Richard Lochhead MSP met with local businesses in Forres recently to discuss the challenges of coronavirus and to hear about the steps they’ve put in place to keep customers and staff safe.
Mr Lochhead visited the Mackenzie and Cruickshank Garden Centre, Café Fika and Macbeth’s Butcher, a local business which reported an incredible upturn in online orders during lockdown.
He said: “It’s been an incredibly challenging few months for small businesses in Forres and across Moray, with many having to close their doors due to coronavirus.
Keeping customers safe

“I really enjoyed getting out and about in Forres and catching up with some local businesses that have now reopened. Although the doors are open, it isn’t business as usual and it was good to hear about the steps that businesses are taking to keep their staff and customers safe.
“Thankfully for many business is now starting to pick up again and there’s been a lot of support from loyal customers who are keen to do their bit to shop local. Of course lockdown also meant many Moray businesses turned to online trading to help get them through and I’m sure for some, this new way of doing business will be here to stay.
“Supporting our local businesses and our high street is absolutely essential for the recovery of Moray’s economy and I’d encourage folks to back our fantastic local shops as much as possible.”
Mr Lochhead was one of the first to support our Forres Loves Local campaign when it launched to encourage people to start their shopping journey on their doorstep.