Businesses worried about the deepening effects of the cost of living crisis will gather for talks after a crucial time for the High Street.
A meeting will take place at 3-1-5 Health Club on Caton Road, Lancaster, on Friday January 10 and representatives of Lancaster and Morecambe District firms are welcome to attend.
It has been called by 'Indivision' (Independent Vision) - an initiative aiming to bring business owners from the District together during these difficult economic times.
The idea comes from the team behind Totally Local Lancaster, a group formed to help Lancaster city centre businesses, initially during the Covid lockdown in November 2020.
"Over the past four years, it is fair to say that both businesses and households have faced an unprecedented number of challenges, and undoubtedly, the highest levels of uncertainty," said Paul Cusimano from Totally Local Lancaster, posting on its Facebook page.
"As the effects of the 'cost of living crisis' have cut deeper into everyone's finances, 2025 is not showing any signs of respite, or any upturn. In fact, many in the financial sector are preparing for more of the same, for some time to come.
"As a District, we have been resistant to many economic challenges in modern times, but not this one."
The first meeting of Indivision was held at 3-1-5 in May 2024, in the wake of the closure of popular Lancaster city centre bakery Fliberts due to rising costs.
"During the summer, we held our inaugural meeting at which over 70 businesses were represented, from around the Lancaster District, many openly sharing the challenges they were facing, which seemed common to the majority," said Mr Cusimano.
"It was unanimously agreed that we should invite the District's two MPs as well as our local council.
"The timing of our next meeting was going to be crucial, but the calling of a snap General Election, and the forming of a new Government, forced us to delay the next meeting.
"After much debate, we opted to wait until after the Christmas period, a crucial time for every High Street, whilst also giving time for the impact of the Autumn Budget to be felt/digested.
"We are delighted to announce that Cat Smith MP (for Lancaster and Wyre) and Lizzi Collinge MP (for Morecambe and Lunesdale) will both be in attendance at our next meeting, as well as representatives from Lancaster City Council."
The meeting will begin at 6pm and people are advised to arrive at 5.30pm.
To help with catering, please register your intention to attend, by emailing team@totallylocallancaster.co.uk stating your name, business and number of guests attending.
Read more: Meeting will rally business community together after shock Lancaster bakery closure - Beyond Radio
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