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
Please see below a list of useful links for further information and / or additional contacts / agencies, for guidance and support for businesses during the Coronavirus outbreak. Please get in touch if you are unsure about any aspect.
Highland Council Support and applications
Government Guidance Job Retention Scheme
Scottish Government £320million Package
Business Gateway Guidance for business owners in Scotland
Federation of Small Businesses (FBS) Guidance
Scottish Chambers of Commerce Guidance
Scottish Retail Consortium Information
Supporting Tourism Through Coronavirus
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
Local groups and / or online groups where you may find it useful to network online, or share ideas on how you can adapt / promote your business and stay informed, include the following:
Inverness Chamber Business Survival Guide
Highland Business Women’s Group
Small Business Owners and Freelancers (public Facebook group)
Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert
For any business using the furlough scheme for employees, you may find this link useful as it provides a template for issuing letters to staff.
Scotland by Mail is a great new site and online marketplace, created to help small Scottish businesses to promote and sell their products online to people who love Scottish products. No set up fees or commission.
There are many more business groups online, many of which cover the whole of the UK and beyond. It’s worthwhile joining one or two groups which may be of benefit to your business, as you can share ideas, brainstorm, get advice and try new ideas. The information is out there, let’s support each other and share where we can.