CHRISTMAS has come to Tenbury once more, presenting a series of benefits and challenges for local businesses.

Traditionally traders in the town look forward to the big boost provided by festive shopping and annual events such as the Santa run, the light switch on and the mistletoe festival. In recent years, however, businesses have had to contend with the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, driving up running costs and making shoppers more cautious of where they spend their cash.

Ludlow Advertiser: Louise Preston, 19, is the founder of Pitter Potter in TenburyClaire Preston, whose daughter Louise founded Pitter Potter in Teme Street earlier this year, said that they had welcomed plenty of customers who had popped into their paint-your-own pottery shop to make special Christmas mementoes and tree decorations.

She added that Miss Preston is currently very busy with commissions but is looking forward to the post-Christmas period, when families can come to the shop to enjoy some relaxed, quality time together.

Gary Thom of Mr Thom’s said that he was experiencing a cautious but stable Christmas. Whilst he recognised that it had been a challenging season, especially with the rising price of energy, he felt that there was definitely a Christmas atmosphere in the town despite many businesses going through similar hardships.

Mr Thom is looking forward to 2024, as he says that by diversifying his businesses he has been able to adapt to the changing economic circumstances.

As well as running his restaurant and chocolate shop, he also operates a chocolate factory that he thinks is going to increase in profitability next year. In 2023 the factory produced 20,000 chocolate bombs and has started shipping products to retailers as far away as Singapore. Already thinking beyond Christmas, Mr Thom’s has begun creating batches of easter eggs for Fred Olsen cruises.

Ludlow Advertiser: Greg Williams, who became co-manager of the Market Tavern pub in February alongside Jayne Davies, said that the town’s yuletide events have been very well-attended and have brought plenty of customers into their establishment.

After being a publican for 14 years, he usually expects a lull in trade in the two weeks before Christmas but this year he has experienced no such drop.

“Tenbury is a lovely community,” Mr Williams said.

“It’s got a really great atmosphere, and we get so much support from the locals.”