BUSINESS FOCUS: Looking forward to positive change for Nairn in 2024
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Like many people, Nairn BID member Morag Holding was in reflective mood as the end of the year approached:
Looking back, I noticed that I had been reviving skills that had become rusty as an independent business owner.
When you’re self-employed, change can be a rapid, fairly straightforward process.
You consider what’s needed, make a decision and implement it.
Change is a more complex matter when you are volunteering with others, representing your business community.
Collaboration and consultation are paramount and working in partnership is vital.
I’ve felt this as part of Nairn BID board over this last two years.
The concept of BID is simple.
Business people work together to create an environment, unique to their town, in which businesses can flourish.
It’s funded by members, supplemented by sponsorship and grants wherever possible.
But behind this simple concept lies tremendous challenge.
There are constraints on available finance and resources, complicated bureaucratic processes to navigate and conflicting views about what is the best way forward.
Overcoming these relies heavily on a high level of engagement from members.
To be effective, BID directors need to understand what their members see as priorities.
Members can help shape and direct BID by sharing ideas and opinions at meetings, at workshops, through surveys, emails and social media, or by joining the board.
Fortunately, during the last six months, we’ve heard more from members than in any other recent period, and this is giving greater clarity about the best way ahead.
We’ve attracted new members onto the board who bring fresh ideas, varied experience and valuable insights about the business environment of Nairn.
Looking forward, I see exciting times ahead as the new BID team work enthusiastically to deliver the next Five Year Plan, consulting with members along the way.
At the end of December, I retired from the board to focus on a new development within my own business.
But I will remain fully engaged as a BID member, keen to support and help direct the essential work of Nairn BID.
I am full of optimism for the future of Nairn’s businesses and looking forward with confidence for the changes BID will deliver in 2024.
