John Glover has decided to retire from his role and a replacement will be chosen through nominations and voting at the group's AGM at 6pm on Wednesday, April 11 in the Kintore Arms Hotel.

Mr Glover has reflected on a busy six years, during which the Inverurie Business Association (IBA) has been a key player in overseeing changes in the town.

He said: "It's hard to pick out a single highlight from the many over the last six years. Certainly the broadband campaign was an important milestone both for the IBA and the town.

"The campaign, in the spring of 2003, led to Inverurie becoming the first town in Scotland to get a broadband internet service. This brought the potential of trading benefits to local business and service benefits to the public."

He added: "The IBA played an active role in setting up the Help Light-up Inverurie group, to improve the town's Christmas lights display, and in establishing the Inverurie Environmental Improvement Geoup which brings a feast of floral colour to the town centre each summer."

Mr Glover has served on both committees since the groups were established and helps to erect and take down the lights and to help put out the hanging baskets each summer.

"The watering rota is a real social occasion through the summer months," added John. "The volunteers go out in all weathers to fill the baskets and it's been great to receive the warm comments from the public who appreciate the effort.

"Mind you, not all drivers have been as appreciative when their journey has been delayed by a couple of minutes by the water wagon."

The IBA now has its own magazine, Connect, which is now on its 16th issue. It also manages two websites - www.inveruriebusiness.com and www.visitinverurie.com and holds a database of Inverurie businesses.

"It has been a privilege to represent the businesses of Inverurie at different forums. The IBA meets regularly with Aberdeenshire Council's local representatives to discuss issues and comment on proposals," John said.

"And the IBA has taken a lead on tourism developments through the publication of leaflets, the development of the Visit Inverurie website and representation, with other Aberdeenshire towns, at the annual Visit Scotland travel trade exhibition."

John said that in the first five years of his time at the helm the IBA received grant funding from the Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership (ATP), however in the past 12 months the association's finance has failed to cope with the workload generated by the services developed in the funded years.

John said: "I firmly believe that business needs a voice in planning future development of the town. The IBA also has a key role in many community initiatives. The association works on behalf of all businesses but, sadly, despite my best efforts, only 30 per cent of local businesses support the IBA by paying a membership fee.

"There has never been a shortage of good ideas from the IBA committee but funding these is another matter. Obtaining funding, to maintain and further develop IBA services, is probably the biggest challenge for my successor."

After the AGM there will be a presentation from Aberdeenshire Council planners on the various developments proposed for Inverurie in the years to come.

All local businesses are welcome and non-IBA members will be able to join at the door. Those planning to attend are asked to call Morag on (01467) 670183 or e-mail info@inveruriebusiness.com.