NAIRN BID: We want to understand what businesses want and need

A series of engagement events are set to be held for Nairn BID members so that the BID team can work on and progress its next five-year plan.

This time last year, members were canvassed on what they most valued from the work of Nairn BID, and asked to describe their vision for the business community and the town for 2023-2028.

The result was what formed Nairn BID'S business plan. This plan was shared with members prior to the recent ballot.

That ballot, we accept, was a close call, which is why now, the directors and myself want to meet with as many members and partners as possible to ensure we are still heading in the right direction.

The BID is here for the next five years and it’s important that we understand what all our members want and need from BID in this rapidly changing economic climate and that the business plan can deliver this.

We are trying to do this in different ways.

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There are one-to-one appointments that can be made with any of the BID directors at a mutually agreeable time. These will take place during October, so we have gathered feedback before we begin the next stage – member and partner workshops.

The membership workshop on November 2 is where the existing plans can be reviewed and where new ideas can be shared and priorities identified. The board will use this to develop realistic, achievable project plans and establish funding requirements.

Finally, there is a partners’ workshop. Nairn BID works with a wide variety of agencies and organisations. Working with other Scottish BIDs and organisations is vital. We do this routinely to share knowledge, maximise resources and gain clarity about strategic direction. Examples are Highland councillors, the Nairn ward manager, NICE, community councils, youth organisations such as DYW Inverness, the Department of Work and Pensions, various tourism and business organisations.

This is an exciting time for Nairn BID and an opportunity for greater collaboration and innovation.

Lucy Harding is manager of Nairn BID.

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