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
Christmas lights shine spotlight on Nairn
Emilee Hastie (left) and Jill Sinclair had the honour of switching on the town’s Christmas lights with Santa.
THOUSANDS of
people enjoyed the switching on of Nairn’s Christmas lights, the turn-out
believed to be the biggest in a decade.
Chosen to
assist Santa in turning on the lights were 7-year-old Jill Sinclair and 8-year-old
Emilee Hastie both from Rosebank Primary School.
They won the
opportunity to perform the honour after entering a Christmas decoration
competition.
The
organisation of the ‘12 Hours of Christmas’ celebration programme was led by
Nairn BID with huge input from businesses and organisations from across the
town.
The day’s
festivities included a craft fayre, street market with performers and community
choirs and bands, meet the huskies, horse and carriage rides and the chance to
stroke the donkeys.
The horse
and carriage ride attraction was run by Carrbridge Carriage Driving who treated
visitors to a ride around the west end of the town in exchange for donations to
Team Hamish and MFR Cash For Kids.
The event, which finished with a ceilidh
in Nairn Community & Arts Centre showcased over 50 individual businesses
with many providing special offers on the day and Grace Lily Lingerie Shop
proving a hit with a live model in the window.
Janis Maclean, manager of Nairn BID
said she was delighted with the turnout and that the businesses took hold of
the opportunity: “We had an absolutely wonderful day and there was a brilliant
atmosphere across the whole town. It took almost six months of planning which
culminated in a day where the spotlight really was on our fabulous town.
Walking around, we had so many positive comments from locals and visitors alike,
many of whom who said they hadn’t realised what a great variety of shops we
have in the town.
“The BID team also visited a number of
the businesses throughout the day and again people were pleased to see the town
so busy and everyone enjoying the entertainment that was arranged.”
Janis added: “This event was a real
collaboration between Nairn BID, the community groups and the businesses and we
want to thank everyone who got involved. By working together, we can achieve
great things and I think the 12 Hours of Christmas is a great example of that.”
The 12 Hours of Christmas also received
financial support from Nairn Rotary Club, the Association of Nairn Businesses
and Highland Council’s Nairn and Cawdor Ward Discretionary Fund.
Colin
Sinclair, whose daughter Jill was one of the youngsters switching on the lights
said they had a wonderful day: “We have really enjoyed the day. We started off
in the community centre where there was so many fantastic stalls and Santa’s
grotto. Then we moved across to the High Street for the light switch on. The
whole day has had a fantastic atmosphere. Jill was delighted to meet Santa and
was very excited to be switching on the lights.”
Lynne
Gray who visited the town with her sons Euan (11) and six-year-old Calum added:
“We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves today. There has been a great mix of
things to do. The kids have loved being able to meet all the different animals,
and enjoyed the street performers and the entertainment, whilst we were able to
look round the shops and stalls. It has been a great day out.”
