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
Member of the Month
Trespass and Nevisport
January 2025
Most Nairnites will remember fondly the mini that used to jut out the side of this building and was a talking point for those passing on the A96.
Today the mini may be gone, but business is booming for the two companies that now occupy the “old Bridgemill Direct” building.
Trespass and Nevisport are now firmly on the Nairn business map with the former located on the ground floor of the building and Nevisport occupying the expanded and brightly lit downstairs area.
The brands, which operate from the one site but as two different businesses are now managed by Graham. Graham moved to our seaside town in January as a lifestyle choice and took up the post in May.
Trespass and Nevisport are both owned by Jacobs & Turner LTD a Glasgow-based firm.
The background
Jacobs & Turner were established in 1938. At the start, they had just 12 machinists working in a warehouse where they provided uniforms and other items of clothing to large organisations including the local police. As their success grew, they started to manufacture anoraks and waterproof jackets that shaped the future of the business.
The company is now one of the UK’s most successful outdoor clothing retailers providing a wide range of products from walking boots to outdoor furniture, selling internationally and exporting to over 60 countries. There are over 300 stores worldwide and a network of wholesale clients across the world.
Nevisport was acquired by Jacobs & Turner LTD in 2007 after it was founded in 1970 by climbers Ian A Sykes MBE and Ian D Sutherland, who were dissatisfied with the poor selection of climbing equipment found in existing UK stores.
The duo, who were then active members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, opened the first Nevisport shop in Fort William. Just four years later, the store had to relocate to larger premises and subsequently opened a second store in Glasgow to cope with its success, growing into one of the country’s leading outdoor speciality retailers.
What you can expect
Trespass was the first Jacobs & Turner brand to move into the new premises, with Nevisport setting up shop in April 2024.
Graham said: “Whilst the two brand names are owned by the same overarching company, they are run as two separate businesses. Trespass upstairs, Nevisport downstairs with separate tills,” explained Graham. “Trespass sells own brand outdoor clothing & equipment, Nevisport is a wholesaler stocking brands such as The North Face, Rab, Columbia, Weird Fish, Saltrock, SCARPA, Salomon, HOKA, Zone3, Bridgedale, Jack Wolfskin & many more.
Since Jacobs & Turner took over the site, it has had a full refurbishment both inside and outside, with the downstairs being extended to offer more retail space.
“I would say that about 50 percent of people who come in, don’t realise there is a downstairs,” explained Graham. “It’s always a nice surprise for people. We are classed as outlet store and right now there is a 60 percent off sale on. What’s interesting is that the sales that are run, do not run across all of the shops at the same time. There are some real bargains to be had.”
Graham added: “If you enjoy the outdoors; whether it’s a dog walk along the beach, climbing a Munro, or swimming in the sea, you can’t really do much better than heading here for what you might need.”
Trespass
The Trespass part of the business stocks ladies’, men’s and children’s clothing and a whole heap of accessories. There is also a vast footwear section with trail shoes, trainers, walking boots, wellies, and snow boots.
There is casualwear, warm fleeces, mid layers, activewear, insulating jackets and waterproofs.
In the summer there are beach toys, bodyboards, wetsuits and paddleboards available and of course in winter, it’s an easy place to go and grab a sledge as Graham explained: “Just before Christmas there was a snow day, so the kids in the town were off school, we sold 50 sledges that day.”
Just a small selection of what is available in the Trespass part of the shop
Nevisport
Here it’s mainly men’s and ladies clothing. It’s similar stock to upstairs, but via the different brands. Here you can still get your casual wear, but we also stock the more technical items too.
“The two shops partner well together,” said Graham. “Whether you are on a budget and just need a cosy jacket and sturdy pair of walking shoes for heading up the river or local beaches, or you are into Munro bagging, you can get everything you need with us.”
The staff and locals
“There is a not a week that goes by without someone mentioning the mini once or twice! It’s an iconic building with a lot of history,” said Graham, “but we think the changes that have been made are really positive. All the team are local and they know their stuff when it comes to the brand and the equipment. Our service we provide for the local community is always appreciated & we fill the gaps that tourists need for exploring the beautiful area. The staff are either employed by Nevisport or Trespass, but we all work together as one team and we think that enhances the experience when people shop with us.”
