News – Business forum brainchild of Balerno Community Council

Balerno Community Council (BCC) is behind a move to set up a business forum.

Jim Polasik, the business portfolio holder on the local body outlined why the formation of the Balerno Business Forum is such an important step for the village.

He said: “We can all see what is in the Main Street in Balerno. There are shops, a pub, cafes, restaurants and dentist to name a few.

“However, there is a business community who live here who we have little or no connection with. That is something we must need to address for the future of this village.”

He added: “We need to drive more footfall to the village business community. Thousands of people by-pass the Main Street annually.

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“Many drive past the road end. Tourists visit Malleny House and never venture into the village. Fishermen buy their permits and move on to Harlaw and Threipmuir, walkers come to the end of the Water of Leith walkway and do a u-turn, cyclists do the same.

“Many never visit the Main Street and there are people who live on the outskirts of the village who turn left and head for The Gyle or right to Livingston to visit shops.

“We need to attract them to Main Street, Balerno. The village is wonderful place to live. I live here and love it.

“That is why I aim to do all I can to preserve what we have got and to enhance the offering to those who stay and work here and those who visit.”

Mr Polasik said communication was vital in this process and the Post Office was deemed an ideal conduit.

He added: “Many businessmen and women use the Post Office to send material and Steve Carlyle has kindly agreed to act as our focal point.

“Business cards are being developed for distribution and leaflets are being prepared.

“So, we want to hear from you. If you have a home-based business in Balerno or live here and run a business elsewhere get in touch.”

He stressed: “This village needs your input if we are going to grow and develop what we have here.

“The bottom line is there are people in Balerno who may want to use your goods and services and, by networking, you may pick up new clients. Be part of the change, and get in touch.”