Online platform supports over 900 North Yorkshire SMEs in 12 months

An online platform set up to support businesses across North Yorkshire during the pandemic has helped over 900 businesses.

North Yorkshire Buy Local was created by North Yorkshire County Council in spring last year to bring together local businesses able to offer goods and services during the first lockdown.

Over the past 12 months, the initiative has supported over 900 businesses from a range of sectors across the region.

County Council Leader Cllr Carl Les commented: “Non-essential businesses have had a particularly tough time. We can now cautiously look forward to summer and the revival of the retail and hospitality sectors, which contribute so much to North Yorkshire’s economy.

“Businesses are relying on a really good summer to get back on their feet and so many have shown great ingenuity and courage during these unprecedented times. With staycations the norm this year, we all have a chance to support local businesses and spend money on our doorstep in a Covid-safe way.

“Buy Local has been there to help as a one-stop shop, enabling customers to search for goods and services close to home and from further afield. During its first year, more than 900 businesses have registered on the online community and more join by the day. It will remain as a valuable resource way beyond the pandemic.”