Digital innovation and community building at the core of new strategic partnership
A new partnership has been forged to share insight into what makes Scotland’s places tick.
Technology solutions company Vicinity is the latest organisation to sign up as a strategic partner with Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) – a move which highlights both organisations’ work to embrace the understanding of data and the benefits of digital innovation for towns and cities.
STP is the go-to body championing Scotland’s town centres, sharing best practice and innovations to improve them. It is also the parent organisation for Scotland’s Improvement Districts.
The partnership will open up opportunities for improvement districts in particular, providing invaluable insights into data and trends which can help them – and other organisations – to make communities stronger, more sustainable and resilient places in which to live, work and visit.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “I am delighted to have Vicinity onboard as a strategic partner.
“Their innovative technology solutions are a really exciting offer that will be of great benefit to those who want to ensure our places are fit for the future by understanding in real detail how they tick. Data has a critical role to play in informing some big decisions
“At STP’ we aim to open opportunities for our members through our strategic partnerships. Our new collaboration with Vicinity will provide a platform for organisations across the country to consider how they might move their management and promotion of places to the next level, to the benefit of their community.”
Vicinity is a technology company dedicated to the place management industry, serving Business Improvement Districts, councils and property managers.
Chief Executive of Vicinity Henry Jinman said: “We are absolutely thrilled to become STP’s digital partner. This partnership is about knowledge sharing and fostering a culture of digital innovation and collaboration in Scotland’s towns and places.
“Vicinity are the custodians of data for more than 100 towns and cities in the UK, 51,000 businesses and in excess of £6bn-worth of rateable value.
“Our software empowers Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) throughout their entire lifecycle, from data ingestion from local authorities to issue reporting and ballot management. Through our mobile apps, we promote local places, local economies, and cultivate loyal user bases. Digital innovation and place-making are ingrained in our DNA.
“We’re excited to leverage our expertise through STP’s membership to support even more communities.”
Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager Marketing & Communications for Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District, said: “We have been working with Vicinity for three years and found their system invaluable for our renewal ballot last year. It has given us the ability to track and report on the value of our projects for our levy-paying businesses.”
