Your Business Your Future

Vote YES

Business Plan 1st July 2013 to 30th June 2018

A vibrant City Centre leads to a vibrant City

Rt Hon Donald Wilson Lord Provost

Andy Neal Chief Executive, Essential Edinburgh

Over the last five years, we have worked hard to represent the businesses of Edinburghs city centre BID, providing a powerful voice for business, campaigning for change, delivering real improvements and overcoming challenges by acting together.

It is now time to vote in a renewal ballot to secure the city centre BID for another 5 years.
With your ongoing support, the heart of Scotlands capital city is now a cleaner, safer and more attractive place to do business. It offers a warm welcome for visitors and locals alike and we believe that theres a bright future ahead. A re-launch of the city centre is essential to return visitors and shoppers once trams are in operation and will be the largest promotional campaign the city has ever seen. Without the support, co-ordination and financial resources of the BID, this simply cannot happen.

03 Introduction 04 06 08 20 30 32 Chairmans Foreword We Are We Have We Will The BID Levy, Financials The Voting Process

We hope that this document will make the right decision clear.
Your YES vote will let us face the future together, with our commitment to a further five years of sustained improvement, dedicated support and promotion for the BID area.

28 Summary

34 Legislation
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Denzil Skinner Chairman, Essential Edinburgh

Chairmans Foreword
During the past five years we have succeeded in delivering upon our first business plan. In response to wider challenges facing our members we have delivered two additional benefits not included in that initial plan: We have consulted widely and listened to your concerns and wishes, this Business Plan reflects the priorities you have defined for us. This is your plan and we will deliver it. The over-riding priority is to maximise the opportunity afforded by the completion of the construction phase of the tram line. We have worked very closely with partners to negotiate a fund to market the City Centre with the focus being to re-connect those who live in and around Edinburgh. Never before has such a fund been proposed in Edinburgh and it is dependent upon your YES vote. We will enhance the Clean Team service and use our ability to organise collective purchasing to deliver tangible benefits across a wider range of services. Our work with partners will continue to challenge ideas and assist in developing a coherent strategy for the City Centre. Our central role in establishing a collective way forward for George Street during the Festival will maximise opportunities for your business and is a clear example of how we can use our influence to your benefit. Next year will see the Commonwealth Games, The Ryder Cup and Homecoming 2014 celebrations in Scotland and we must ensure that we have plans in place for your business to benefit fully from these unique events. To achieve all this for you, we need you to vote YES in the April renewal ballot to ensure the continuation of Essential Edinburgh for a further 5 years. There is much to be done and we are champing at the bit to continue and build upon the start we have made. Denzil Skinner Chairman, Essential Edinburgh

 There is a recognition by both Marketing Edinburgh and the Council, that the new tram represents an excellent opportunity to re-launch the city to visitors and shoppers. Together, these organisations with Essential Edinburgh will work toward creating a marketing fund of 1 million which will be invested in the city over two years. Central to this is the successful renewal ballot for Essential Edinburgh who will drive forward this campaign.
Greg Ward Head of Economic Development The City of Edinburgh Council

 We have identified savings of over 250,000 for BID businesses by introducing collective purchasing of waste collection services.  We have initiated a facelift of Rose Street, which has already had a positive impact on the area, a clear demonstration of how leveraged funds can produce results on the ground.
Your BID has gained accreditation from British BIDs (one of only 12 in the UK) and BIDs Scotland. This confirms our operating practices and procedures are of the highest standard.

Accreditation

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WE ARE
 Committed to delivering measurable improvements for all businesses in the BID area, helping our stakeholders both make and save money.  Uniquely experienced with five years of working in partnership with our levy payers and partner agencies to deliver solutions for businesses in our city centre.  Determined to be strong advocates for BID area businesses, demonstrating our collective strength in lobbying, marketing and in purchasing services at best possible value.  Entirely focussed on Edinburgh City Centre. While business rates are apportioned across the country, your contribution to the BID area will only be spent in your city centre on your chosen projects.
* A full list of the streets in the BID area can be found on page 35.
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BID area*

The Business Improvement District

Essential Edinburgh was established to run Edinburghs Business Improvement District; a defined area where businesses vote to invest collectively in local improvements in addition to those provided by the Local Authority and Police. In this document, we will outline successes delivered over the last five years and the plans for the future we have developed by listening to feedback from BID businesses. We have worked hard to ensure your BID area is:

Promoted as a great place to work, visit, shop and enjoy.  Clean and Attractive so that everyone experiences our city centre at its best.  Safe and Secure both night and day, minimising crime and supporting business.  Accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities who want to enjoy our city centre.
It is time to vote in a renewal ballot which can secure the support and expertise of Essential Edinburgh for the next five years. All the important details about how the ballot process works, how you can take part - and why its critical that you do are included at the back of this document.
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WE HAVE

Promoted the BID area

Edinburgh footfall has performed well. In the twelve months before the most recent tram works, Edinburgh outperformed UK footfall averages in 9 out of the 12 months.
Spa in the City, 2012

To gather more data on the flow of pedestrians around the BID and monitor the health of the city centre, we have installed new and additional footfall counters within the District, raising the number from 2 to 7. As trams move into operation in the near future, this new equipment will be used to track positive impacts on pedestrian movements in our city centre.

 The event was good, very busy! There was definitely an increase in sales and footfall
Le Monde, Spa in the City

Events
From our outdoor cinema Under the Stars to the ever-popular Spa in the City, Essential Edinburgh events have driven footfall into the city centre and allowed businesses to showcase their products and services. Over 70% of Spa in the City attendees went on to eat, drink or shop in the BID area, using the exclusive offers booklet provided at the event. Your investment has enabled many other significant events designed to draw in visitors and raise the profile of businesses in the BID area. These events have included:

 The Fringe Hub at the Assembly Rooms - bringing 5000 additional people a day to George Street during the August festival. The Christmas lights switch on event and Ice Rink. A range of Art Festival events within the BID area. The Jazz Festival Carnival along Rose Street. Big Dance 2012.

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WE HAVE
Media Campaigns
With your significant collective investment, we have been able to market and promote the Edinburgh BID area and have a direct influence through wide-reaching campaigns including This is My Edinburgh and Edinburgh Sparkles. External evaluation showed that media coverage generated by Edinburgh Sparkles 2011 was worth well over twice the amount invested.* (Source: Marketing Edinburgh Evaluation 2011)

Promoted the BID area

The Privilege Card App
Our App is becoming an essential shopping tool, extending the advantages of the Essential Privilege Card to mobile device users. Encouraging people to shop in town its been used 22,590 times (and counting) helping to increase footfall and trade within the BID area.

Under the Stars - outdoor cinema screenings

Festivals
With key sponsorship during the Fringe Festival, Essential Edinburgh has helped drive footfall from the worlds largest culture and arts festival into our city centre. Businesses within the BID area have had the opportunity to promote themselves at no additional cost in the Assembly Fringe Guide over the last two years. We have listened to our stakeholders and worked hard to draw festival footfall into the BID area and create additional Fringe destinations. In 2012 we maximised the impact of the Assembly Rooms re-opening by securing the additional draw of the SpiegelTerrace on George Street.

Constant Contact
We began our first term by providing information and advice to visitors and tourists onstreet through our team of Ambassadors. Over their two-year project, they were instrumental in setting up our hugely successful Check Out scheme. This project has evolved to meet the needs of BID businesses and now employs two full-time BID Liaison Officers, providing an essential link between Essential Edinburgh and our stakeholders. Meeting with levy-payers on a regular basis, they listen to businesses and provide us with vital feedback on important issues, help to shape our strategy and inform levy payers about how new projects can best be of benefit to their business.

The Essential Privilege Card

Providing incentives for employees and shoppers in the BID area, benefitting from special deals, discounts and events.

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The Priviliege Card App

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WE HAVE

Made the BID area Clean and Attractive, improving the environment
Rose Street Poetry Planter Hanging basket, St Andrew Square

71% of visitors to Edinburgh believed the BID area was cleaner than the rest of the city.
Edinburgh Visitors Survey, 2012

Having gum cleaned from the front of our store has very much improved the approach to our business... the chaps doing the work did so in a very unobtrustive and pleasant manner...
Bill Barbour Whistles, George Street

Clean Team
A great success of the first term has been the impact of our Clean Team. They go beyond the baseline services provided by the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure our city centre is clean and attractive. In the last year, they removed gum from over 15,260 m2 of pavement an area greater than two full-sized football pitches! Keep Scotland Beautiful provide regular, independent audits of towns and cities across Scotland and their Cleanliness and Attractiveness rating for the Edinburgh BID area has risen 10% since the Clean Team started work. In addition there has been an 85% reduction in fly posting in the BID area as well as improved reporting on graffiti to speed its removal.

Flower Power
We have brought colour and decoration to George Street, Castle Street, Princes Street, Rose Street and St Andrew Square with hanging baskets and substantial planters.

St Andrew Square Garden

Essential Edinburgh opened the beautiful space at St Andrew Square Garden to the public in 2008. A popular draw for shoppers, visitors and city centre workers alike, the Garden has also been a stunning venue for events and exhibitions, delivering footfall to the area. 83% of businesses surrounding the garden expressed their appreciation for our management of the space, responding to surveys that quality and cleanliness are either excellent or very good.

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WE HAVE Helped to make the BID

area Safe and Secure
Almost 72% of businesses reported an increase in safety and security. 73% of visitors to Edinburgh felt that the BID area was safer than the city overall.*
Essential Edinburgh Business Survey, 2011 * Edinburgh Visitors Survey, 2012

Marshalled taxi ranks increase a sense of security

 We had one of our best stock loss results ever last year and made savings in excess of the levy fee. The Check Out initiative definitely contributed to this reduction in loss.
David King General Manager Romanes & Paterson Princes Street

Check Out
This unique project, launched jointly by Essential Edinburgh and Lothian and Borders Police has exceeded all expectations, involving over 150 retailers and using technology to reduce crime through real-time information sharing. Retail crime figures in the BID area show a reduction of over 30% coupled with an 80% solution rate - one of the best in the UK.

Check In
We have played an active role in tackling hotel crime in the capital, funding the website for this innovative partnership between hotels and the police. Check In is creating a safer environment for residents, staff and visitors; the customers and clients of businesses within the BID area.

CCTV and Transport Marshalls

Safety and security are paramount to the success and growth of the night time economy of the BID. We have funded two additional CCTV cameras at key locations, as well as providing Transport Marshalls to help get our evening customers and staff home quickly and safely, using suitable transport. Over four years, these initiatives have contributed to a 78% increase in peoples sense of security in the BID area at night*. (*source 2011 Progressive Partnership Survey.)

Childsafe
Our Childsafe scheme aims to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults and has helped unite dozens of lost children with their parents.

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WE HAVE Made the BID area

more Accessible
75% of visitors said that signage was better in the BID area than elsewhere in the city centre.
Edinburgh Visitor Survey, 2012

Map initiatives help shoppers and visitors into and around the BID

 As a Rose Street trader I have been very impressed with the work of Essential Edinburgh improved traffic management and signage has proved invaluable. We now have pedestrian status being enforced and this is all down to Essential Edinburgh.
Lin Cherrington Creative Cookware Rose Street

Parking
We have worked with the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver parking promotions at key trading times to encourage additional visits and spend. The Alive after Five project was designed to capitalise on the early evening shopping and leisure activities which are now very much a feature of customer shopping habits. Facilitating free parking to support later opening times helped our local businesses to compete with edge of town developments and increase their income. We provided maps for shoppers and visitors to the city centre which made it easy to identify parking areas both in and adjacent to the BID. Parking and access is the number one issue for most towns and cities across Scotland and will continue to be a priority project for Essential Edinburgh and our partners as we strive to improve access and parking provision.

Signage
We have worked in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council to improve signage in the BID area, specifically in the use of seven vertical information signs along Rose Street; the only business directory signage in the city centre - improving identity and creating a sense of place for our businesses and their customers.

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WE HAVE Facilitated group initiatives

for the benefit of all our stakeholders
Our waste management project has identified savings of over 250,000. Currently 170 businesses have joined the programme.
Waste Management
We have delivered significant savings for participating businesses on trade-waste collection costs through our Zero-2-Landfill scheme. Over half have saved more through this one initiative than the total cost of their annual BID levy. With some businesses seeing savings of over 75%, thats a financially rewarding way to be environmentally aware, improve corporate social responsibility and reduce the number of trade bins and lorry movements around the area. Its also an opportunity to help BID businesses comply with the upcoming 2014 waste legislation. With an approval rating of over 85%* we can use this project as a model for a range of other group buying initiatives such as utilities, communications and merchant services. (*source Business Feedback Survey 2011)

 We feel the work of Essential Edinburgh has had a fantastic effect on the Rose St area. Footfall has increased and our business has seen increased trade as a result.
Filling Station, Rose Street for your BID - securing 300,000 of promotional support for the city centre and ensuring a cessation of works during the vital Christmas trading period in December 2011.

Rose Street
We commissioned the Princes Trust for the Built Environment to help shape the development of Rose Street in consultation with businesses and owners. The resulting Rose Street Action Plan is now being delivered, with planning in place for new entrance ways and attractive street animation projects. It includes unique poetry planters, new bollards, improved lighting, de-cluttering of street furniture and enforced pedestrianisation at key times. This work will improve the appearance and environment of Rose Street creating a sense of place and a distinct identity for the area.

Trams
Essential Edinburgh has taken a lead role in bringing together city centre businesses concerned about the impact of the tram works and associated traffic restrictions. Chairing the key Trams Group and representing the views of our businesses in consultations with the City of Edinburgh Council, we have been a collective voice

Essential Trends
Our City Centre Monitoring Project, in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, keeps track of the health and vitality of the city centre by monitoring key indicators like footfall, visitors and turnover. These valuable statistics help with business planning for those in the BID, providing a constant overview of the city centres performance.

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WE WILL
We have been listening - in person, on the phone and through focus groups, meetings, our website and social media. We want to be sure that our objectives are matched to your priorities, delivering the best possible returns for everyone in the BID.  We will utilise 5 million of investment to deliver your chosen projects and initiatives for the BID area and actively seek additional funding from local government and partner agencies.  We will continue to represent your interests, voice your concerns and lobby for the changes you want to see. Were stronger together, whether influencing the right people, marketing your businesses or using our group buying power to save everyone money.  Essential Edinburgh has the unique experience and the right relationships to deliver our shared vision for the city centre, all the while maintaining a safe, clean, attractive and accessible BID area.

 We retailers need to make sure that following the tram works we re-launch the city centre; the best way that we can do that is to vote yes at the Essential Edinburgh renewal ballot. Essential Edinburgh will drive forward the relaunch and with their additional funding the campaign will have more impact.
Barry Blamire, MD, The John Lewis Partnership (Edinburgh)

 There is a recognition by both Marketing Edinburgh and the Council, that the new tram represents an excellent opportunity to re-launch the city to visitors and shoppers. Together, these organisations with Essential Edinburgh will work toward creating a marketing fund of 1 million which will be invested in the city over two years. Central to this is the successful renewal ballot for Essential Edinburgh who will drive forward this campaign.
Greg Ward, Head of Economic Development The City of Edinburgh Council

Our landmark investment will be in a major re-launch of the city centre once the trams are operational - the largest promotional campaign in the citys history. We will commit our resources and full support to coordinate a programme that brings people into the BID area and keeps them coming back.

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 It is also nice to see the pavements in front of the building chewing gum free, thanks to the Clean Team for cleaning our basement stairs including sick and dog waste, also for steam cleaning the mould. Another great job done!
Andy Curran The Royal Society of Edinburgh

WE WILL Promote the BID Area

5 Year Investment 2 million To consistently outperform UK footfall averages by 2%  Bring back shoppers who have been dissuaded from shopping in the city centre through a high profile re-launch once the trams are running, maximising the potential benefit to all stakeholder businesses.  Engage in marketing and promotion on your behalf in order to see the BID area consistently ahead of UK averages for footfall and revenue growth.  Continue to support and communicate with you through our BID Liaison Officers.  Advertise cultural, seasonal and festive events as part of the re-launch strategy, including TV and radio coverage.  Deliver a calendar of high-profile events, including our popular Spa in the City and Under the Stars film events and maximise the benefit of local and national events.  Continue to drive the Alive after Five campaign, growing revenue after 5pm and creating promotional opportunities for your business.  Create further free promotional opportunities for stakeholder businesses through the Essential Privilege Card and mobile app.  Improve signage from the Old Town as a key tourist destination, driving visitor footfall into the BID area.  Facilitate transport and parking initiatives to increase footfall and customer spend.

WE WILL Ensure the BID is Clean

& Attractive
5 Year Investment 1.5 million To ensure an increase of a further 10% in the Keep Scotland Beautiful audit score  Maintain our focus on cleaning doorways and steps from vomit etc.  Introduce an early morning shift for our Clean Team to ensure a spotless start for workers, visitors and shoppers arriving in our city centre.  Improve our scores by a further 10% in the independent Keep Scotland Beautiful audit an essential measure of the cleanliness and appeal of our city centre.  Facilitate an increase in the number of Princes Street waste bins.  Reduce the number of trade waste bins and improve collection to reduce costs to businesses and enhance the environment for everyone. M  aintain the current high standard in St Andrew Square Garden as a signature event space, leisure location and footfall magnet. E  xtend festive lights in Hanover, Frederick and Castle streets to visibly improve the area during this key shopping period and stimulate our cross streets as a vital gateway to the BID. E  nrich the BID area with stunning floral displays to provide a more attractive environment for customers and reflect our pride in the city centre.

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WE WILL Make the the BID

 Building on the success of our Check Out initiative, well measure our successes against Police crime figures to show ongoing improvement over the next five years.  Improve CCTV coverage with investment in additional camera equipment.  Facilitate additional lighting in areas identified by the police.  Enhance our retail security initiatives with an online FaceWatch community, sharing information between members and the police to identify potential risks.

increasingly safe & secure

5 Year Investment 153,000 To sustain the 30% reduction in retail crime already achieved and seek improvements wherever possible  Check Out has delivered real results that highlight the benefits of working with partners such as Essential Edinburgh. The project has been effective in reducing and preventing retail crime in the city centre, and has also improved solvency rates. As a result, criminal gangs and would-be thieves who might otherwise have viewed the city centre as an attractive target now see the area as a hostile environment.
Sgt. George Liddle, Lothian and Borders Police

WE WILL Maximise Accessibility

within the BID
5 Year Investment 110,000 to double the BID areas score for accessibility and parking, compared with the rest of the city (as measured by Edinburgh Visitors Survey)  Champion parking initiatives and pursue increased parking provision for business use and for visitors.  Develop a co-ordinated signage plan which helps visitors find their way into the BID and locate the businesses theyre looking for.  Support cyclists through improved access and secure bicycle storage facilities.  Ensure the accessibility benefits offered by the tram are marketed and harnessed for the benefit of your business during and after the re-launch campaign.

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 [the waste management scheme] is a great initiative for the city and reflects the work Essential Edinburgh is doing to support all businesses. Jenners and Frasers have an ongoing commitment to reduce waste in line with legislation, and this project gives us a great opportunity to continue to do so whilst reducing costs to our business.
Vhairi Matheson Jenners

WE WILL Facilitate group initiatives for the

benefit of all our stakeholders
5 Year Investment 160,000 Making the BID levy cost neutral by delivering savings to BID businesses  Use our collective buying power to secure valuable discounts on business costs such as: insurance, legal fees, merchant services etc.  Champion a controlled move to mixed use on Princes Street, driving increased revenue through a diverse offering and creating places to linger into the evening; spreading the BIDs vibrant night time economy onto this flagship street.  George Street Festival - expanding festival activities into all four blocks while maintaining parking and accessibility and creating new opportunities for all BID food and drink businesses to provide refreshments to festival goers.  Create cost savings and efficiencies through the extension of our Trade Waste initiative and related utilities projects.  Be a united voice representing your interests and influencing decision making in all forums.  Petition the Council to address the current situation with beggars and chuggers in the city centre.  Facilitate discussion on transport issues.  Work with BID businesses to find solutions which minimise delivery vehicle movements, improve the visitor experience and provide cost savings.

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IF THE BID CEASES TO EXIST YOU WILL LOSE:

Gordon Drummond Director, Harvey Nichols

 Over the past five years Essential Edinburgh has been very supportive and invested heavily in promoting the city centre, proving themselves an integral part of moving Edinburgh forward. Their management of St Andrew Square, with activities such as Spa in the City, Under the Stars film screenings, Edinburgh Art Festival and Edinburgh International Science Festival, has demonstrated their success in partnering with local businesses to attract shoppers and visitors to the area. Essential Edinburgh has, very importantly, helped maintain footfall during the ongoing traffic diversions throughout the City.
Gordon Drummond Director, Harvey Nichols

r A 1 million marketing campaign

r A strong voice to represent business r The future of St Andrew Square Garden

(400,000 from BID funds, 600,000 from public funds) to Re-launch the City Centre once Trams are operational
r A programme of events designed to

in the absence of Essential Edinburgh is unclear

r The future of Essential Trends, footfall

boost footfall at key times

r Chewing gum removal; Graffiti removal;

counters and the City Centre Monitoring Programme is unclear

r The Essential Privilege Card and App r Our co-ordinating role in the George

Clean Team hit squads

r  Lighting and floral arrangements r Check Out r Transport Marshalls and CCTV cameras r Bulk buying schemes for utilities and

Street festival hub and the associated benefits for your business

waste management

If the BID is not renewed, all activity stops in Spring 2013. In this current economic climate, it would be unrealistic to assume that this work will be taken on by others.

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The BID Levy

A BID levy is an equal and fair way of funding additional projects (additional to the Councils statutory and concessionary services). Over the past 5 years businesses have contributed a 1% levy based on the rateable value of their property. It has been agreed by the BID Management Board that the levy will be calculated at 1% of the rateable value of the property at the time of ballot (23rd May 2013) and throughout the 5 year term. When the Assessors revalue the rateable values in 2017 (or at any other time during the BID term), the levy will remain at the rate on the day of the ballot until the BID term ends in 2018.  All eligible non-domestic properties with a rateable valuation within the BID area will be liable for the levy for the duration of the BID including the local authority, other statutory agencies or non statutory bodies and agencies.  The levy payments are not linked to what businesses actually pay in rates but are based on the rateable value of the property.  The levy payment may be subject to an annual increase of 1% on the approval of the Board of Directors e.g. RV of 25 000 will have a levy of 250 in year 1, Year 2 252.50, Year 3 255, year 4 257.55, year 5 260.12.  Any non-payment of the BID investment levy will be strongly pursued and statutory powers will be enforced to ensure fairness to those businesses that have paid the levy.  The levy must be paid in one instalment. Payment must be made within 14 days from the date the levy invoice is issued.  Properties with a rateable value of under 25,000 will be exempt from the levy and are not eligible to vote.  The list of BID levy payers and their contribution will be updated by the BID management team throughout the duration of the BID.  There will be no levy relief for charities, public bodies or empty buildings. If the property is empty on the date of issue of the levy or at any time during the BID term, the property owner will be liable for the full levy amount until the property is occupied.  If the occupier (the eligible person, liable to pay the non domestic rate) vacates a property, rebates for the outstanding unoccupied period will be given at the discretion of the BID Board.  If there is a change or multiple changes in occupier then rebates will be given at the discretion of the BID Board of Directors. Until a new occupier is found for a property the property owner will be liable for the amount of levy.  Any additional rateable property formed/created, subdivided or merged during the lifetime of the BID will be liable to pay the levy e.g. new building developments, alterations to use such as church property becoming commercial.

Income & Expenditure

Essential Edinburgh core operational costs represent 20% of total expenditure, recognised as best practice by BIDs Scotland. BUDGET 2013-2018
INCOME LEVY (net) 97% OTHER INCOME* Edinburgh Farmers Market TOTAL EXPENDITURE Marketing/Comms/Events 363,792.28 289,253.06 57,000.00 20,000.00 10,000.00 32,031.16 247,576.60 0 1,019,653.10 103,074.80 1,122,727.90 30,163.55 462,128.92 289,955.91 24,000.00 20,000.00 10,000.00 35,201.33 236,768.11 0 1,078,054.27 103,274.80 1,181,329.07 -17,388.71 441,145.89 290,679.84 24,000.00 20,000.00 10,000.00 34,023.61 239,075.37 0 1,058,924.71 103,476.80 1,162,401.51 12,698.26 404,084.22 291,425.49 24,000.00 20,000.00 65,000.00 34,848.06 241,430.25 20,000.00 1100,788.02 103,680.82 1,204,468.84 -18,098.07 408,309.27 292,193.52 24,000.00 30,000.00 65,000.00 35,424.71 243,833.96 20,000.00 1,118,761.45 103,886.88 1,222,648.33 -24,893.86 2,079,460.58 1,453,507.82 153,000.00 110,000.00 160,000.00 171,528.86 1,208,684.29 40,000.00 5,376,181.55 436,394.20 5,812,575.75 63,481.07 45,962.24 Clean and Attractive Safe and Secure Acessibility Facilitation Contingency 5% Central costs Renewal 2018-2023 TOTAL BID EdInburgh Farmers Market TOTAL Deficit/surplus TOTAL SURPLUS YEARS 1-5 YEAR 1 974,891.45 48,000.00 130,000.00 1,152,891.45 YEAR 2 984,640.36 48,000.00 131,300.00 1,163,940.36 YEAR 3 994,486.77 48,000.00 132,613.00 1,175,099.77 YEAR 4 1,004,431.64 48,000.00 133,939.13 1,186,370.77 YEAR 5 1,014,475.95 48,000.00 135,278.52 1,197,754.47 TOTAL 4,972,926.17 240,000.00 663,130.65 5,876,056.82

The Ballot
 All eligible voters (i.e. those persons liable to pay non domestic rates) will have one vote or where a person is liable for non domestic rates for more than one business, that individual shall be eligible to cast more than one vote however they will be required to pay the levy for each of the properties they occupy.  If a person (owner) owns more than one property (which is vacant) and they are liable to pay the non-domestic rate, that person will be eligible to cast one vote, but the rateable value for each property will be combined. They will also have to pay the levy for each of the vacant properties they own.  Where a business property is vacant the voting papers will be sent to the property owner.

ASSUMPTIONS
Only guaranteed income included. LEVY includes a 1% annual increase . For example an RV of 25,000 will have a levy of 250 in Year 1, Year 2 252.50, Year 3 255, Year 4 257.55 Year 5 260.12.

* Rental income from Coffee Pavilion in St Andrew Square Garden.

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The Voting Process

You will receive a notification of the ballot in March. Papers for the postal ballot will be sent to you on the 11th April 2013 and must be returned no later than the 23rd of May in order for you to cast your vote.
David Johnston Montpelier Group

 Essential Edinburgh strives to provide our city with a united voice by understanding local business needs and pursuing plans that will benefit the economy of our city centre. A Yes vote in the renewal ballot will ensure that all local businesses are continued to be heard and supported.
David Johnston Montpelier Group

 Your ballot paper needs to be completed by placing a cross in either a YES or NO box, as a response to the question Are you in favour of the Business Improvement District?  The ballot paper must then be signed by the person eligible to vote and returned in the prepaid envelope.  The ballot will close on the Thursday 23rd May 2013 at 5pm. Ballot papers received after 5pm will be deemed null and void.  For the ballot to be successful there must be a minimum turn-out of 25% of eligible voters (the headcount) both by number and by combined rateable value.  Of those that vote over 50% by number and 50% by combined rateable value must vote in favour of the BID for a postive result.  The results of the ballot must be declared by the City of Edinburgh Council within 1 week of the count. It is the City of Edinburgh Councils intention to publicly announce the results on 27th May 2013.

 Following a successful ballot the decision is binding on ALL eligible businesses within the defined BID area, regardless of how they voted.  Since 2008, the Essential Edinburgh team have delivered the BID projects and services under the direction of the Essential Edinburgh Board of Directors. Following a successful Yes vote; Essential Edinburgh, a company limited by guarantee, will continue with the management and operation of the Edinburgh BID from 1st July 2013 and will run for a period of 5 years. All Directors will maintain their positions on the Board until the AGM where nominations for appointment as a director can be submitted for consideration by the Remuneration & Nominations Committee. Candidates will then be proposed to the full Board of Directors and appointed subject to a majority vote of the existing Board of Directors.  The Board will ensure that individuals being invited to join the Board fulfil the normal good practice, fiduciary and governance criteria.
Full details on BID company governance, ballot procedures and relevant legal information are available via our website at: www.essentialedinburgh.co.uk or request in writing.

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Alteration Statement
The BID Board of Directors will have the authority to adapt or alter the projects and services from year to year to reflect changes in economic circumstances - or any new opportunities that may arise. This will be in the best interests of the businesses and without recourse to an alteration ballot.  The company reserves the right to work with representatives from other BIDs who can offer specialist expertise where appropriate.  The Board of Directors reserves the right to consider creating a charitable arm of the company to enable it to secure additional funding that can only be sourced with charitable status. Essential Edinburgh will formally measure performance through the following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):  Footfall research LEAMS report CIMS report Customer satisfaction surveys Survey of BID levy payers Vacant property reports City Centre Revenue Visitor Survey Report Car park data Crime statistics The projects and services delivered by Essential Edinburgh will either be in addition to services already provided, enhance those existing services - or introduce a new level of service considered to be a priority by businesses. Statutory services, currently delivered by City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police, are known as Baseline Services*. A Baseline Services Agreement is in place and will identify precisely what the statutory authorities provide to the area in return for their business rates and ensure that the levy investment does not duplicate any services already provided. The level of progress made on these projects will be assessed during each year of the BID and reported back on a regular basis to levy payers through performance measures including: Monthly operations meetings  Quarterly monitoring meetings to ensure compliance with Baseline Service Agreements Annual Review AGM Quarterly board meetings Newsletters Continual website updates Frequent e-bulletins

Evaluation and Monitoring

The Company will undergo an Interim Review of its activities both at the half way point and towards the end of the second term to ensure it is delivering the projects and services as detailed in this plan. Essential Edinburgh this year secured Accredited BID status from both BIDs Scotland and British BIDs, demonstrating to our levy payers that the company is implementing best practice in all areas of management.

Streets included in the BID

Castle Street, Charlotte Square (between George Street and South Charlotte Street: No 33 39 only), Elder Street, Frederick Street (South of George Street), George Street, Hanover Street (South of George Street), Hope Street Lane, James Craig Walk, Meuse Lane, Multrees Walk, Princes Street, Rose Street, Rose Street North Lane, Rose Street South Lane, South Charlotte Street, South St Andrew Street, South St Davids Street, St Andrew Square, St James Centre, Waverley Steps, West Register Street, West Register Street Lane.

Assessing and Minimising Risk

The Board will take all steps necessary to minimise any risk associated with the BID (financially or otherwise) by only using reputable contractors to deliver BID projects. The Board will also adopt best practice in governance and operational procedures whilst being open and transparent in its operations. The BID will undergo an Assessment and Accreditation Interim Review (AAIR) - an independent evaluation of its activities both at the halfway point and toward the end of its second term to ensure it is delivering the projects and services as detailed in this plan.

 The independent assessment of Essential Edinburgh establishes that the BID is performing well against all areas of operation and activity with no major risks or issues identified. Essential Edinburgh is delivering good quality project activity and is well-placed to move forward into a second BID term.
( Summary report by Mhairi Donaghy, Associate Director, independent consultancy, EKOS)

*Example baseline services include: Lighting Maintenance Highways Car Parking Estate Management Public Transport Services Traffic Enforcement Trading Standards Public Conveniences Street Furniture Police For a full and detailed list of services provided in the BID area see www.essentialedinburgh.co.uk

Promoting the BID

All BID projects and services will be branded to clearly inform levy payers and all interested parties of the activities and progress of Essential Edinburgh. Essential Edinburgh will continue to play its part in the national BIDs family and will collaborate with other BIDs in exchanging good practice ideas whilst maximising the collective strength of BIDs by working closely with BIDs Scotland.

Communication and Contact with Levy Payers

The Company will liaise with all levy payers and stakeholders by all means at its disposal including regular emails, newsletters, media coverage, Essential Trends bulletins, meetings, visits by BID Liaison Officers etc. This will ensure that all levy payers are kept informed of all progress the BID is making on their behalf.

Collection of the levy

 City of Edinburgh Council will continue to collect the levy on behalf of businesses within the BID area. This ensures complete transparency, security of money collected, and auditable collection procedures. These monies are then drawn down as agreed in the Operating Agreement to deliver the project and services over the five year period.  The BID Revenue Account and levy cannot be accessed by the City of Edinburgh Council nor can it be used by the City of Edinburgh Council as an additional source of income.

Measuring Success
Throughout the lifetime of the BID, all work on projects identified in this Business Plan will be monitored to ensure that they achieve a high level of impact and that they are progressing to the satisfaction of the businesses in the BID. The Board of Directors will monitor and oversee the efficient delivery of the BID projects.

VOTE YES
11th April to 23rd May

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Who are Essential Edinburgh?

The Board:
Denzil Skinner Chair Vinnie OBrien Standard Life Investments Greg Ward City of Edinburgh Council Gordon Drummond Harvey Nichols Kevin Havelock Royal Bank of Scotland Barry Blamire The John Lewis Partnership Christopher Wayne-Wills Macdonald Hotels David Johnston Montpeliers (Edinburgh) Ltd Russ Topping Dirty Dicks, 1780 & The Rosehip David J Birrell Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Andrew Watson Franchisee, McDonalds Restaurant Malcolm Graham Chief Superintendent Martin Clarke Edinburgh Woollen Mill Gordon Dalrymple Boots Princes Street (Joining)

The Team:
Andy Neal Chief Executive Carolyn Smith PA to Chief Executive (P/T) Shona Davidson Head of Corporate Services (P/T) Emily Johnston Marketing and Communications Coordinator Brian McAteer Event Coordinator Richard Darke Projects Coordinator Cassandra Ritchie BID Liaison Officer Grant Stewart BID Liaison Officer Grant Roberts Market and Events Assistant Gillian James Marketing Assistant (P/T)

Essential Edinburgh, 139 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JY t: 0131 220 8580 e: info@essentialedinburgh.co.uk w: www.essentialedinburgh.co.uk

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