Businesses in Dunfermline have resolved to kick start their own economic recovery having been largely unimpressed with George Osborne’s budget.
Billed as a budget to boost economic growth, reductions in corporation tax and red tape were designed to help the private sector and boost enterprise.
Michael Maloco of Maloco and Associates, who is also chairman of Dunfermline Delivers, the town’s business improvement district company, said, “I don’t expect to see any immediate impact from the budget on the local economy here in Dunfermline.
“Indeed, while the banks are reluctant to lend it will remain tough for business.
“However, here in Dunfermline we have many of the ingredients for an accelerated local recovery the arrival of Amazon, Shepherd Offshore and a major new Tesco store, plus the aircraft carriers and new Forth Crossing are all extremely positive.
“Therefore, as a business community we can try and work together to get things moving at a local level.”
Pressure on the public purse puts a renewed emphasis on local trading initiatives, and Dunfermline views itself as one of the most proactive towns in Scotland.
Events, training workshops and promotional campaigns are planned throughout the year to bring customers into the town and set firms working in partnership.DeliveringRecent seminars on customer service arranged by the local tourism partnership in association with Dunfermline Delivers have been well attended, and further sessions are planned on networking and digital marketing.
Dunfermline’s Safe Night scheme is one of the most successful programmes of its type and a major floral enhancement project will soon brighten the town centre.
According to chartered occupational psychologist Robert Miller this response bodes well for Dunfermline.
“When faced with challenging conditions, one of the best long-term strategies is to invest in strengthening your organisation and investing in your people and environment,” said Mr Miller, who is director of business psychology at business consultants McAdam King.
“It’s often the quality of a business’s staff, its focus on customer service and the ability to work with other partners that equips it to deal with a downturn and then positions it to take full advantage of recovery.”
Other local initiatives under way in Dunfermline include a busy calendar of events and a major new retail initiative designed to attract people back onto the High Street.
Dunfermline Delivers chief executive Susan Hughes added, “We’re doing everything we can to try and help businesses. Our events schedule is stronger than ever and we know that events like the Bruce Festival have a significant economic impact for local businesses.
“We’ve also put in place new web-based services, welcome packs for new businesses and will be promoting Dunfermline for the first time at the forthcoming international travel trade Expo in Aberdeen.
“Focusing on the opportunities for Dunfermline, achieving quick wins and working in partnership with our members and other organisations can make a big difference.”