COLUMN: Please keep your custom in Spalding in this tricky year for traders

by Darren Sutton, chairman of Spalding Town Retailers’ Association

We had a variety of different weather for January – freezing temperatures, fog and, thankfully, very little snow. This brings out all the colds and flus with the change of weather, but at least the month has gone and we can look forward to spring…

It could be a difficult year for businesses, the change in business rates, national living wage increase, pensions and with Brexit still ongoing shoppers will see prices increase in shops due to the fall of the pound and dollar. This means it’s more important to support local independent businesses, who not only support local jobs but other local businesses.

So on to a more positive note. We are into February, which leads us into Valentine’s Day. There are plenty of shops where you can buy a gift from or treat your loved one to a romantic meal. Don’t forget the date – Tuesday, February 14.

After the events of last Christmas, which obviously appeared in the local press, it is encouraging to see that Spalding Town Forum is interested in setting up a committee to organise the Christmas market this year.

We need to bring in not only retailer groups but also the local market and other local groups to ensure we have the best Christmas market possible for the town.
We need to get together as soon as possible to ensure there is enough time to organise events.

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