Moray businesses have urged Holyrood and local authorities to address infrastructure problems affecting trade, including delays on the A96 and limited resilience when incidents disrupt the route. The concerns were raised during a meeting between the Forres Area Business Association, councillors and Moray MSP Laura Mitchell at Café 1496.
Key takeaways
- Businesses said A96 bottlenecks and weak contingency planning create costly delays.
- Some couriers charge more or do not deliver to the IV36 postcode.
- Attendees discussed business finance, rates, childcare and employment opportunities.
- The Moray Flow Park proposal was also raised.
The meeting was arranged to give local businesses a direct opportunity to explain the challenges they face to their Scottish Parliament representative. FABA director Joanna Taylor said the discussion helped ensure that issues affecting the Forres area were understood by Moray’s representative at Holyrood.
A96 disruption creates business costs
FABA director Carrie Hughes said congestion and bottlenecks on the A96 were having an adverse effect on businesses. While government plans to improve the route are expected to take time, she said businesses currently have little protection when incidents cause delays.
Attendees argued that alternative routes and traffic management arrangements are not always planned in advance or coordinated effectively. The resulting disruption can affect deliveries, staff travel and customer access, adding costs and frustration for local firms.
Delivery and finance barriers
The group also discussed difficulties faced by businesses using the IV36 postcode. Some courier companies reportedly charge additional fees or decline to deliver to the area, limiting the choices available to suppliers and their customers.
Participants said suppliers may not always know that their contracted courier imposes such restrictions. They also raised concerns about business lending decisions, suggesting that banking teams operating far from the communities they serve may not fully understand local trading conditions. Alternative funding options, including support provided through the Federation of Small Businesses, were considered.
Supporting workers and young people
Employment was another focus, with attendees discussing ways to create opportunities for young people and people returning to the workforce. The group highlighted affordable childcare as an important factor in helping more people take up work.
Hughes said many young people were keen to work but might need support with basic workplace skills. She argued that employers and young workers could make progress if both sides were prepared to meet each other halfway. Mitchell outlined Scottish Government and Moray Council initiatives, while Developing the Young Workforce Moray’s efforts to connect employers with young people were also discussed.
Wider local issues
Business rates were described by attendees as complex and expensive to manage. The proposed Moray Flow Park was among the other subjects considered during the meeting.
Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson, alongside councillors Scott Lawrence and Paul McBain, welcomed the chance to hear directly from local businesses. She said the exchange helped clarify issues involving both council and Scottish Government responsibilities, while also allowing the business community to receive updates on local developments.
FABA is a volunteer-led community interest company representing businesses in the Forres area. The meeting was intended to strengthen communication between local traders, elected representatives and public bodies as decisions on infrastructure and economic development continue.
