TRADERS in Malton are showing they mean business with the launch of a new, recession-busting campaign.

The credit crunch may be hitting shops hard but firms in the Ryedale town are fighting back with the launch of We Love Malton – The Heart Of Ryedale.

The campaign is designed to reconnect residents, traders and business organisations with the town’s shops and help promote its services to the rest of Ryedale, Yorkshire and beyond.

The campaign mirrors that set up by The Press, which highlights the positive business stories in the region and encourages people to use local shops and services.

Denys Townsend, of Malton And Norton Business In Action, said: “This is a very positive and exciting initiative, and the town is now waking up to the real possibilities that can be achieved when we have a co-ordinated campaign, and everyone pulls together.

“We are already seeing a buzz around our famous Market Square, and know this is just the beginning.”

On Monday and Tuesday, traders will have the chance to attend free workshops designed to help their business.

They will be taken through the We Love Malton initiative before Sally Williams, regional co-ordinator for Action For Market Towns, gives advice on how to beat the economic downturn.

For those involved in the food and drink sector, a best practice session by former York chef Peter Sidwell, who now runs the successful Good Taste Café in Keswick.

Mr Sidwell, who previously worked in several hotels around the area, will cover the value of local sourcing, menu planning, pricing and marketing to increase business. Delegates at the retail workshop will also be given vital tips on cost effective selling, visual merchandising and customer service.

Following on from the workshops there are plans for various events to promote Easter in Malton as well as a brand new food and drink festival to be staged at the end of May. There will also be a revamped motor show, a game food fair and a revitalised Dickens Festival.