Independent retailers throughout Darlington town centre took part in a special day recognising their importance on our high streets.
Traders throughout the town took part in the annual Small Business Saturday event – a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
Shoppers across the region went out and supported all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses took part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.
The day of celebration comes as Darlington was recently announced as the fourth most entrepreneurial town in the UK for 2022.
New data shows the number of small businesses in Darlington with up to 49 employees increased by 210, representing a 6.6% uplift. Cross-referenced with the latest population figures, this gave Darlington ‘small business per capita’ score of 0.19, bucking the trend nationally.
Entrepreneurs have launched new businesses for a second income stream to combat rising prices during the cost-of-living crisis as well as an increase in demand over the past three years.
Amber Kotrri, of House of Zana on Grange Road, believes the advent of independents is turning Darlington into a ‘destination’ town centre.
“Darlington is forward thinking and it feels very collaborative here thanks to the support from the council. Everything that they are doing to help is fantastic and I’ve heard the same from other businesses."
House of Zana teamed up with fellow town centre firm's Bliss Desserts, Dr Inks and The Pasta Shop at a special event on Saturday.
Councillor Jamie Bartch, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy, said the town is lucky to have dozens of independent businesses.
“In Darlington we cherish all our small and independent businesses and the contribution they make to our great retail and business mix in the town centre and beyond. We have seen increased investment in our town centre allowing small businesses to thrive and grow.
“This result reflects the hard work and creativity of local innovative people who are determined to make their business dream a reality.”
Cameron Shearer, Co-founder and CEO of Superscript, added: “Darlington didn’t feature in the top 10 in 2021, so the way it has embraced entrepreneurship in the last year is even more impressive against the backdrop of a national decline in small businesses.”
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