When people think of Living Lerwick, they often think of the colourful summer flowers, Christmas lights or the events that bring people into town. While these are a big part of what we do, there's a lot of of work happening behind the scenes to support our members and help Lerwick town centre thrive.
Here's a look at just some of what we've been delivering.
Encouraging People to Shop Local
Our Spend at da Street loyalty scheme continues to encourage people to support local businesses. With nearly 13,000 loyalty cards submitted, the scheme has rewarded shoppers while helping drive footfall and spending across the town centre.
Creating Events That Bring People Into Town
Throughout the year we organise and support events that encourage people to visit Lerwick.
Our seasonal family trails have also proved hugely popular, with hundreds of local families taking part and exploring businesses across the town centre during school holidays.
Our Doggy Day Out thiss year welcomed 63 dogs and their owners into town, celebrating our dog-friendly businesses and generating over 5,000 public votes for favourite pups.
At Christmas, our annual Christmas Parade and Santa's Grotto saw a record 400 bairns visit Santa in his grotto and thousands come out to see Santa arrive in Lerwick, creating memories for local families while bringing extra visitors into town.
Promoting Local Businesses
Every day we work to showcase our members through social media, promotional videos, campaigns and advertising. From highlighting new businesses to supporting national initiatives such as Scotland Loves Local, we help keep Lerwick businesses visible to both local customers and visitors.
We also produce and distribute printed town maps and business directories, making it easier for people to discover everything Lerwick has to offer.
Keeping Lerwick Looking Its Best
A welcoming town centre benefits everyone. Living Lerwick coordinates the installation of summer flowers, colourful bunting and Christmas lights, helping keep Lerwick looking attractive throughout the year and creating a positive experience for shoppers and visitors alike.
The Work You Don't Always See
Much of our time is spent on essential work that keeps the organisation running effectively and ensures we can continue supporting businesses.
This includes:
- Preparing grant applications and securing funding opportunities.
- Collating cruise info to share with businesses
- Managing finances, budgets and VAT returns.
- Administering BID levy fees.
- Maintaining our member database.
- Research, report writing and data analysis.
- Checking business information and levy records.
- Preparing for the BID renewal ballot.
- Responding to enquiries and providing advice and practical support to members throughout the year.
Supporting Lerwick Businesses Every Day
Whether it's organising events, promoting businesses, improving the appearance of the town centre or carrying out the essential administration behind the scenes, Living Lerwick is working year-round to benefit its members.
Everything we do is focused on one goal – helping create a vibrant, welcoming and successful town centre where local businesses can thrive.
