Fraserburgh businesses are being offered the chance to work with leading retail experts, thanks to a new initiative between industry support organisation Retailer Group and Aberdeenshire Council’s regeneration team.
Local businesses will be encouraged to participate in the Retail Plus programme, to be launched at an event in the town later this month.
The project starts in June and will run over a number of months, offering businesses access to specialist expertise and advice to help them maintain their longer term sustainability.
Retailer Group managing director Gordon Bell said: “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 to make a real difference, both for the shops and local customers.”
Participating businesses will be offered access to the Improvement and Enhancement Scheme, aimed at encouraging and supporting private investment in their premises.
More than £78,000 was approved by the council’s policy and resources committee for the consultation service and grant scheme.
Up to £5,000 grant funding will be available from the council, to be matched with 25% funding from applicants.
The scheme will run for around six months and it is hoped it will attract around a dozen businesses, though more would be welcome.
Aberdeenshire Council regeneration officer Gillian Bain said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses.”
Full details of the Retail Plus scheme will be announced at a meeting on May 15, to be held in The Hub on Fraserburgh’s High Street at 5.30pm.