BUSINESS INSIGHT: Nairn traders must seize opportunities at events
Summer, believe it or not, is well and truly under way and this means that Nairn also welcomes a plethora of events.
We launched our event season in May with Taste of Nairn which ran over three days, with the core event incorporating two markets – one inside featuring demos, tasters and the World Tattie Scone Championships, and one in the town centre.
Events do drive footfall to a town and the stats speak for themselves. Compared to the 2023 event, footfall grew by 32 per cent. This may be partly down to the good weather - it was a scorcher - but also down to the fact that we added the outdoor market. The event is also now reasonably well established, so people are looking out for it taking place.
Over the next few weeks there are oodles of events happening in Nairn - most, much more long in the tooth than Taste of Nairn.
Next up is the Summer Street Market on July 13, followed by the Nairn Farmers Show, the Highland Games, The Book and Arts Festival and then our own Wheels of Nairn.
Generally, we get good feedback about the events that we do. People like them and the businesses that embrace them and tell us they have successful days.
We have businesses spilling out of their shops onto the street or taking a stall and creating market day offers. We know there are businesses getting involved in sponsorship with the Farmers Show, Highland Games and Wheels of Nairn, getting their name out there - all good for brand awareness.
These events are all opportunities to get involved in something where people want to enjoy what is on offer. You must seize the opportunity and, to coin a phrase, be “in it to win it” - and with all that is on offer over the next few months, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Lucy Harding is the manager of Nairn BID.
