What is Aberdeen Inspired?
We are the city centre Business Improvement District for Aberdeen with a footprint that covers much of the heart of the Granite City. View our BID map here.
What does Aberdeen Inspired do?
Aberdeen Inspired is the award-winning champion for a community of almost 700 city centre businesses – our levy payers - striving to make the city centre the best it can be.
We offer our levy payers the chance to share experiences, stay in touch with city centre developments and also ensure that their voice is heard in the places where it matters most, including key policy-makers and decision-takers in Aberdeen.
We deliver acclaimed and economy boosting ventures including, Nuart, Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, Aberdeen Gift Card, Shop Aberdeen, Tall Ships Aberdeen, Umbrella Project and Christmas in Aberdeen.
We strive to deliver – with the help of the people of the north-east – a vibrant and thriving city centre people where people want to visit, linger and spend time and money, urging everyone to share our vision of regenerating the heart of the Granite City.
What exactly is a BID?
There are BIDs across the UK, all of them working to improve the area and community they serve. A Business Improvement District (BID) can only exist where the eligible businesses (levy payers) vote to give the BID a mandate to invest collectively in local improvements, campaigns and projects - over and above those provided by the local authority and police.
In 2021, city centre businesses voted overwhelmingly to give Aberdeen Inspired a fixed term of five years – running from June 2021 to June 2026. The renewal ballot for what would be a fourth term for Aberdeen Inspired is due by June 2026.
Who are we accountable to?
We are accountable to our levy-payers who vote every five years on whether the BID continues or not. This is why Aberdeen Inspired’s focus is always on ensuring we deliver for the businesses who operate within the BID footprint.
Are you part of Aberdeen City Council?
No, we are not. Aberdeen Inspired is not a substitute for statutory local government responsibilities, services or investment.
While we work closely with Aberdeen City Council – and other city centre stakeholders and partners – we are not part of the local authority.
How is a BID funded?
All eligible businesses in the BID area pay a set levy. This money is used to pay for the services and improvements we provide. A BID is also a mechanism for attracting additional funding for projects from other sources, such as public sector bodies including Aberdeen City Council, the Scottish Government and the UK Government and other revenue streams we identify.
Who pays the BID levy?
All eligible non-domestic properties with a rateable valuation of £27,500 or more within the BID are liable for a 1% levy on their rateable value for the duration of the five-year term; including properties of the local authority, other statutory agencies or non-statutory bodies and charities.
Properties with a rateable value under £27,500, alongside Places of Worship, are exempt from the levy. However, they may become an ‘voluntary levy payers’ if they wish.
Can businesses outside the BID area or those who don’t meet the rateable value threshold still join Aberdeen Inspired?
Yes, they can. We welcome any and all businesses who want to become a voluntary levy payer to enjoy all the benefits which being part of Aberdeen Inspired can offer.
Why is the BID levy invoice from Aberdeen City Council?
To be clear, this is not Aberdeen City Council funding or giving money to Aberdeen Inspired.
The local authority collects the BID levy on our behalf ensuring complete transparency, security of money collected and auditable collection procedures. The BID Revenue Account and levy can only be accessed by Aberdeen Inspired.
How can I find out more about Aberdeen Inspired?
To obtain further information on any aspect of Aberdeen Inspired or to become a voluntary levy payer please contact info@aberdeeninspired.com.