Economic centre of Moray remains a "remarkable place to live, work and explore", says Elgin BID manager
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GROWTH, resilience and collaboration have been the key characteristics of business in Elgin over the last 12 months.
That was the view of Angela Norrie, manager of Elgin Business Improvement District (BID), speaking at the group's annual meeting.
Ms Norrie, who was appointed in August 2022, told members: "I have had the great privilege of observing what Elgin BID offers and identifying the areas where there are gaps in our services."
She added: "In the relatively short time I have been in position, I have witnessed an incredible journey of growth, resilience and collaboration.
"Despite the challenges, the business community in Elgin continues to demonstrate unwavering resilience and passion."
She said Elgin BID now had a seat at local and national groups which provided a platform to showcase what the organisation and its members offer.
It also works with landlords and developers to address needs and issues in Elgin.
There are currently four members of the Elgin BID team - one full-time and three part-time positions, and this is set to increase to five.
Cllr John Divers, a member of the Elgin BID board, speaking at the AGM last Friday evening in the Ex-Serviceman's Club, described the annual meeting and awards evening as a "celebration of community resilience, innovation and dedication".
"Over the past year we have navigated challenges none of us could have foreseen," he added, "including the cost-of-living crisis but I am proud to say that Elgin BID and its members have risen to the occasion.
"We have adapted and supported each other, and continued to make Elgin a vibrant, welcoming place for all.
"It is about businesses and individuals working together to make our town a better place. I encourage you to keep the spirit of cooperation alive and keep building the future we want for Elgin."
Tina Workman, marketing and communication executive with the team, said there had been a total of 512 engagements with businesses over the last year, in areas such as promotion, staff support, building issues, business matters and safety concerns.
A grant scheme which businesses can tap into once a year to improve the appearance of their business premises or towards the installation of CCTV and other security features, saw £11,534 distributed to 29 businesses.
The business awards this year saw more than 2000 votes cast for 179 different businesses across a range of categories.
She added: "At Elgin BID we recognise that vibrant properties and new businesses are the lifeblood of our town centre.
"We are committed to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive and vacant properties can find new life."
Elgin BID helps manage a number of vacant properties for landlords and estate agents, and in the last year facilitated viewings of eight vacant properties, which result in three being taken on.
It also met with 16 people interested in starting their own business to provide guidance and support on their journey.
The vacant property rate for Elgin is 9.5 per cent, which although a slight increase on the previous tear, is still better than the national average of 13.8 per cent.
She said there remains an opportunity for "growth and transformation" in Elgin.
The first edition of a new Embrace Elgin magazine launched this year featured 39 businesses in the town centre, with 11,100 copies distributed to residents and businesses in Elgin.
Ms Norrie said Elgin remained a "remarkable place to live, work and explore".
Two street ambassadors who are part of the Elgin BID team – Willie Duncan and Sam Mainland – have collected 120 bags of litter from the centre of Elgin, removed 300 unwanted fly posters and helped control weeds, among other tasks.
Elgin BID also continued with a gull management project, using a sonic device which prevented gulls from nesting, along with the removal of eggs and nests from a number of businesses.
The Elgin Gift Card scheme was introduced in 2018 and has grown each year. In 2022, it generated £15,045 in revenue for local businesses and since its introduction the sales have been more than £88,000.
The BID team has also dealt with incidents of anti-social behaviour by liaising with businesses and Police Scotland.
Improved lighting has been created in Fife Arms Close, Harrow Inn Close and City Arms Close to improve safety and the appearance of the town.
A joint task force involving Elgin BID, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland was set up following a number of deliberate bin fire in the centre of Elgin.
Illegal parking is another area where BID has been pro-active and it launched a campaign to encourage more responsible parking.
Elgin BID continues to organise a number of community events, among them the Halloween fun day and Christmas lights switch on. It also runs a food and drink festival in August.
Among new initiatives for 2023-24 including a Thirsty Explorer pub trail, enhanced street planters to include fruit trees and increased tourism promotion.
