New Elgin BID manager Gemma Cruickshank settling into role after first few weeks in charge
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STARTING a new job can be daunting at the best of times – but doing so in the midst of a global pandemic makes things exceedingly tricky.
Couple that with the job revolving around local business, with the country just coming out of lockdown, and you get an idea of the reality facing new Elgin BID manager Gemma Cruickshank as she settles into her role.
But Ms Cruickshank (28), from Keith, was positive about her first few weeks in the job, despite all the difficulties coronavirus has brought.
She said: "It’s a very strange time to take over the role. One of the main priorities is to engage with the local businesses, which is difficult at the moment due to Covid-19.
"I have met a few businesses for an introduction but they are limited to how many people they can have in at one time so I can’t just pop in.
"However, I have had plenty Zoom and Teams calls with people, which have been just as effective.
"And I have got the chance to get my feet under the table and get to grips with all the projects so when meetings can happen again I will be able to help and support the local businesses."
Although she is just 28, Ms Cruickshank has more than a decade worth of experience in the tourism and business industry.
She graduated with a BA Hons in International Tourism Management from RGU ten years ago, having started working at VisitScotland aged 16.
VisitAberdeenshire was Ms Cruickshank's next stop, before taking on the manager role at Elgin BID in July after Gill Neill's departure.
Now she is hoping to put the experience gained through previous work to good use, with plenty of ideas for her new role.
"I plan to continue building on the success of Elgin and meeting the key themes through various projects set out by the local businesses," Ms Cruickshank added.
"I would really like to expand on the unique products we have in Elgin and grow this to make it a unique selling point for the city, offering something that other cities don’t.
"We have a great range already so it is just growing that market and moving into other areas such as events or attractions to expand our offering.
"I believe a clean and bright city centre has a huge impact on community spirit and this is very important to maintain and continue to improve through street cleans, weeding, hanging baskets and planters."
For more information on Elgin BID, check out their website at www.embraceelgin.co.uk.
