Knaresborough has seen a stream of new businesses opening in the past year despite the challenges posed by the cost of living crisis.
Recent additions include The Secret Bakery and River and Rose and last week high street bakery Greggs confirmed it was opening a branch in the town.
There are currently only six empty units available compared a peak of more than 40, according to the two women behind the Knaresborough Business Collective.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, and Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, who launched the not-for-profit venture in January, said there were a number of reasons why Knaresborough was so attractive to businesses.
Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:
“There is a lot of new energy coming into the town. More than 12 business have opened here this year.
“I think we have a lot to offer, because we are a tourist destination as well. We bring a lot of tourists in for a good half of the year and the other half sees locals use a lot of the businesses.”
Annie Wilkinson-Gill (left) and Natalie Horner.
Ms Horner added:
“Most of the businesses are quite unique. We offer a lot as a town. You can get everything here. I also think after covid a lot of people wanted to support local.
“You get amazing customer service in Knaresborough. When customers walk in, staff know them by name. All that helps to make it a community. We also have the market on a Wednesday.”
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The women, who set up the collective to stage events and be a voice for businesses, have both had a presence in the town for more than a decade.
During this time they have seen the town experience struggles with shop closures and empty units.
However, in a post-covid world, they believe there is now more support than ever for local businesses, including amongst the business community itself.
Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:
“As well as the people who live here, the shops all support each other. We all know the importance of keeping each other going. We have all got the same goal.
“I have got the most amazing group of friends in different businesses. It’s a really lovely town full of lovely people.”