MEETING TO CONSIDER CAITHNESS RETAILERS GROUP

20th February 2008

A public meeting is to be held in Thurso next week to discuss the formation of a Caithness-wide body to represent the retail sector.

It follows the publication of a retail report carried out by Vector Research for HIE Caithness and Sutherland. One of the report's main recommendations is that local retail businesses join together to form a strong voice for the area, and to consider the wider tourism potential of town centre shopping in Wick, and Thurso in particular.

Representatives from Vector Consultants will be on hand to talk about the study's findings, and it is hoped that the meeting may support the idea of setting up a group to take action.

HIE's Eann Sinclair said: "There is a real appetite for action amongst retailers, so we're hoping that from next week's meeting will come an active group that is able to help the retail sector in Caithness to adapt and grow."

The meeting is to be held in the ballroom of the Pentland Hotel in Thurso at 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 26. To assist with arrangements, anyone interested in attending is asked to phone HIE Caithness and Sutherland on 01847 805221 or email donna.bamford[AT]hient.co.uk