Chance to reflect on where we spend our money and the direct impact on firm involved

Written by Stewart Nicol, Chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce

It was great to see the very welcome news that Highland Council’s city of Inverness area committee has introduced two-hour free parking in Rose Street car park in the run-up to Christmas.

Well done to Provost Helen Carmichael and her fellow councillors and to Mike Smith and his colleagues at Inverness BID for making the proposal to the committee in the first place.

This is a great initiative and an extremely welcome boost to city centre businesses and Christmas shoppers alike. The challenges faced by city centre retailers and hospitality businesses are well documented, as is the importance of trade for them during the festive period.

I have long and often used my comment pieces to urge all of us to consider how and where we spend our money.

Every transaction will have a direct and immediate impact on the business with whom we’ve chosen to do business. It also directly links to the economic wellbeing and prosperity, or otherwise, of a city and region.

I would judge that this has never been more important than now, given the extraordinary challenges all businesses are having to cope with in the face of the Covid pandemic.

Given Inverness Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to actively connecting and representing businesses across the Highlands to support their growth, we clearly have a role to play. While the city of Inverness is central, our remit, reach and impact goes much further.

This is why Inverness Chamber of Commerce is supporting Scottish Chambers of Commerce campaign to Shop Local. In addition to this national campaign, we will be promoting member offerings throughout December. In using our networks and social media platforms, we will be emphasising the importance of shopping local and supporting Highland businesses.

It also gives us a great opportunity to showcase the fantastic goods and services that are on offer across the Highlands.

And, in doing so, myself and my team will have the chance to reflect on where we are spending our money and the impact that will have.

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