Business is booming in the market town of Malton with nine new independent store openings

Business continues to grow in the North Yorkshire market town of Malton as nine new independant stores have opened their doors in the past six months.

The new businesses that have relocated to Malton are bucking the national trend according to figures from the Local Data Company and British Independent Retailers Association, which found that just one independent shop opened in the UK per week in 2015 compared to 11 a day in 2010.

Malton, known for its monthly food markets and annual food festival, has seen a growing collection of independent food producers open in recent years, including many traditional offerings such as butchers, a fishmonger, greengrocers, delis and bakers in addition to more than a dozen pubs and two breweries.

The new businesses include ButterBees Butter Parlour, fresh pasta maker Passione Della Pasta, artisan bakery YO Bakehouse and Chapter Two Bar.

Non-food businesses consist of the boutique estate agent Willowgreen, home and interiors companies Hare & Wilde, Edwardian Bedding, Castle Carpets and hairdresser, Luxe.

Tom Naylor Leyland, director of the Talbot Hotel in Malton and Malton Food Lovers Festival, said: “It’s fantastic that more and more independent businesses are choosing Malton as a desirable location to set up shop.

“Malton is a charming market town, which has already gained the admiration of many of the nation’s top chefs and food writers. Retail has been tough for a few years now and certainly the way we all shop has changed forever but the shift here is towards factors such as service, niche products and experiences to reinvigorate trade and with businesses large and small now investing in Malton, the town is coming back to life!

“The Talbot Yard Food Court, Malton Cookery School, Monthly Food Markets and yearly food festivals are attracting customers and retail spend in the area from foodies and non-foodies alike. The Fitzwilliam Malton Estate are driving this resurgence with active estate management and considerable investment, which combined with the 2 hours free parking in the town centre make Malton a really accessible and attractive location.

“The artisan food producers in town are united under the ‘Made in Malton’ banner and this stamp of approval is proving really popular as customers look for that sign of authenticity, and we have that in abundance here! Visitors can see bread baked, beer brewed and coffee roasted. Now they can even see butter churned and fresh pasta made too!”