BOOSTING business in Selkirk is the aim of a new initiative which was launched this week.

And the group are actively searching for a project manager to help develop their plans.

Building on the community action plan generated last year, a local steering group has been established and funding has been secured to recruit a co-ordinator for the next 12 months.

Part of the new role will be to consult with local businesses and take forward a formal Business Improvements Districts Scotland process.  The BIDS process is a formal project which will conclude with a vote for all local businesses who, after consultation, will assist the shaping of a business plan of how to improve the town and its business community.

Ian Main, director of Stark Main & Co, said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Selkirk BIDS steering group and we are actively recruiting for a high quality Project Manager to take this exploration project forward.

“We endeavour to meet and consult with all the businesses in the town over the next 12 months to gather thoughts on how we could best improve the town to become a better place for business.  “I look forward to continuing to trade in the town and the positive impact this project potentially has for our businesses.  “When we launched the firm we deliberately chose to trade in the town and would love to improve it for collective benefit.” It is hoped the new business plan will be as successful as recent town initiatives, including the regeneration at The Haining, Selkirk Playpark Project, Selkirk Flood Protection Project and the town-centre regeneration scheme, CARs.

Various successful BIDS projects have been undertaken throughout the country including a recently concluded project in Bathgate under the banner of , Enterprising Bathgate which set out and delivered a wholesale improvement to the town centre in conjunction with West Lothian Council.

Chairman of the Selkirk project, Will Haegeland, told us: “A full consultation project will commence shortly however an early opportunity exists for businesses in the town to provide the steering group with their thoughts on what would be of most value to focus on within the towns businesses.” Anyone interested in joining the steering group should email Mr Haegeland on info@countyhotelselkirk.co.uk