Helmsley in Business receives record boost in members

Helmsley in Business (HiB) has welcomed 18 local businesses as new members during the last year.

Founded by two business owners at the start of 2012 with the aim of encouraging businesses in the rural town, HiB works with members to promote Helmsley as a whole.

Helmsley in Business now boasts 51 members.

Since launching, HiB has run a series of summer and Christmas events every year, developed a website and marketing collateral, and forged productive partnerships with external organisations – as well as encouraging collaboration between members.

The latest new members of HiB include Lazenby Visuals, Helmsley Antiques & Interiors, Venetos and RED taxis, which are all based in the Market Town, located on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.

Chris Lazenby, the owner of Lazenby Visuals, who is also a member of the local fire service, said: “I had been working out of my home doing artwork and framing my own work for a few years, but I needed more space. By coincidence, the unit at the Walled Garden became available and a friend was selling her professional framing equipment, so it all fell into place.

“HiB seemed like such a good opportunity to join a community of like minded people. Everyone seems to work hard, not only at their own business but also helping to promote each other. It’s not an easy world we live in these days and everything we can do to help each other out can only be a bonus.”

Since joining HiB, Chris has already formed a working partnership with fellow new member Helmsley Antiques and Interiors. The shop opened in June, and aims to showcase how well antiques work with contemporary interior styles, with a mixture of country rustic, industrial and vintage pieces, as well as antiques.

Martin Jeffrey, who owns Helmsley Antiques and Interiors,commented: “When we moved to the area two years ago we had in mind opening a shop, but for us witnessing at first hand the great work that HiB does, it was a no-brainer to come to Helmsley and be a part of a supportive network, especially when High Streets and retail seems on the decline.

“We have already been actively involved and made some great contacts – including Chris at Lazenby Visuals. It doesn’t matter what we ask him to do - ranging from framing authentic motor-racing posters to antique African arrows, he always produces a fantastic job. If we’re asking other people to shop local, we should shop local too.”