Helping hand augurs well for business
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IN THESE tough economic times, it is good to see positive steps being taken to support small businesses, who remain the backbone of any community.
Pearl Hamilton, a business leader in Forres, has been heartened after hearing how one landlord agreed to a significant rent reduction for one local business which was struggling to survive.
A drop of £300 a month is a major boost to that business and, Mrs Hamilton said, might make all the difference as it looks to the future.
Much is made and written about multi-million-pound investments and the need to attract big business to Moray.
However, if every small business in Moray received this kind of boost, it would make just as big a difference.
Landlords are small businesses themselves, and they still need to make a return on their own investment in property.
However, a degree of flexibility and common sense has to be applied as the country works its way back from a recession.
Mrs Hamilton believes that other landlords are looking at taking a similar approach, especially if it makes the difference in sustaining a business in the building, which means a steady income.
For landlords with vacant properties, reducing the rent might encourage people, uncertain about starting a business in the current climate, to take the plunge.
It augurs well for the future of small towns like Forres, Keith, Lossiemouth, Buckie and the commercial centre of Elgin, if this kind of co-operative and mutually beneficial approach develops further.
