Tuesday February 17th 2026
This View has been written by Jill Simon, Dalkeith Means Business.
Dalkeith Means Business (DMB) is inviting local businesses to help shape the future of the town centre.
DMB is a growing, business-led association representing enterprises in Dalkeith and the surrounding area. It is supported by Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Midlothian Council.
Over the past few years, DMB has grown and delivered events, workshops, and initiatives focused on Digital Well-Being, Footfall Initiatives (the MV App), Geographical and location-based Initiatives (Dalkeith Town Centre Regeneration event), while building a strong and engaged local membership base.
The organisation is now progressing to the next phase of its work; DMB Forum: Providing a voice for the local business community. The DMB Forum seeks to build on its current network and strengthen partnerships. While doing so, it looks to gauge the local appetite for establishing a Business Improvement District (BID).
A BID is a business-led initiative where local companies vote on whether to invest collectively in projects that improve their trading environment. This can include initiatives to increase footfall, enhance town centre appearance, strengthen local security, and deliver coordinated marketing and events. Crucially, nothing proceeds without a formal vote from businesses.
DMB is now seeking endorsements from businesses and community stakeholders to demonstrate support, while also assessing whether there is sufficient appetite to explore a Business Improvement District (BID) for Dalkeith.
The chair of DMB, Tom Donaldson, said:
“Dalkeith first began to explore the possibility of a BID back in 2019 and garnered considerable attention. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the project was put on hold. We now hope to pick up where we left off to showcase how a BID could benefit Dalkeith and test the local appetite for it.”
Local businesses are encouraged to visit the website, learn more and add their endorsement. Endorse Dalkeith Means Business at: www.dalkeithmeansbusiness.co.uk/endorse-us
Supporters are also encouraged to share the link with colleagues and other local businesses.
Together, Dalkeith businesses can shape a stronger future.
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