CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS

Work in an idyllic, yet thriving environment, in an historic market town,

set in beautiful country, good network links.

And to top all that, landlords who are flexible and provide incentives

What’s not to like? What’s not to go for?

 

North Yorkshire Market Town, Ripe for Business Growth

 

Whilst many rural towns are feeling the pinch, Malton in North Yorkshire is proving a rewarding centre from which to run a business.  It has proved that by taking the initiative and launching an innovative marketing campaign to highlight it’s gourmet food credentials, excellent independent shopping and cultural attractions, it is reaping the rewards and enjoying the dividends. 

 

The "We Love Malton" marketing campaign has secured an impressive 17% per cent year-on-year increase in visitor numbers for this historic market town in the heart of picturesque Ryedale, North Yorkshire.

 

Any business wanting to expand or to start up, and to be part of this swell of success, will be assisted by the town’s landlords, who are certainly willing to help with such incentives as rent-free periods, flexible lease terms and capital investment considerations.   Malton is an economically vibrant, attractive and well serviced market town, providing an outstanding location for any potential business initiative.  One real example is the breakthrough decision to instigate two hours’ free parking in the central market place. Whilst similar towns are expressing concerns about empty shops, Malton has seen four new retail businesses opening recently, one food, two clothing and one art gallery.  

 

The growing influx of visitors to the town is also having a knock on effect in other sectors, such as property purchase. Local estate agents are noticing more house buyers from outside the area are recognising Malton’s competitive prices and great location and consequently bringing a renewed interest to what has been a slow market. The town was recently highlighted as the third most popular downsizing location in the country.  House prices* from January 2007 to March 2010 have increased by 157% in Malton, compared to Harrogate at 114% and all North Yorkshire which stands at 121%.

 

The current rate for void premises in Malton is currently 10.5% which compares with the national average of 12.4%.  Harrogate is at 10.6%, which some would consider a much stronger retail centre than Malton and the North East averages out at 14%.

 

Businesses, landlords, residents, voluntary and council groups are working together to ensure the success of this first ever publicity drive for the town, with a major Food Lovers Festival very much at its heart. Its ongoing and ambitious programme of seasonal events is aimed at boosting growth still further and keeping Malton’s profile high.

 

Taking a lead role in the forthcoming 2010 Food Lovers Festival are two Local Michelin starred chefs Andrew Pern, from the acclaimed gastro pub The Star, and James Mackenzie from the Pipe & Glass restaurant. With recipes, demonstrations and tastings to tempt everyone’s inner gourmet, they will be joined by many of Malton’s food heroes showing individual skills, with up to 5000 visitors expected.

 

The town even has its own Ambassador, Sarah Lally-Marley who says: “The town is such an inspirational place to work, and we think it is now the perfect platform for would be entrepreneurs to start their own business, whatever the type or size”.