Forres Area Business Association is organising the Magic Tenner shop local campaign for March

Help invest in our community!

Businesses and shoppers are being encouraged to take part in an initiative which encourages local shopping - ‘The Magic Tenner’, run by traders’ group Totally Locally, will take place from March 1-16.

It is a chance for independent businesses to encourage people to buy from them and to say thank you to customers who supported them by offering a £10 product or service.

Forres Area Business Association (FABA) will promote participating businesses and supply them with promotional material such as posters, banners and bunting.

FABA director, Claire Doughty, said: “The last time we took part, we had over 20 businesses supporting the campaign. We would love to push this over 30 this time!

“The Magic Tenner runs very successfully all over the country and puts a real spotlight on what a great business landscape we have here. It reminds people that buying locally is important to keep money in the area.”

She added: “The campaign is aimed at independent businesses. To take part, they offer a service or a product for just £10. This will shine a spotlight on their business, encouraging people to take a look at what they have to offer.

“FABA is for the whole Forres area and we want as many businesses as possible, whether in the town centre or not, to get involved. Even those who don’t have a shopfront or premises can still take part.”

Marketing manager at Mackenzie & Cruickshank garden centre, Eilidh Sharp, confirmed the firm has taken part before.

She said: “We did have people coming in looking for our specific offers. It’s great way to get people focused on shopping locally particularly, in independent businesses.

“We will be offering three packs of bedding plants for £10 and there will be a coffee shop offer too.”

FABA kicked off the year with a ‘Burns Breakfast’ and has a busy events schedule planned for the rest of the year.

The next one will take place on Thursday, February 20 at 6pm at Café 1496 when guest speaker Gemma Cruickshank will explain to attendees - members of FABA or not - what her organisation does for the area.

A FABA tour of Benromach Distillery in March is already sold out.

Other events over the year will include tours of local businesses, a gathering to attract young people into networking and various casual meet-ups for more businesses to connect.

For more information on FABA, or to get involved in The Magic Tenner, call Claire on 07846145050 or email claire@clairedoughtypublicity.uk