​​​​​​​Still time to vote in Inverness Business Improvement District ballot 

At the end of January ballot papers were issued to all businesses who were eligible and who would become levy payers and members of the Inverness Business Improvement District (BID).

Any businesses who think they are eligible to vote but may not have received their ballot papers, or any electors requiring a replacement ballot must contact The Highland Council’s Election Office on 01463 702945.

The ballot is being conducted entirely by post. For the BID to be successful there must be a minimum of 25% turnout by the number of businesses 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.

A Business Improvement District is a partnership between a local authority and the local business community to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment within the boundary of a clearly defined commercial area, where businesses have voted to invest collectively in local improvements which will benefit the local economy.

BIDs have a maximum current duration of 5 years, and are either dissolved at the end of their term or go back to a vote to be renewed by a further ballot of all eligible businesses.

All ballot papers must be returned in the pre-paid envelope provided to the Electoral Reform Services by no later than 5pm on Thursday 22 March 2013. Ballot papers will be counted on Friday 23 March and the result announced at 2:30pm on the same day.

For further information on the BID, please contact Inverness BID Ltd, 17 Queensgate, Inverness, IV1 1DF; email bidmanager@inverness.uk.com or phone 01463 714 550.