A good Christmas for Kirklees trade

A recent survey by the Purchasing Managers’ Index for December revealed that output for the service sector slipped by 0.2 per cent in the final quarter of 2012, prompting fears of another return to recession. But businesses large and small in north Kirklees have reported a good festive trading period.

The Mill Village in Bradford Road, Batley, last week announced its best festive trade figures ever, breaking its own pre-Christmas sales records.

Birstall Shopping Park had a bumper day of trading on Boxing Day – with the Next sale in particular receiving widespread interest, with vehicles queuing from the car park as early as 6am.

Birstall Shopping Park manager Dennis Copeland said: “It was one of the best sales they have ever had, according to feedback from the stores, so we are really pleased with that.”

Trading has remained positive on the high street too, with smaller businesses reporting a great trading period.

Simon Thirkill from the Heckmondwike Business Alliance said: “On the whole, the businesses I have spoken to in the area have been very positive about the festive trading period and the January sales.

“We have had more shops come in to the town over the past year than vacate it, so we are looking forward to a good year.”