Independent retailer have been urged to get together to support each other’s endeavours.

And as Independent Retailer Month nears its close, one Huddersfield newsagent has already teamed up with another Yorkshire-based business in a bid to secure their mutual success.

David Proud, who runs Holme Valley News in Netherton and Honley, has extended his scope beyond newspapers, magazines and Mars bars to stock a range of own-label confectionery, biscuits and preserves after teaming up with old-established firm Farrah’s of Harrogate.

He said: “We have been running the shops for almost three years and one of the things we noticed from the start was demand for sweets in jars. We were increasingly thinking about expanding in that area ourselves to provide an own-label offering and develop our website to sell online, increase sales and provide something different for the customer.

“There are still lots of customers who come into the shop once a week to pay their paper bill – and leave.”

Under the agreement with Farrah’s – billed as “purveyors of confectionery and fine foods since 1840” – Holme Valley News has its own Holme Valley Fine Foods brand with products including hand-packed sweets, biscuits and cakes, fudges, toffees, marmalade and chutneys.

Said Mr Proud: “We are introducing hampers for Christmas, Mother’s Day and other special occasions and the range will be extended to include products for weddings, high school proms and corporate gifts.

“We are looking at attending local food fairs, such as Holmfirth Food and Drink Festival in September. There is also a website.”

Mr Proud said the tie-up was unusual for his kind of business, but said: “It is all about trying to up our game and extend our offer. Newsagency is not an easy game to be in.

“A lot of shops like ours can look run-down and not very attractive places to shop in. We want to make it a pleasant shopping experience.

“We want to make our shops as nice as we can and we want to be proud of what we have to offer them.”

The annual Independent Retailer Month, now in its fourth year, has seen hundreds of small businesses running events and activities to raise awareness – with many working together to offer excitement and enticement to their communities.

Springboard Research for the British Retail Consortium last year found that high street footfall was down by 26% between 2007 and 2013 during traditional hours. However, the same research revealed growth in numbers between 5pm and 8pm.

A study conducted by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies on behalf of the Federation of Small Business found that for every £1 spent locally, 50p to 70p goes back into the local economy.

The survey claimed that if £1 was spent out of town, just 5p would find its way back to the local community.

Clare Rayner, founder of the Support for Independent Retail campaign, said: “Other than opening later in the evenings or physically pushing people through the shop doors, independent retailers should collaborate to figure out ways to bring the excitement and enticement back to the high street.

“By working together to find fun, original ways to promote each other, local independent retailers can engage the public’s interest and help them to understand the benefits of shopping locally.”

She said: “Collaborative events can go a long way to bringing a community together and increasing footfall on the high street.

“Consumers need to be reminded of the advantages of shopping locally and how those advantages benefit not only the smaller businesses and boutique shops, but the local economy as a whole.”

Click here to take you back to more business news .

To follow us on Twitter click here