Monday, May 01, 2017

Nairnshire Business Improvement District (BID) proposal takes another step forward


The steering group for the proposed Nairnshire BID have this week announced another important step forward on their journey to bring vital resource to the local economy.  Experienced Project Manager Alan Rankin of Coigach Consulting has been recruited to support the steering group in their efforts to ensure that local businesses lead the way in producing a business plan and have a comprehensive understanding of how a BID for Nairnshire will deliver on a promise to enhance economic prosperity for the area.

Michael Green co-chair of the steering group and Highland Councillor said

I am delighted we have secured the services of Alan Rankin to take the Nairn BID to ballot early next year. The Nairnshire BID will provide the capacity to deliver a local business plan promoting economic growth in Nairnshire. Alan’s broad experience in tourism, destination development, marine tourism and BIDs provides the BID steering group with invaluable access and expertise. Exciting times lie ahead for Nairnshire and Alan’s appointment is a massive step forward in that process”


Michael Boylan co-chair of the steering group and chair of the Association of Nairn Businesses said

"We were in the lucky position of having more than one company who wanted to work with us, this shows that Nairn and the local area is starting to be seen as somewhere with a bright future.  We are delighted to have Alan join the team, he has led previous BID set up's and has excellent experience in a wide range of business engagement roles that will greatly assist us. I’d also like to thank NICE for their support in enabling and supporting the process so far"

Alan Rankin also commented 'I am delighted to be joining the BID team and look forward to meeting local business owners, event managers and interest groups. There is enormous potential for a successful BID to contribute to an exciting future for the area.“

Alan’s career started in the retail sector and has for over 20 years worked in senior positions in tourism and economic development. During that time, he has worked with destination groups, developed area tourism strategies, taken the Crieff Succeeds BID to a successful ballot and is manager of Scotland’s Marine Tourism Strategy.


The next stage of the BID journey will be to listen to local businesses, their ideas and expand the steering group to ensure that there is cross sector representation. Alan will be in post from 1st May ad will be attending the Association of Nairn Businesses AGM in the Dunbar Golf club on 15th May as part of his work to engage local businesses.