A STEERING group set up to explore how Forres Business Association (FBA) can continue has called a second Extraordinary General Meeting.

January’s FBA EGM was called to discuss its future having been suspended in 2018 and this month’s will be to share the groups’s findings with as many businesses as possible.

Businesspeople who attended in January showed support for FBA’s continuation so the steering group was set up to explore different possibilities then share its conclusions.

Gavin Ellis of the Knockomie Inn is one of seven local business owners on the steering group.

He said: “The business landscape in Forres has changed so much over the past few years and there are a wealth of businesses spread across the area. This is an exciting time to be doing business in Forres. We have everything a vibrant town could need or want, from small cottage and home-based businesses to organisations such as Orbex, the aerospace company who are literally reaching for the skies. The future of our town is in our combined hands. The more that we work together, the better future we will provide for people moving to the area and more importantly for our youth.”

He added: “The meeting later this month is for everyone who has a business in the Forres Academy catchment – it is not just for members of the existing FBA. We need as many businesses as possible to attend as this is what is going to make the new association work and be vibrant.”

Joanna Taylor, who runs Rafford Consulting Ltd, explained what the steering group is proposing: “We have come to the conclusion that the best way to continue is for the association to be set up as a Community Interest Company. What we need to do now is present this idea to all interested parties.”

The steering group is made up of Joanna Taylor, Claire Doughty, Alan James, Graham Murdoch, Shaun Moat, Carrie Custodio and Gavin Ellis.

Source: Forres Gazette