NORMANTON is bucking the economic trend after a record number of new companies formed in the last quarter.
A survey by company formation expert Duport.co.uk found that 30 firms set up in the town during the second quarter of this year - more than any quarter on record.
The survey found its proximity to Leeds, good transport links and affordable housing had helped the former mining town become a major distribution hub for large businesses.
The report said: “As mining declined in the UK, so did Normanton, with the miner’s strikes of the 1980s having a profound effect on the town.
“However, in recent years Normanton has developed into a popular commuter suburb for the Leeds City Region, thanks to good transport links and affordable housing.”
The report said a regeneration scheme launched across the Five Towns in 2004 would help to further rebuild the economy of Castleford, Featherstone, Pontefract, Knottingley and Normanton.
Peter Valaitis, managing director of Duport, said: “Normanton has been through a difficult time since the decline of the mining industry, but the geographical location of the town and a good redevelopment strategy has seen an improvement in economic conditions. The fact we have seen a record quarter for net growth of new companies is a promising sign for the years to come.”
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