DIRECTORS SOUGHT FOR NEW DORNOCH BID
THE steering group behind the successful 18-month campaign to create a Dornoch Business Improvement District is piecing together a 10-strong board of directors.
The local business community recently gave their backing to the BID blueprint, which will provide the town and surrounding area with a collective voice and pursue a five-year economic development plan.
The aim now is to attract nominations for volunteer director roles to ensure the success of the non-profit making organisation in achieving its mission aims and objectives.
A launch event will take place early in January and one of the board’s first tasks will be to appoint a full-time BID manager in advance of the official March 1 start-up date.
Directors will represent sectors including large tourism, self-catering and guest houses, retail, pubs, cafes and restaurants, professional services, trades, health and beauty.
Neil Hampton, chairman of the BID steering group and general manager at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, said: “It’s encouraging that so many among the business community have given their backing to a BID for the Dornoch area.
‘Now it’s essential that a cross section enjoys representation on the board to play a key role in supporting the full-time manager.
“Many of the key players are members of the golf club, which is linked inextricably with the town.
“The aim is to work collaboratively as a business community to improve the working, trading and economic sustainability of the Dornoch area to the mutual benefit of our businesses, their customers, residents and visitors alike.
“I appreciate that we all have our own businesses to run so the board’s valuable time will be used to good effect, providing backing and guidance for the manager.
“Directors will be acting in the best interests of the business community and the particular sector they will be representing.
“They will also be valuable ambassadors for the BID’s mission and values.”
To ensure the board enjoys a wide-ranging skills set, board members are being sought with experience in areas such as financial management/accountancy, marketing, fundraising, events management, IT and social media and people management.
The board will be responsible for the delivery of the business plan and work in tandem with other stakeholders.
“We are looking for people who have the best interests of Dornoch at heart, with a passion and commitment to work collaboratively with the business community to improve the working, trading and economic sustainability of the area,” explained Mr Hampton.
Nomination forms are available from independent adjudicator John Gunn, c/o law firm Arthur and Carmichael, Cathedral Square, Dornoch, IV25 3SW (mail@arthur-carmichael.co.uk) to be returned by Monday, December 18.