Jul22493 41. Sligo Business Improvement District (Sligo BID) is dedicated to improving the sustainability and vitality of its 758 cross sector member businesses. Recognised in the Irish Enterprise Awards 2023, Sligo BID is celebrated for bringing a lot of heart to the community which surrounds it. Here we talk to Sligo BID’s CEO, Gail McGibbon, as it wins this esteemed title. Nestled between Galway and Derry, Sligo is defined as regional centre for growth in the Irish Governments most recent National Planning Framework – Ireland 2040. With a population just under 20,000, there is an ambition within the Ireland 2040 to double the population size to 40,000 by 2040. As some may already know, a Business Improvement District is a geographically defined location where businesses vote to pay an additional levy to fund projects within the geographic zone. This results in attracting higher levels of consumer footfall, longer consumer dwell time and increases in consumer discretionary spending. Funded through the BID’s levy, Sligo BID projects includes town centre festivals and events, Christmas lighting installations, tourism trade shows and retail and hospitality promotions and much more. Its CEO, Gail McGibbon, tells us, “Sligo made history in 2016 in adopting a Business Improvement District Scheme (BID), the first such entity located on the west coast of Ireland and the 4th such entity in the Republic of Ireland. The BID formed after completing two years of research on town centre development models and the BID represents hospitality, retail, service and industry businesses who fund agreed projects and initiatives.” Sligo BID’s mission is a balanced one – it aims to elevate Sligo’s profile as a destination of choice and continuously aims to define and refine the destinations points of difference from other Irish towns and cities. Sligo BID works hard to provide a high calibre of food, drink, activity, and entertainment product for both residents and visitors. Gail shares, “Sligo BID board members commit to always focussing on those activities/projects and initiatives that meet the core objective of making Sligo a better place to work, live, and visit.” The pandemic brought about a huge boost in online activity. To counteract this, Sligo BID recognises that places now have to be all things to all people, all of the time. Shopping, eating, drinking, socialising and being entertained are now standard expectations from consumers. The pandemic pushed Irish business owners to look at catering to an outdoor clientele – something our EU counterparts do very well and often do not have inclement weather added to the mix! Recent surveys within Ireland are showing a consumer preference for the option to be outside and therefore we must continue to adapt and enhance our outdoor spaces and streetscapes to accommodate this trend. The team at Sligo BID have a “strong team ethos,” are “consensus driven,” and they have “diverse opinions given the varied backgrounds of different business types.” They collaborate to deliver a high quality, memory building, immersive user experience, prioritising people’s safety and wellbeing. “In 2022, the Irish Government released its strategy for a Town Centre First (TCF) Policy. Throughout the Advisory Group consulting period and now the National Oversight Advisory Group (NOAG), Sligo BID was and is fortunate to hold a representative position. The regeneration programme and the impacts and outputs of the TCF has the potential to leave a lasting legacy on Irish towns and cities in the years to come and therefore business representation in that vision is a vital cog in both stakeholder engagement and input.” Gail says, “Sligo is a Purple Flag – internationally accredited award for reaching a standard of excellence in the Evening and Night-Time Economy – ENTE – award winning town since 2015, and the Sligo ENTE cross sector team is held within the community of Place Management as an excellent example of a productive, engaged, and informed town team.” As a wholesome and inviting location, Sligo BID helps to keep tourism alive in Ireland. Running through the company’s very beating heart are its values of inclusivity, respect, and support for the people. Sligo BID has now won Leading Experts In Urban Place Management 2023 for its dedication to its community. We are sure to see it continue to fund, aid, and consider its surroundings throughout everything that it does. Contact: Gail McGibbon Company: Sligo Business Improvement District (BID) Web Address: https://www.sligobid.ie/ Leading Experts In Urban Place Management 2023
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