Stirling BID suspends Levy Payments in wake of Covid 19 Crisis

Stirling’s Business Improvement District (BID) is suspending levy payments in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

Article Source: Blackburn Communications
Last Updated: 26 March 2020 11:03

STIRLING BID SUSPENDS LEVY PAYMENTS DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

Stirling’s Business Improvement District (BID) is suspending levy payments in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

The team at Go Forth Stirling has announced plans to halt the collection of payments made by the city’s traders for a period of six months.

Meanwhile, the organisation continues to work with a local partnership set up to help businesses survive the current crisis.

Go Forth Stirling’s Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “We are working as hard as we can to support our traders during this testing time and looking for practical ways in which we can provide assistance and reassurance.

“There have not yet been any government instructions regarding whether BID levy payments should be reduced at this time in line with business rate reductions, however, we believe this is something we should go ahead with as quickly as possible and hope other Business Improvement Districts will follow suit.

“It is not in the best interests of Stirling city centre traders to make their levy payments at this time and we have decided to suspend them for six months.”

Like all BIDs, Go Forth Stirling charges business owners a levy which varies according to the rateable value of their retail premises.

The funds are then invested back into Stirling city centre to develop projects and events aimed at increasing footfall plus grants and schemes to improve the city centre environment for shoppers and retailers alike.

Ms McRorie-Smith added: “Any business which has already paid their levy in advance for the year will be able to use the suspension period towards future payments.”

The team at Go Forth Stirling is also working within the newly formed partnership – along with Stirling Council, Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce and other local organisations – to support businesses throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

A website - www.investinstirling.com/investor-support/corona-virus-advice – has been set up as a portal for Stirling-based businesses to access the most accurate and up to date advice and guidance.

It includes details of available government grants plus links to online forms.

A jobs portal has also been created - www.investinstirling.com/investor-support/job-opportunities - as a central point for employers impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak who need additional staff.

It is open to any employer who needs to recruit workers as increasing and changing demands hit key sectors and is also a useful tool for those who have lost jobs as a result of the disruption.

There is also a hotline – 01786 498496 – to enable business owners to access direct support from experienced business advisors.

Go Forth Stirling will also continue to work behind the scenes on plans and projects which will benefit traders and the city of Stirling throughout the Covid-19 crisis period and beyond.

Ms McRorie-Smith said: “We want to reassure traders that we are here for you and will be working on your behalf throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We will also be ready to deliver projects which will help the city and our wonderful businesses to thrive once the current crisis is over.”

“We ask our members to keep in contact via our email address and share their concerns, needs and ideas with us.”

Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District (BID) represents close to 400 local businesses with a key objective of delivering projects and services which improve the area’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors.

The BID was set up in September 2017 following a vote among the city’s traders and runs for an initial five-year term.

For more details visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk

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