It's a new year with lots to look forward to for many local businesses across Lanarkshire.
And after a successful festive season for footfall in Hamilton town centre, it's time to look ahead to 2022 with optimism as many residents in the area continue to shop locally and support firms in their town.
Last year brought a pleasing number of new shops and restaurants to Hamilton, explains Hamilton BID manager Malcolm Thomas-Harley, who reflects fondly on 2021 with more of the same to come this year.
The business rep is providing a monthly column telling readers what’s happening in Hamilton; the work of many local businesses; and how we can all support each other.
What’s happening in Hamilton?
with Malcolm Thomas-Harley
The new year gives as all a chance to look back and reflect on the year that has just passed. There is no doubt that 2021 much like 2020 was yet another really challenging year due to the pandemic.
In our town centre the challenges for businesses were significant following lockdowns and the rise of Omicron towards the festive season impacting hospitality and retail significantly at what should have been the busiest time of year.
As we head into the New Year our message remains consistent and clear. We ask that you support your local town centre businesses right now and chose to shop and spend local.
If you are travelling by car don’t forget that is currently free to park after 3pm in the Duke Street carpark which we are told will soon be converted to a pay on exit system.
Whilst this does not resolve the issue of parking, it is positive to see some steps being taken to improve the situation.
Even with many well documented challenges, Hamilton town centre did see the opening of over 15 new and exciting businesses in 2021.
Businesses like the wonderful new florist on Duke Street, Studio De Fleur, the award winning Zeste Beauty on Castle Street and the exceptional Hang On climbing centre in the New Cross all opened their doors in 2021.
There’s too many to mention all of them here so head over to Hamilton Our Town social media pages to keep in touch with the latest goings on in Hamilton.
And talking of Hamilton Our Town...In June 2021 we partnered with Hamilton’s very own Made In Scotland Digital Marketing agency to support our vital digital offering set up to promote the town.
The team produced our new website, took on business photography and have driven an exceptional performance on our social channels with over 1.8 million reach in a seven-month period.
It is great to see such a brilliant town centre business take centre stage in the town.
Summer 2021 also seen the start of the most extensive town centre event schedule ever undertaken by Hamilton Our Town (BID), set up to increase footfall and celebrate the town centre.
Starting as a trial in August, the introduction of a vibrant town centre led market combined with an eclectic mix of unique performers and community acts brought vibrancy to the area across each Saturday in August.
In November we opened our Christmas market, strategically located in the central improvement district location of Quarry Street.
With five different events in a row from the Christmas lights switch on to the Reindeer Parade we hope to have provided opportunities to the local community, supported town centre marketing and increased footfall through a really challenging period.
Hamilton Town centre has many shops and local businesses to offer, many that you may not be aware of yet!
So why not head into town and support the local businesses and people that make Hamilton our town.
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