DESPITE a difficult trading environment affecting town centres with a fall in high street shopping and Brexit fears, almost three quarters of Denbighshire's traders believe business will improve this year.
About 73 per cent of businesses in the county expect to increase customer numbers according to the 2018 Business Survey conducted by Denbighshire County Council's (DCC) Economic and Business Development Team.
Of the 430 respondents that took part in the annual survey, 63 per cent also said that they expect to increase sales by the end of the year.
The Economic and Business Development Team informs DCC's March for Business month.
The Free Press has already reported about Henllan Bakery in Denbigh, Chilly Cow in Ruthin and TG Williams in St Asaph which are in the process of expanding their businesses and employing staff this year.
Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of DCC, said he is encouraged to see the positivity express by Denbighshire businesses amidst concern about high street shopping.
He said: “We know it is a difficult time for high streets across the UK. That is why we have been supporting local traders with our #LoveLiveLocal campaign this Christmas, with free 1-2-1 sessions with business experts, as well as administering business rate relief in the county.
“The survey shows that despite uncertainty, Denbighshire businesses are working hard and planning for the future.
“It is also encouraging to see businesses talk about the positive interaction they have had with our planning and public protection team which supports businesses in a variety of ways as part of our Better Business for All scheme.
“Businesses have also told us about their training needs and we will make sure March for Business 2019 is tailored to meet those needs. During these difficult times we will continue to talk and listen to businesses and provide them with the support they need.”
Respondents also gave positive feedback on the improvements to mobile coverage, which DCC has been working with the Welsh Government and mobile providers on, while fewer businesses said they had issues collecting payment from debtors but more had issues securing loans.
Businesses also said training around social media, e-commerce, and improving the presentation of products were most important to them.
March for Business is four weeks of free workshops, networking events and advice sessions for businesses organised by DCC.
For full details of the 2018 Business Survey visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/business-survey
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