Confidence in our town
Upbeat despite challenges
Blairgowrie and Rattray Business Association (BARBA) held its AGM online recently.
At the meeting, chair of the organisation Anna Bowman, who had previously intimated that she would be standing down after several years in the role, agreed to stay on for another year.
Hazel Harris took on the role of treasurer with Steve Johnson continuing to fulfil the role of secretary.
BARBA, which was previously known as the Blairgowrie Merchants’ Association, has a long-standing history in the town having first formed in 1899 and is believed to be one of the oldest such organisations in Scotland.
Its aim is to promote the success, wellbeing and prosperity of its members and it represents a wide range of businesses and sole traders in the town.
In recent years one of the highlights of the organisation’s work was an STV advert showcasing the variety of independent shops in Blairgowrie and Rattray, and the launch of the Discover Blairgowrie website, which continues to be developed in response to the needs of the local community.
The business association also played a key role in the Blairgowrie and Rattray Coronavirus Coordination Group, set up last year as part of the community’s response to the global coronavirus pandemic, both through the Proactive Communities initiative and through the provision of a range of workshops and online sessions supporting local businesses to re-launch after lockdowns.
Other initiatives that BARBA is involved in include holding focus groups for different sectors such as retailers or accommodation providers, reporters’ visits and late night shopping events.
The committee is also organising the town’s involvement in Perth and Kinross Council’s Open For Business fund, announced earlier this year as part of the local authority’s budget.
The fund includes money for improving shop fronts in the regions, similar to the council’s Shop Front Improvements scheme which has been on hold due to measures put in place to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking to the Blairie after the AGM, Anna said: “It has been a difficult year for everyone but despite the challenges we have all experienced over the past year and a half almost now, we are confident that Blairgowrie and Rattray still has much to offer both residents and visitors to the area alike.
“We are really keen to hear from members of the local business community who would be interested in joining the BARBA committee after a number of office-bearers stood down recently.
“Before the pandemic, the work being done by BARBA was recognised by Perth and Kinross Council who awarded over £38,000 from the Community and Business Placemaking Fund towards the activities and promotion of the town, including the new Riverside Trail.
“And as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased we are keen to pick up that activity once again.
“BARBA is here to support businesses of all types and over the years it has gone from strength to strength with a dedicated and hard-working committee.
“It would be great to have representatives of all types of businesses on the committee – retail, accommodation providers, trades and people who are self-employed and who work from home as well as those on the high street – and we would love to hear from anyone who is interested in getting involved.
“We’re looking for committee members with a forward-looking vision to give something back to the community and take businesses and the town out of the pandemic and prosper in the future.”
Membership of BARBA costs £50 per year, while the enhanced business listing option on Discover Blairgowrie includes BARBA membership.
Proceeds from all subscriptions go back into supporting the community and the town through re-investment in the website and the services it offers.
The group meets every month with the next meeting scheduled to take place at 6pm on Thursday, July 22.
Anyone who is interested in joining BARBA or attending the next meeting should email admin@discoverblairgowrie.com.