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Schools Back! Working Together on Employability Skills

How can the summer holidays be almost over already? As pupils across Galashiels get ready to head back to school, we’re turning our attention to an issue that came up time and time again during last year’s business consultations – the employability skills of school leavers and part-time employees. Over the past few months, we’ve been in discussions with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), and we’re both committed to working together to address this issue. Our aim is to en

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Tackling Vacant Units in Galashiels

Vacant units are a challenge for many town centres – and we know it’s a key concern here in Galashiels too. Since the BID company launched just 18 weeks ago, we’ve been working behind the scenes to thoroughly understand the issue and develop a practical, long-term approach. We’ve been speaking with other Business Improvement Districts across Scotland to learn how they tackle long-term empty units, drawing on their successes to help shape our own strategy. At the same time,

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Creating a Safe, Secure and Welcoming Environment

This month, Mags joined Scottish Borders Council and Police Scotland for full-walk through of the entire BID area - from one end of the town to the other. We examined everything, from litter and empty units to signage and overall cleanliness, as well as the general atmosphere of the town. It was a chance to see, on the ground, what’s working well and where improvements are needed most. We examined everything, from litter and empty units to signage and overall cleanliness, as

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Helping Gala Businesses Cut Utility Costs

Many local businesses have told us that rising utility costs are a major concern – so we listened and arranged some practical support. Through BID for Galashiels, we’ve partnered with Eyebright Utilities, a company with over 10 years of experience helping Business Improvement Districts across Scotland cut their energy costs. Already, some of our members are saving thousands of pounds a year through this partnership – and you could be next. Eyebright offers: Reviews of you

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Scotland Loves Local

From the 25th to the 29th of August, we’ll be celebrating Galashiels’ fantastic businesses as part of Sc otland Loves Local week. This year’s theme – People Make Places – couldn’t be more fitting. After all, there’s surely no town that better embodies that spirit than Gala, named one of the happiest places to live in the UK. From long-loved favourites to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, our local businesses are at the heart of our town. You can explore them on our sist

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BID launches cost saving initiative

BID for Galashiels is delighted to announce a partnership with Eyebright Utilities. Eyebright work in conjunction with BIDs across Scotland to reduce operating costs for BID businesses. In more than 90% of cases, resultant savings are able to offset the BID levy, and more. Contact your Project Manager to find out more.

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BID Board of Directors appointed

We are delighted to announce the BID for Galashiels Directors: Lewis Roden, Mitchell Glass Helen Calder, The Salmon Inn Lauren Jamieson, The Colourful Edit Jay Hogarty, Jay Hogarty Properties Angela Buglass Kelly, The Vintage Besoms Luigi Caterino, TIJ Andy Hay, The Explorer Group Deborah Fuller, Wetherspoons Tam Denholm, Project Nero Sebastian Janus, Cullen Kilshaw Euan Jardine, Scottish Borders Council

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