Opt-in membership is available to businesses that either exist out-with the catchment area of Nairn BID, or whose property’s rateable value lies below the £1000 threshold, but still wish to support the BID and receive most of the benefits that members do. As Nairn BID exists for the improvement of Nairn as a whole then supporting the BID can be a valuable way of saying to your customers that you as a business are contributing to making Nairn a better place.
Opt-in members receive the same benefits as other members, they just don’t have the voting rights that levy area businesses do when it comes to the renewal ballot for the BID. For the five year business plan which outlines the main areas of spending and objectives of Nairn BID, please click here.
They can apply for free stalls at our events and markets, benefit from free marketing and promotion (website listing, social media sharing and member of the month), and attend our meetings, business workshops and networking events.
Nairn BID organises street markets along the High Street several times a year. The BID also runs Taste of Nairn, Wheels of Nairn and the Countdown to Christmas events.
If you think your business would benefit by being part of the BID and you would like to join, please fill in our application form. You can also send us a photograph and listing wording for the VisitNairn website.
Opt-in membership starts from £125 a year. Membership runs for our financial year from 1st October to 30th September. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch – office@nairnconnects.com
Car Hunt Fun for Wheels of Nairn
Businesses in Nairn town centre are gearing up for a classic and modern vehicle show by being part of a fun car treasure hunt.
In the run up to Wheels of Nairn which will take place on Saturday, September 20, people are being encouraged to spot 15 miniature cars ‘parked’ in shop windows.
Each car will represent a letter, and people are being tasked to collect all the letters and work out what the magic three words are. The cars themselves are vintage models donated by devoted collector, Alan MacPherson of Cullen. They include all kinds of treasures which will cause a stir in themselves.
All entries will be entered into a prize draw and two winners drawn at random and announced on the day of the event which is sponsored by Nairn Car Sales.
Lucy Harding, manager of Nairn BID said: “We are looking forward to this exciting new addition for Wheels of Nairn and are delighted that the businesses are getting involved. We have 15 mini vehicles that will be hidden in different premises. To take part, people can pick up an entry form from various places in the town including the Nairn Community & Arts Centre and drop them back, ready for the winner to be announced at the event. The car treasure hunt will run up until 1pm on the day of Wheels of Nairn and anyone taking part that day can bring their entries to the registration tent at the Links.”
Lucy added: “We have visitors coming to Nairn from all over the country and we do our best to encourage them to enjoy Wheels of Nairn but also head up to the town centre and see what a wonderful selection of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants we have. This new addition to Wheels of Nairn is one way of encouraging people to move about. There will be a prize of a bottle of Brackla whisky for an adult winner and a Sprinkles voucher for a child winner.
As well as the car treasure hunt which will launch on September 1, Wheels of Nairn has attracted a new sponsor for the prize for Best in Show this year which will also put a spotlight on the shops.
“We were approached by RM Towbars who wanted to get involved and Dean Ross, the owner of the company, has very kindly agreed to fund a hamper for the overall Wheels of Nairn winner. The hamper will be made up of items bought from our amazing High Street shops. It’s another way of showcasing what a fantastic offering we have in Nairn and of course we are very grateful to Dean for sponsoring this part of the event. Other prizes have been given by The Havelock, The Bandstand and Brackla Distillery.”
Dean Ross of RM Towbars who will be bringing along a number of Porches to the event said: “I’ve grown up around cars my whole life. I’ve always had a soft spot for both German and Japanese performance icons; I love the BMW M3 just as much as the Subaru Impreza, but then I’m completely conflicted because my ultimate dream car is a 1970s Porsche 911 RS. The fact that all of these will be at Wheels of Nairn this year makes the event even more special for me.”
He added: “I co-own and run RM Towbars with my friend Chris, and between us we get to live and breathe our love for cars daily. We have previously been involved in Wheels of Nairn, but wanted to do more this year. It has a great atmosphere that we genuinely enjoy and are actively part of, helping ensure it continues to thrive in the future. I’m really looking forward to the event and can’t wait to see the variety of cars, and the smiles they bring, all in one place.”
Competition details
Entry forms will be available from September 1 to September 20 from many outlets around Nairn including the 15 sites of the cars.
Before Saturday September 20, entry forms can be returned to any of the participating shops.
Entry forms being done on Saturday, September 20 must be returned to the registration tent at the Links.
An adult winner and a children’s winner will be announced by 2.30pm.
