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Moray Council is offering up to £50,000 for capital equipment in its pop-up shop scheme


By Garry McCartney

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The Bakehouse pop-up at Findhorn Bay Arts’ premises in the town centre was hugely popular.
The Bakehouse pop-up at Findhorn Bay Arts’ premises in the town centre was hugely popular.

THE co-owner of a local business says opening a pop-up branch in the centre of Forres is socially beneficial and profitable.

Over the next two financial years, Moray Council is offering up to £50,000 for capital equipment for start-up or young companies, or social enterprises within the food, drink and textile sectors, excluding retail – new and existing businesses can take part, at no cost other than utilities.

Funding will cover property costs and marketing through traditional and social media – for those taking part in the pop-up scheme who wish to set up a permanent base, match funding of up to £10,000 may be available.

The Bakehouse’s initiative during lockdown at Findhorn Bay Arts’ shop at 86 High Street offered locally-grown food and bakery supplies, supported 10 local producers and created employment for two people.

“It worked very well as a pop-up venture,” said David Hoyle, “mainly to support local producers during peak season so it popped up when strawberries appeared and popped down when they finished. For most of the seasonal suppliers and Forres-based customers, we achieved our trading and social objectives. As the Bakehouse café was closed, it helped replace our usual gallery/craft shop support for our artistic community.”

He added: “It’s good to see local government supporting local enterprise. We would encourage others, depending on the will and vision of the people concerned. As a natural trader, I would encourage anyone to make their dreams happen.”

Findhorn Bay Arts director Kresanna Aigner said the shop played an important part in the regeneration of the town centre.

She added: “We are now offering a new festive experience from our shop in the lead up to Christmas and working with all the creative talent that Moray has in abundance.”



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