A new business forum has been created in Great Ayton building on the success of last month’s visit of the Tour de Yorkshire to the village.
Seventeen local businesses were represented at its first meeting – and already the group are planning for two major events a year, including a Christmas market.
The tour – on May 1 – brought residents, community groups, parish councillors and businesses together for the first time to organise a massive community celebration and the new Forum has agreed to continue that work.
It is being led by 24 year old hairdresser Amelia Herbert who galvanised businesses to action for the tour.
“Great Ayton has always had a great community spirit with an active parish council and many community activities,” said Amelia, Salon Manager of Watkins-Wright. “But we have long needed a group that brings all businesses together to support each other as well as organise some joined up events.”
“The village has lots to offer – not just for the tour but well beyond that.”
There are at least 30 businesses in the village ranging from shops selling ice cream, meat and hardware; through to coffee shops, florists and gift shops; the Tourist Information Centre; and the museum and its historical connections to Captain Cook.
And Deputy Leader of Hambleton District Council, Councillor Peter Wilkinson, added: “It great to hear that the tour has left this legacy in Great Ayton. We are supporting the group along with the other business forums in Hambleton which actively bring together businesses in each location to work together and offer each other support.”
To sign up to the group contact Amelia on melia2367@hotmail.co.uk