A NORTH Yorkshire market town with a focus on food is proving its community can support new business growth.

Nine ventures have relocated to Malton in just six months, with the hope of benefiting from the town’s footfall and support for shopping locally.

In stark contrast, figures from the Local Data Company and British Independent Retailers Association, which found only one independent shop opened in the UK per week in 2015 compared to 11 a day in 2010.

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 new businesses include ButterBees Butter Parlour, fresh pasta maker Passione Della Pasta, artisan bakery YO Bakehouse and Chapter Two Bar. Non-food businesses include boutique estate agent Willowgreen, home and interiors companies Hare & Wilde, Edwardian Bedding, Castle Carpets and hairdresser Luxe.

Lucy Briden-Kenny, owner of ButterBees, said they decided to move to Malton while attending the Food Lovers Festival and Malton Cookery School two years ago.