A survey of local businesses was carried out by the Knaresborough Chamber of Trade to assess the readiness and thoughts of business owners as Knaresborough comes out of lockdown. From the 24 responses received the picture is not all of despondency and gloom, but rather of investing in bringing back their businesses stronger than ever. Indeed, a quarter of businesses reported higher than pre-COVID footfall and a third said that takings were also higher. You can also be sure of a spruced up experience as about two thirds of business either did a deep clean or redecorated and improved their premises – or both.

We can be proud of our local businesses who certainly didn’t put their feet up during lockdown. Innovations including online trading and undertaking training to improve their prospects both featured highly in the responses. In addition, local independents will continue to offer many of the facilities started during lockdown to provide the best possible service to residents and visitors to the town.

Local community organisations including the Knaresborough Chamber and Knaresborough Connectors were pivotal in keeping the town and it’s residents abreast of what products and services were available, pushing the #shoplocalstaysafe message and through #Knaresboroughunlocked provided a range of initiatives designed to support social distancing for businesses, customers and the town in general as the lockdown was eased.

You can see the full results of the survey HERE.