Moray pop-up shops scheme gets go-ahead
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A POP-UP shop scheme to help get businesses off the ground in Moray town centres has been approved.
The move is in response to an increase in vacant retail units and in people looking to start up businesses.
The £50,000 project, to be run over two financial years, follows the success of the pop-up shop scheme in Keith which 23 businesses took advantage of during the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).
Three of the businesses went on to take up permanent residence in empty premises in Keith, and the Mid Street Conservation Area moved from the highest shop vacancy rate in Moray to the lowest.
Another pop-up success story was Findhorn Bay Arts’ lockdown initiative in Forres which sold locally grown food and bakery supplies, supported 10 local producers and created employment for two people.
Now, businesses in Buckie, Keith, Forres, Lossiemouth, Elgin, Aberlour and Dufftown will have the opportunity to take part in the pop-up shop scheme over a period of 14 months.
New and existing businesses can take part, at no cost other than utilities. Funding will cover property costs and marketing through traditional and social media.
Grants may be available of up to £50,000 for capital equipment for start-up or young companies, or social enterprises within the food, drink and textile sectors, excluding retail. For those taking part in the pop-up scheme who wish to set up a permanent base, match funding of up to £10,000 may be available.
Chair of the Moray Economic Partnership, Councillor Graham Leadbitter, urged businesses to take up the offer.
He said: "To any current or would-be business owner, I urge you to take advantage of the pop-up shop scheme.
"Now is your chance to get a new business off the ground, to target a different audience in a different town, to give your business a boost.
"Shoppers in Moray love local brands, and we’ve a number of success stories from previous pop-ups. I hope they inspire others to follow their lead."
