28.08.2026

1. Welcome and apologies.
‍In attendance: Kat Brogan, Arthur Mustard, Roddy Smith, JimGalloway, Andrew McRae, Diane Brown, Denzil Skinner, Neil Christison, DanielleMcRorie-Smith, Linzy Leroy 

Apologies: Andria Stirling 

The meeting opened with a brief discussion on trading duringthe Festival. Visitor numbers have been strong, but this has not necessarily translated into increased spend for retail or visitor attractions. Hospitality appears to have performed more strongly. 

‍2. Review of previous minutes:
‍Vicinity, the CRM system for managing BID area data, hasbeen approved and access is expected within the next two weeks. 

The budget was reviewed, including the allocation for designof the Business Plan. 

‍Action: Budget to be reviewed, taking VAT implications into account.

Thanks were noted to Essential Edinburgh for processing invoices to date. Two authorised signatures will be required for invoiceapproval going forward. 

Essential Edinburgh is due to meet with its accountant to consider the financial model for the two BIDs working together andopportunities for efficiencies. This will be followed by a meeting with thethree Co-Chairs to consider the potential accounting and organisationalstructure, financial visibility and post-ballot arrangements.

‍3. Steering group.
‍Attendance and participation by Steering Group members wasdiscussed. It was agreed that individual contact should be made to encouragegreater engagement.Tony Crolla will receive direct briefings due to hisavailability.Andria Stirling was unable to attend. Jim has been invitedto attend the next Gold Brothers Board meeting on 11 September. 
‍Actions:•           
- JG and DB to identify number ofpremises occupied by the Gold Brothers and Bindi Singh.
- AMcR tocontact to Mafalda (Virgin Hotel)
- JG is to contact all steering groupmembers individually to complete surveys and one to ones. 

‍4. Consultation and Survey responses.
‍A briefing document template has been created and isavailable on the shared drive. This can be tailored for individual sectors.

To date, 56 survey responses have been received, of which 35 are admissible. Current responses to the question on support for developing aBID are:
58% Yes
21% No
21% Unsure/ would like more information 

Kat has met with National Museums Scotland Enterprises andit has been confirmed that Helen Ireland holds the casting vote.

Action: Meeting to be arranged with Helen Ireland,JG, RS and KB. 

A positive meeting has also taken place with the Universityof Edinburgh.Sector-specific roundtables, either online or in person,were discussed. A visitor attractions meeting is scheduled for 9 September,with Michael Golding and Roddy attending.

Actions           
LL and DBto explore arranging a retailers' meeting.           
JG toexplore arranging a hoteliers' meeting.         
AM toexplore arranging a licensed trade and hospitality meeting. 

‍5. BID Boundary and Threshold

‍It was agreed that the proposed BID boundary and rateablevalue threshold will be revisited following the consultation.The Booking Office and Waverley Station will sit within theEssential Edinburgh BID area. 

‍6. Notice of Ballot
‍The Notice of Ballot letter to City of Edinburgh Council hasbeen drafted and is ready to be issued during the week commencing 7 September. 

‍7. Communications, Marketing and Business Plan Design
‍The Steering Group agreed that work should now begin on themarketing and design of the Business Plan, including development of a branding toolkit.The Essential Edinburgh and Old Town Business Plans will require an aligned section explaining how the two BIDs will work together.

The potential benefits of creating a visual connectionbetween the Old Town BID and Essential Edinburgh brands were discussed,including opportunities to reduce costs. It was also recognised that the OldTown has a distinct identity and audience. A clear business case will thereforebe required before deciding the appropriate approach.

‍Actions:
‍JG toreview the relevant budget allocation.
JG and DBto prepare a brief and obtain quotes from Union, Pretty Bright and BritishBIDs, together with any other appropriate suppliers, for the design and printof the Business Plan
AllSteering Group members to consider potential names for the BID company.Essential Old Town was suggested.

‍8. Website
‍The website has been updated with additional content,including bulletins and meeting minutes. The homepage has also been amendedfollowing feedback from DS. 

‍9. City of Edinburgh Council – Visitor Levy
‍There was a detailed discussion on the City of EdinburghCouncil Visitor Levy (TVL), including the need for greater clarity around howthe anticipated investment will be allocated and communicated.Concern was raised about potential duplication betweenCouncil expenditure funded through the Visitor Levy and projects that could bedelivered by the BID. Greater coordination and advance visibility of plannedactivity would help ensure BID resources are complementary and provideadditional value.It was agreed that the BID could provide businesses with astrong collective voice to engage with the Council and seek transparency andaccountability around the use of Visitor Levy funding.It was noted that only guaranteed income can be includedwithin the Business Plan financial projections. However, the Business Plan canreference the Visitor Levy and the potential role of the BID in representingbusinesses and lobbying collectively on how investment is directed within thearea. Action: Request an update following the Councilcommittee meeting. 

‍10. AOCB
‍The fortnightly bulletin has been well received.Positive feedback has been received from the ScottishParliament.A meeting with the Palace is scheduled. 

‍11. Date of Next Meeting
‍Wednesday 30^th September 2026, 11.00 at HunterSquareApologies received: Roddy Smith