It doesn't seem too long ago Lanarkshire was facing very subdued festive seasons – however things are back to normal for this year's winter events.
Hamilton businesses have pulled together over the past couple of years and a firm focus has been on shopping and spending local.
It's since brought a buzz back to the town centre after the success of the seasonal food and drink markets which were introduced last year, proving very popular for locals and visitors alike.
And it's with the delight of the local business improvement district, Hamilton Our Town, that they'll be able to continue running these events for a further five years thanks to a recent successful ballot.
The vote, which takes place every five years, saw Hamilton firms enter a submission on whether or not they want the Business Improvement District (BID) to represent them.
This year, a record 79 per cent of businesses voted in favour of Hamilton Our Town, while it was the highest ever turnout recorded in the ballot process.
Now, as the group enters its five-year business plan, locals can now look forward to a host of exciting events and activities taking place in the town centre.
This weeks sees the return of the Hamilton Our Town column, where manager Malcolm Thomas-Harley sends out a clear message to the public to shop local this Christmas to support Hamilton businesses.
What’s happening in Hamilton?
with Malcolm Thomas-Harley
I am delighted and honoured to be back writing in the Hamilton Advertiser after a break this year.
Over the past 11 months we’ve been hosting several successful town centre events including our first Pride and Mela event which was for me the highlight of the year so far.
Alongside this we’ve been building our digital marketing presence in support of the town via the Hamilton Our Town social media channels.
Hamilton Our Town is a business improvement district located in Hamilton town centre with myself as manager and reporting into a volunteer board made up primarily of business owners from Hamilton.
We are an independent organisation, in place to help support business in the town centre and are responsible for initiatives such as our free events, markets, parades and projects such as Hamilton Our Town social media channel to name but one.
This year we set about understanding what we can do, within our influence to continue support for the town centre. Following a new business plan, business owners were invited to vote on whether they wished us to continue operating for a new term starting November 2022.
As reported by the Hamilton Advertiser we were voted back in with the largest vote in favour since Hamilton Our Town began operating in town. This is something we do not take for granted especially given the financial challenges business face.
It was vital that this vote was won otherwise the town would have lost all additional activity, projects, and investment. The next time you visit one of our events, bear in mind this would not be happening were it not for the businesses' support in Hamilton town centre.
In this column I will keep you up to date with what’s happening in the town centre. Like all town and city centres Hamilton has its challenges. We aim to succeed in what we can influence.
The people of Hamilton too can have a huge influence on the town centre and in fact can make a real difference by shopping in the town centre. Therefore, why not come along to our events taking place on November 26, December 3, and December 17, and get in your Christmas shopping, right here in your local town.
We’ll be packing the days with free entertainment; a great market and kids can climb for free in the Hang On Climbing centre. Keep an eye on our social media channels and of course the Hamilton Advertiser for more information on what we have planned!
There are many great businesses that we can be proud of and if we look at the filling of vacant units recently on Quarry Street there is plenty to be optimistic about.
However, and ultimately the town will not succeed unless it is supported through shoppers coming into town and spending rather than online or elsewhere.
Hamilton needs your support, please support the town centre this Christmas by spending local.
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