Traffic and parking together with uncertainty over the development of Penistone town centre are the main areas of concern for Penistone businesses, according to a survey conducted among local business owners.

The research, conducted by local market research agency 20/20 Research, was undertaken to test the level of enthusiasm for the creation of a local business association.

Those who responded to the survey felt that the needs of Penistone businesses were often overlooked and that a local business association could usefully engage in more active lobbying to win support for the Penistone area and ensure that the views of local businesses were clearly heard.

The Acting Chair of the newly formed Penistone Business Association, Martin Taylor, said:

“Penistone businesses can benefit by working together and getting a much louder voice for Penistone. We can begin by making people more aware of what businesses there are in Penistone. A first step will be producing a local business guide, so people in Penistone know what services are on their own doorstep. Members of the Association can use this to give themselves some additional publicity in the area."

“We will also be working to attract more positive business comment about Penistone businesses and their achievements, with an active engagement with local, regional and national media."

“Many of us live, as well as work, in the Penistone area and we can see the problems with our roads, traffic and petty vandalism on a day-to-day basis. With a louder voice for Penistone through the Association we can strive to get more done to improve our local community.”

Rural Business Networking have been working in partnership with Barnsley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Barnsley Development Agency and Penistone and District Community Partnership on the establishment of the Penistone Business Association.

The first full meeting of the Penistone Business Association will take place on Tuesday 9th August at 6.00pm for 6.30pm at Cubley Hall. There will be an opportunity at the meeting to view examples of the possible format for the local business guide, which will be launched to help promote the use of Penistone businesses in the community.

Further details of the Penistone Business Association can be obtained from Martin Taylor on 01226 761088.

ENDS