It seems like only a couple of months ago that I was writing the welcome to last year’s December/January issue and looking forward to the new year of 2018. Yet here I am with another Christmas around the corner and heading fast towards 2019. Of course, we’ve seen businesses come and go in The Heatons in these last 12 months. Sometimes it’s heart-breaking for the small private company trying to succeed in a still very tough economic climate and other times it’s more simply a case of change, moving on and trying something different. The exciting part for those of us who live and work here is that we get to experience new traders that soon become part of our everyday Heatons world.
Christmas is first and foremost a time for family and close friends, but within that Christmas spirit, let’s find time to also extend those warm, familial thoughts to others in our community. The Heatons is undeniably a special place and at this time of year each of us can, in a small way, support the businesses and organisations that help to make it so. If you do buy presents at this time of year, I challenge you to purchase at least one of your gifts from a local independent. To inspire you we’ve put together a few ideas in our seasonal gift guide, but please also take the time to browse our high streets – you’ll be inspired.
As we head towards a new year, we know with certainty that it will bring with it new Heatons retailers and traders – new ‘regulars’ on our doorsteps. And with them, the ongoing collective need of all of our local businesses and organisations for our continued support. So, whilst everyone at MOOR wishes you a heartfelt healthy and happy Christmas, we also wish our local businesses a successful and prosperous new year too.