plan can be found at: https://falkirkdelivers.com/businesses/business-support-bid/