“The York Means Business campaign is an excellent concept and we wholly support its principles. The media has a responsibility to talk up the economy, as the ‘doom and gloom’ reporting is not a true reflection of the positive things that are happening in the economy. A number of our members are reporting doing good business. The campaign will undoubtedly help to highlight the diversity of business in York and the strength of the wider county of North Yorkshire.”

Susie Cawood, head of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce


“york-england.com welcomes The Press’s York means business campaign. By adopting a united front we will create a stronger force to tackle any challenges. There are pockets of good news. Not all York businesses are suffering the downturn and some are still expanding, for example, IPS is investing in the city, creating 100 new jobs.”

Denise Stuart, chief executive of inward investment agency york-england.com


“In a recession, a regional economy which has a strong allegiance to its local businesses will best be able to ride out a downturn, to thrive and to emerge more quickly and stronger. If we support our core local businesses then the benefits will ripple out to all. This is why the ‘York Means Business’ campaign is so important. I applaud the initiative that The Press is taking and the York Economic Partnership will be seeking to help The Press to get this message out to the local community.”

Peter Kay, chairman of York Economic Partnership


“The Press’s campaign is a vote of confidence in our city and will boost business confidence and help protect York people from the downturn. I will work very closely with the council, chamber of commerce, university and MPs from all parties to try to make the campaign a success, and will try to win support at Westminster.”

Hugh Bayley, York MP


“I welcome The Press’s campaign York Means Business for bringing attention to the successes in the local economy and reminding the outside world that York is ‘open for business’. The recession is fuelled by damage to confidence and careless talk will cost jobs if we talk ourselves into a deeper recession, so we must emphasise the positive. The council is doing what it can to support local businesses and projects so that the city is in as strong a position as it can be when the recovery comes.”

Andrew Waller, leader of City of York Council