Positive Possil

In 2024, Possilpark Business Improvement District rebranded as Positive Possil.  This is more inclusive of the businesses within Saracen Street and the wider environs.  It also reflects the long-standing aspirations to make the area flourish.

By strengthening the local economy and keeping wealth circulating within Possilpark, the BID not only creates a voice for business but advances community aspirations and creates opportunity which wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

Positive Possil engages with local businesses through a range of individual and informal meetings and ‘Meet the Traders’ events that brings local businesses together to focus on improvements to the area for the benefit of the community. This has allowed traders to get to know one another better and to discuss shared issues and resolutions.

The BID will also be working with more entrepreneurs when the new Social Entrepreneur Centre Possilpark opens the  doors in Saracen Street later in 2026, all of this is establishing Possilpark as a place to live, work and do business.

Positive Possil has focussed on the vital role of partnerships; public, private and community to impact positively on the aims set out within their business plan. Previous work has included shop front improvement programmes, creating a collective business voice, providing networking and training opportunities, and promoting local traders through marketing, events and a business directory.

Not to mention building on relationships and knowledge exchange with Police Scotland to jointly work on solutions, improving the area’s cleanliness and attractiveness and helping to increase footfall through campaigns and events.

Ongoing strategic partnership aims are to work alongside Glasgow City Council on their overall street lighting strategy, tackle environmental issues and work with businesses and traders on events and activities to encourage more footfall in the area.

A strong example of ‘partners in action’ is evidenced through the ‘Festive Lighting’ programme.  It was some years since Possilpark had festive street crosslights due to wear and tear damage taking place in previous years.  There was a desire by businesses and community alike for new crosslights to be installed and once again have pride of place in Saracen Street bringing the community together.

When a call went out to local business, Allied Vehicles they quickly agreed to donate £10,000 towards the cost of three new crosslights, two projectors and the Christmas Tree.  This was further supported by ng homes who provided on-site support with installation issues.  Without the support of these local organisations, Possilpark would have been without crosslights for another year.

In addition to this, Positive Possil, applied for the first time to Glasgow City Council Area Committee fund to support a wide range of activities to support a full festive programme for the community. All food and refreshments were purchased from local businesses.

Positive Possil and BIDs across the country build community wealth by strengthening local businesses, increasing local spending, and creating a more attractive and prosperous place to live, work and visit. Through collective investment, BIDs are improving the local environment, enhancing safety and creating opportunity for businesses and the community.