University Town is good news for local businesses
Over recent months you will have read articles in The Oban Times highlighting some of the amazing opportunities that exist in and around Oban to study and develop a career.
A feature could be published every week outlining the many opportunities – from performing arts at Ballet West to marine science at SAMS UHI, and outdoor adventure sports at Argyll College UHI, not to mention the many other organisations and institutions in the town.
Today, however, the focus is on what the project is doing for Oban businesses, and the importance of them getting involved.
BID4Oban is closely involved in the University Town project and has had a particularly busy time in recent weeks planning activities ahead of the new students arriving and existing students returning to Oban from early September.
Many of the businesses in town have received a flyer about the project and had discussions with project representatives about what is happening and how to get involved. With the number of students in the town representing as much as 10 per cent of the population, it is important that businesses are engaged in the project and realise some of the benefits that this exciting group of people can bring.
At a basic level, there is the obvious benefit of more clients and customers. Businesses may need to put greater focus on targeting this group to bring them into the town and make the most of this opportunity.
The project is actively engaging with students to talk through what their needs are, and it is already clear they want to be included in the community rather than remain on the periphery.
Students are not only customers but also potential part-time employees looking to balance work with their studies. Many are already employed in local businesses on a seasonal basis – with more to come on this in the months ahead.
Perhaps the most significant benefit for our area’s economic future, however, is the potential for developing new career paths. Businesses must speak to local education providers about their needs so that relevant new courses can be developed.
Businesses may also want to develop greater awareness of what is already there. A great example of this is highlighted in The Oban Times’ Education in the West supplement this week, with Kirsty Pallas.
Kirsty is from Oban and has been able to gain work experience, achieve a formal qualification, work for a local business and has now come full-circle, tutoring her subject at Argyll College UHI.
Kirsty said: ‘Starting with work experience locally with Kilbowie [outdoor centre] made me realise that not only was outdoor instructing a great job choice but also how suited Oban was to developing my career.
‘With mountains, rivers and the sea all within less than an hour’s reach, it’s the perfect location for me to work.’
The project team are keen to help support businesses in this process, so please get in touch with them any time and they would be delighted to link businesses up with the appropriate education providers, or contact these providers yourself.
For more information visit www.obanunitown.org or http://www.bid4oban.co.uk/