Helping the Smaller Businesses in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is now firmly in Tier 3, with disturbing rumours that certain areas could be moved up into Tier 4.

Many small, independent businesses that managed to keep their heads above water last year face renewed hardships. So what can you do?

If you can, where possible, SHOP LOCAL.

Your large organisations such as supermarkets will survive this climate - they have enough resources behind them to weather the storm. But the same cannot be said for the smaller, independent businesses that are often the lifeblood of the more rural locations in our County.

So take time to think whether you can get your meat, fish, fruit and vegetables from your local butcher, fishmonger or grocer. Your business with them could be the difference between them keeping going or going under.

Remember, if a B&B (for example) is forced to shut up shop for the duration of these latest restrictions, then employees such as cleaners or other staff could go without pay. The establishment will also stop buying provisions as there are no guests, so local traders suffer again.

Further afield, others working in the tourism industry, such as tour guides, are also now restricted from working and earning a living. Some are offering online events - consider signing up to those. They are usually free but you can choose to make a donation should you wish.

Finally, also be aware that whilst the Chancellor has been "flashing the cash" with various relief measures to business owners, there is a vast number of self-employed people (not only in the tourism industry) that for one reason or another, fall outside of the eligability criteria to qualify for any financial help whatsoever. An unfair and divisive state of affairs that needs addressing urgently.

Keep yourselves safe and SUPPORT LOCAL, INDEPENDENT BUSINESS!



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