15 January 2020
Business Support Scheme to launch in Banchory, Huntly and Stonehaven
Businesses in Banchory, Huntly and Stonehaven are being offered an exciting opportunity to work with leading retail experts thanks to a commission from the South Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (SALAG), who have awarded a LEADER grant to fund one-to-one retail consultancy for the three towns.
Local businesses are invited to participate in the Business Support Scheme which will be launched at an information evening in each town next week.
The project will start in February and will run over a number of months, offering businesses access to specialist expertise and advice and workshops to help them maintain their long-term sustainability.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Peter Argyle, said: “This is great news for our town centre businesses who will benefit greatly from the professional advice provided by The Retailer Group.
“I would strongly encourage all businesses to sign up for this support scheme which will help them grow and develop in their respective marketplace.”
Managing director of The Retailer Group, Gordon Bell, said: "We congratulate Aberdeenshire Council in taking the initiative to support local independent retailers in what are difficult times.
“This a great opportunity both for retailers and for the high street as a whole. We are delighted to be associated with this project and look forward to working with the businesses across Banchory, Huntly and Stonehaven to make a real difference both for the shops and local customers."
“A number of independent retailers situated in the three town centres offer a variety of unique and quality products and our aim is to enthuse, engage and offer expert advice during this difficult economic period.”
Chair of South Aberdeenshire LAG, Gina Ford, commented: “We all know how important it is to keep our town centres alive and, as we approach the final few months of the LEADER 2014-2020 programme, it is good to be able to support local businesses in this way.”
Full details of the Retail Plus Scheme will be announced at a meeting in each town on the dates below:
Stonehaven: Tuesday, January 21 at 6pm at the Stonehaven Community Centre, Bath Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2DH
Banchory: Wednesday, January 22 at 5.30pm at The Hub, Banchory West Parish Church, High Street, Banchory (Mount Street entrance)
Huntly: Thursday, January 23 at 5.30pm at the Stewart’s Hall, 19 Gordon Street, Huntly, AB54 8AJ
Representatives from The Retailer and Aberdeenshire Council will be available to answer any questions.
The project is a SALAG (South Aberdeenshire Local Action Group) LEADER-funded commissioned project. LEADER is funded by the Scottish Government and the European Union’s European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Any retailer unable to attend the information evening should contact Heather Macrae for further details on 01467533297 or at heather.macrae@aberdeenshire.gov.uk