Traders are joining together to protect their independence

May 15 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

CONCERNED traders have joined forces in a bid to prevent Perth’s independent shops from going to the wall.

With spending continuing to taper off as a result of the deep-seated economic recession, Fair City entrepreneurs have decided to band together under the auspices of the newly-created Perth Business Alliance.

Project organiser Liz Kersley said the bid to reinvigorate the local retail sector had been sparked by a growing number of empty commercial properties in the city centre.

“We are extremely concerned about shops shutting down in Perth,” she said.

“The town seems to be dying on its feet and there is a lot of resentment towards our local leaders, who are not actively doing anything to help.

“We have decided to set up a network of like-minded small traders and have created a business card covering up to 30 individual shops.

“All of these are struggling in their own way but the card will offer customers discounts as dictated by the shops themselves.”

Ms Kersley said PBA was set up to encourage residents to appreciate the wealth of unique premises on their doorstep, and to shop local.

She said a successful recent trial involving pensioners from Perth had demonstrated a demand for affordable alternatives to supermarkets and the national high street outlets.

“We have created a website, www.perthbusinessalliance.co.uk, where people can see the latest offers,” Ms Kersley explained.

“PBA is free for companies to join and the only money we ask shoppers to pay up front is a small administrative charge for the business card.

“We are really committed to getting shops on board immediately and getting things going.

“As well as those who have already signed up, we have received expressions of interest from at least as many traders again.”