PREPARATION for the Tour de Yorkshire has already begun for Barnsley’s retailers.
The council’s economic development manager Paul Cifford said Barnsley’s place as a host town for the event on May 4 next week gives local businesses a real opportunity, using Penistone’s participation this year as an example.
Figures presented at the last week’s town centre forum revealed a £538,500 spend from visitors and residents in Penistone over the Tour De Yorkshire’s time in the town in April, working out at £21.54 per person across retailers. And one establishment sold 2,000 drinks during the day.
Paul said: “We have been successful in securing status as a starting point for the Tour De Yorkshire, which is a big achievement and deserves kudos. It will start outside the town hall and have substantial media coverage from the likes of ITV4 and Eurosport.
“Penistone had a stage last year and it was highly successful. One of the main things businesses in Penistone really embraced and which was key to making it a success was pulling together.
“It is about putting on additional offers in areas to encourage people to come in, stay and spend money. And being prepared for disruption, as the day will be about being flexible and working around it.
“It is a great chance to portray Barnsley in a positive light with significant coverage on a national level.”
