Isle of Bute BID
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
FAQ
How did the BID begin?
The first stage of the Isle of Bute BID has already been successfully led by the Steering Group. The official BID work was on hold over the Covid period. It was restarted when Covid restrictions allowed, and the information as set by the Scottish government for BID's was disseminated. The vote was set out via an initial BID business plan, a ballot paper and information on the website. In September 2021 the vote came back positive to have the BID on Bute. 188 Bute businesses returned their ballot giving a turnout of 79%. The results were 115 in favour and 73 voting against. The aggregate total of the rateable value who voted was £1,451,585 with £1,026,500 in favour of the BID. Therefore, the vote was successful on all counts required by law and the BID Company became operational on 1st October 2021. All businesses located within the BID area are now required to pay the Levy based on the rateable value of their business premises as detailed in the initial BID Business Plan. The Levy is collected by the Argyll & Bute Council on an annual basis.
How many BIDs are there?
Currently there are 37 BIDs effective in Scotland and 320 across the UK. Many are now into their second and even 3rd terms. Many are town BIDs but all aim to make a difference to their local community and economy by actioning what they believe is essential for their area.
What is a BID?
BID stands for 'Business Improvement District'. Its formation enables all businesses within a town or district to work together and positively make impacts upon their local community. The previous start up BID Steering Group decided that the application to become a BID should be an island BID, not just its town centre of Rothesay.
The Steering Group wanted to ensure the BID was fully inclusive and benefited as many areas as possible, working together to address the prioritised areas for improvement.
What does the BID do?
The Isle of Bute BID works with Bute businesses and the community for the betterment of the island. By uniting local business owners across the UK’s first whole-island Business Improvement District, the Isle of Bute BID serves as a powerful collective voice and catalyst for community transformation. Rather than operating as isolated entities, Bute’s diverse businesses pool their resources and ideas to invest directly back into the island's infrastructure, economic growth, and public spaces.
Who does the BID benefit?
The Bute BID collaborates directly with our levy-paying businesses to pool resources and invest them exactly where they matter most. By funding high-impact local projects, this partnership doesn't just drive commercial growth and footfall for our members—it actively enhances the island's infrastructure, vibrant streetscapes, and community spirit, creating a thriving environment that benefits everyone who lives on, works on, or visits Bute. For residents, it means a more prosperous economy, a beautified town center, and a deeper sense of local pride. For visitors, these community-led efforts create a warm, unforgettable destination where improved amenities, welcoming spaces, and thriving independent shops make every trip to Bute exceptional.
Where does the money go?
A budget has been drafted and published. You can view it here.
Who runs the BID?
Owners or managers of Levy Paying businesses on Bute were able to nominate themselves or be nominated to join the volunteer Board as a Director of Isle of Bute BID. You can see the current board of directors here.
A seat on the BID Board is by no means an honorary position; it involves active participation and involvement in all aspects of honing and delivering the BID Business Plan. It requires attendance at numerous meetings and a willingness to work closely with the both the Levy Payers and the various statutory and non-statutory organisations and bodies that expect their input to be used for the best outcome for the Island of Bute.
I have a suggestion, who do I talk to?
You can contact us here or you can email us at info@butebid.com
How do I get help for my business?
We are always running business grant schemes. You can find them here. You can also reach us at info@butebid.com—we are always here to help and happy to assist in any way we can.