The lack of festive lighting on the Main Street has been a point of contention for many residents who look with envy at other neighbouring towns during the winter months.

Giffnock and Clarkston, for example, have sparkling town centres that add a festive feel to the Christmas shopping experience.

But, it seems, moves are afoot to bring Christmas back to Barrhead as part of an ongoing drive to re-energise the town centre economy.

Although discussions are at an early stage, John F Hamilton, president of East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce (ERCC), is hoping for a colourful December in Barrhead.

The chamber is the driving force behind the Business Improvement District (BID) that is currently at the proposal stage.

Similar BIDs have already proved to be a success in Giffnock and Clarkston with the latter having recently renewed its five-year business strategy.

The BID framework has been used to enhance town centres, tourism or business parks with successful examples bringing a range of improvements such as better safety and security measures, community events, marketing and loyalty schemes, all of which can drive footfall and attract more investment.

The possibility of a Christmas event is also on the table and according to John, it’s a case of so far so good for the BID proposals.

He said: “The BID is making positive progress. The steering group are doing a tremendous job at the moment and are really taking it on board.

“It’s pleasing for Laura Molloy, the BID project manager, and of course for the businesses that are in the Barrhead proposed area.

“They have recently put out an independent survey and invited all the businesses to put forward their views.

“If we are going to take our revenue stream from the businesses then we would obviously want to know what the business owners would want to see come from that revenue stream and what benefits would they like to see in terms of investment in the area.

“One of the considerations that we have to take into account is that the council no longer has resources to do certain things just because of the economic climate and if the businesses can’t get together and do things for themselves well then it’s only the businesses that are going to lose out.

“I feel the steering group has taken that on board really strongly and they can see the benefits that could accrue from a Barrhead BID structure.

“There has been tremendous investment in the town centre by the council through the regeneration programme and that’s a platform to work from.

“The council can support us in whatever way they can but it’s really got to be down the businesses themselves, and the opportunities for business to business networking are there.

“Of course the chamber does that too an extent but the chamber hasn’t been particularly successful in the retail sector, an area that we are very keen to work with.

“But as far as the BID is concerned we are optimistic and hopeful it will come to fruition.” The BID, run independently from the local authority, is open to all premises that have a rateable value so that includes churches, banks, businesses and organisations like Barrhead Housing Association who are all being encouraged to participate.

The process began in November last year and since then all 182 organisations that come into the town centre area have been contacted with a recent survey having come to a conclusion, the results of which will shape a proposed business development plan.

Other examples include strategies to drive footfall, energy cost reduction, shop front improvements, and marketing initiatives to attract new retailers to the town and organising a Christmas extravaganza.

That would certainly go down well with many residents and, as John explained, the project aims to take the views of the public on board.

He said: “Originally when the BID programme was set up it only involved business but over the years it has developed and there has been a recognition that it’s got to be about more than business to business interaction.

“There has got to be interaction from community councils, police, churches.

“All these people were initially excluded but they are now beginning to be given an opportunity as interested parties. An example of that was when the BID team was in Barrhead Main Street asking the public for their views.

“They are the customers afterall so it’s vital to listen to what they want too.” The BID initiative is just one of the schemes keeping John and his Chamber colleagues busy.

Last month’s annual business awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Karen Dunbar, was as time-consuming as ever but organisers’ efforts proved to be worthwhile with everyone who attended the Dalmeny House Hotel gathering in fine spirits.

John added: “The awards night was very successful and well-supported by local business who provide the sponsorship for the categories and that’s encouraging.

“We raised the gauntlet two years ago by making it a black tie event and that has been very successful. It’s well recognised, it’s well received.

“Karen Dunbar was a great host and over the years we have managed to select good hosts which has really raised the profile of the event.” Recent successes are worth celebrating but that’s not to say the chamber has its eyes closed to the challenges it faces in the months and years ahead.

It looks likely that the funding arrangement with East Renfrewshire Council will go through a ‘transitional period’ in the near future and that will mean a reduction in revenue.

John is well aware of the pressures being brought to bare on the public and private sectors in the current economic climate and he says the chamber is already looking at ways to grow and develop revenue streams.

He explained: “We are hoping to introduce new ideas into the chamber in the form of a tiered membership structure that takes into account the size of the business with a new benefit structure to reflect that.

“One thing that is being looked at is affiliated membership with the Scottish Chamber of Commerce which would give members some inherent benefits that we could pass on to our members.” He added: “We recognise that long term funding from the council will change. Although the decision has not yet been made we know that it’s not going to be the same level of support.

“The council have told us quite clearly that they will not be able to support us at the same level but they have assured us that their support will continue.” As well as looking into a tiered membership structure the chamber is taking steps to improve its marketing strategy in a bid to attract more members.

There are thousands of businesses in East Renfrewshire and with current membership just short of 100 there is genuine scope to expand and raise income streams.

A spokeswoman for East Renfrewshire Council said: “The council are currently having discussions with the Chamber of Commerce regarding their service level agreement for 2015/16.

“It is apparent and the Chamber have been advised that there will be less funding available however we are doing our best to support the them to deliver masterclasses and also to develop a more sustainable business model moving forward.” The Barrhead BID Steering Group comprises Paul Santi, New Yorker; Brian MacMillan, F&M Hairdressing; Jeanette Park-Patterson, Bluestone Design; Eric Santi, Alpinos; Kenny McFarlane, Yes Hair and Beauty; Bud Gauld, Brig Inn; Stacey Devenney, Dolce Capelli; John Park, Scott Stores; Mandy Pattison, Clip Salon; Doreen Rennick, The Knitting Bee; Shirley Robinson, Barrhead Housing Association; Liz Sutherland, Boots; John Higgins, Almond Florists; and Rosemary McInally, Hair Rods.