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A new campaign has been launched in Knaresborough with the aim of supporting local businesses and boosting the town's economy.
Knaresborough has joined a growing list of towns across the UK to adopt the Totally Locally campaign — a national initiative that encourages residents to shop with independent businesses.
The campaign kicked off this week with a simple message: if every resident spent just £5 a week in local shops, it could generate an estimated £3.1 million annually for Knaresborough’s economy.
Totally Locally organiser Natalie Horner said:
“This is a chance for locals to discover Knaresborough's great shops and businesses, and the real difference they make to our town."
Totally Locally is a not-for-profit initiative that started in West Yorkshire in 2010 and has since spread to over 150 towns in the UK and abroad.
It's being supported by the Knaresborough Business Collective and funded by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire’s “Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.”
The campaign's first step is a town-wide activity titled “We Recommend”, where businesses display recommendations of their favorite fellow shops, cafes, and services in their windows.
Sarah Chisem of Knaresborough Podiatry said:
“Most people who visit a town, only visit on average three shops, so they become a little blind to what is around them.
"So by putting our favourite shops in the window we hope to get people to try all the other great businesses in the town."
Feedback from residents and business owners — gathered via meetings and surveys — highlighted a disconnect between areas of foot traffic, like the riverside, and the town centre.
Many locals also reported being unaware of the variety and quality of shops already available in Knaresborough.
The campaign is aiming to address these gaps by encouraging cooperation between different parts of the town’s commercial scene.
A new website features professional photography, business profiles, and will soon include an events calendar and local news updates.
Chris Sands, founder of Totally Locally said:
“It’s clear from feedback that Knaresborough has a huge amount to offer locals but they aren’t always aware of what’s on their doorstep - the Totally Locally campaign will tackle this with lots of fun and engaging initiatives."
The campaign, which has gained recognition through awards and national media features, has already had measurable impacts in towns like Hebden Bridge, Brighouse, and Crickhowell.
Its creators credit its success to being community-led and adaptable to each town’s unique needs.
Natalie Horner added:
“We are confident that it can do the same for Knaresborough.
"We have lots of wonderful businesses here and Totally Locally will help to highlight this with lots more initiatives over the next twelve months,”
The campaign will continue throughout the year with further activities planned to celebrate and support Knaresborough’s independent business community.
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