Call for more help for 'innovative' firms like Ness Refill in Inverness to survive

'Innovative' businesses like Ness Refill need more support if they are to be successful, according to Inverness BID director Lorraine Bremner McBride.

She was sorry to hear that the Queensgate firm – which opened four months ago – has announced its intention to close down due to not attracting enough customers to make it a sustainable venture.

• Inverness business announces closure – 4 months after opening

The zero waste store offering customers the opportunity to reduce single-use plastics and excessive packaging, encouraging them to bring their own containers and fill them up from the wide range of products on offer. It meant they were only paying for the products and not the packaging.

The business stated that its decision was made with deep sadness.

Ms Bremner McBride said: "We are extremely sorry to hear that Ness Refill have had to take the difficult decision to close after a short period being a part of our city centre community.

"If the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ initiatives promoted by the circular economy strategies being pursued to help achieve net zero targets are to be successful then innovative businesses such as this who are trying to lead the way need more support including to help bridge the gap from opening to becoming established. Ness Refill will be missed and we wish the team all the very best for their next venture."

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