A DETERMINATION TO revitalise business in Lossiemouth is being reflected by the relaunch of the local Business Association.
As has been the case for many Moray towns, the closure signs have been no strangers to businesses in Lossiemouth.
Recently, however, there have been clear signs of a fightback, with several empty premises being taken up – now the Lossiemouth Business Association has itself undergone some major changes.
Having led the LBA since 2012, former local sub-postmaster Bernard Annikin has retired with his position as chairman now being taken on by Denise Bedson, until recently the LBA’s secretary.
Denise took time out this week to thank Mr Annikin who for some years had taken on the additional duty of Treasurer: “I’d like to thank Bernard for his longstanding contribution, and we all wish him every success in his continuing roles as Chairman of the Covesea Lighthouse Association and Treasurer for the town hall committee.”
Denise is now leading a newly elected LBA committee with local business owners Maureen Halkett taking on the role of vice-chair, Evelyn Thomson as secretary and Val McLennan as treasurer.
Denise said that the message they are making loud and clear is ‘Lossie Means Business’, saying: “Lossiemouth has so much to offer to visitors and to residents – all year round.
“There are over 250 businesses in this town, there’s such a diverse range of skills and services and in such a beautiful location. We want to do everything we can to help those businesses reach out to Moray and beyond and help secure a sound economic future for the people of Lossie.
“We have lots of ideas of what we could do, now we need input from all the businesses in the town, from the big employers to the part-time sole-traders. What challenges are they facing? What would help them succeed? And in turn, what are they willing to do to help the town?”
The new LBA leadership have announced a relaunch event on Thursday, June 15 from 7pm to 9pm at the Harbour Lights restaurant. The informal ‘meet and greet’ provides everyone with a business interest in the town with an opportunity to learn more about the plans being laid by the business association.
Denise said: “The LBA seeks to promote the economic growth of the town, by attracting more visitors to the town, encouraging residents to shop local and use local services – and by helping businesses become more effective through networking, training and access to national organisations and funding bodies.”
The relaunch event is free to attend but spaces are limited – contact to book a place is by Email to lba@lossiemouth.org. More can also be discovered about the LBA by visiting them online. www.lossiemouth.org