Business Focus: We are working to create a 'welcome' for the public's return to Inverness city centre
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by Mike Smith, manager of Inverness Business Improvement District
It’s hard to describe how exhilarating it was last week when I enjoyed the luxury of a haircut!
I have no understanding of the medical arguments for reopening hairdressers and barbers on April 5 while delaying the reopening of the majority of businesses until April 26 but for me it was one of the highlights of the last three months.
One positive thing that has come out the pandemic is the closer working together of statutory bodies such as councils and business organisations like BIDs.
In Inverness, this has seen the creation of a cross-party economic recovery group of councillors chaired by Depute Provost Graham Ross which hears on a regular basis from business organisations like ourselves, the tourism BID, Inverness Chamber of Commerce, FSB and others.
All parties involved recognise the need for a successful city centre generating local employment, ensuring an attractive offer to residents and visitors alike and creating profitable businesses.
BID is currently working with the council, the police and the other agencies to create a “welcome” for the public’s return to the city centre when businesses reopen on April 26.
There are core messages to be put across through positive marketing campaigns aimed at the different city centre user groups. And we are working to present the city centre in its best possible physical condition – congratulations to the council for the tidy up work already achieved.
We also need to ensure that the public have confidence to return to using the city centre – Police Scotland leads on a joint agency approach with a special Operation Respect programme which BID is pleased to be part of.
From talking to businesses we know they and their staff are really looking forward to having the chance to meet up again with their customers, albeit with the ongoing Covid safeguards.
Monday, April 26 offers us the opportunity to again enjoy the delights of browsing when shopping, meeting up in a coffee shop or restaurant with friends, or visiting attractions like the Museum and Art Gallery, or swim and gym at the sports centre.
Welcome back and enjoy!
