ON THE issue of local businesses, on which there have been a few letters and articles recently, I would like to add a few points about local entrepreneurs.

Readers may not be aware that there is a growing number of approximately 90 social enterprises in York, and there is plenty more to say about the army of self-employed individuals who are making their own way in business, while supporting each other and working for the well-being of the whole community.

There is a burgeoning Social Enterprise Network (contact Kenny Lieske, at York CVS), and an event to help them win extra funding is happening tonight, from 6pm to 9pm, at the Priory Street Centre.

Local businesses are great for the economy, worth 400 per cent more, according to the New Economics Foundation, because they tend to trade locally, sourcing their ingredients, materials, staff and equipment from other local firms and individuals. Large multinational chains rarely do this and their profits are whisked away, so they may appear to be sign of good business health, but it is all superficial. There is also the danger that they can pull out at a moment’s notice.

June Tranmer, Clifton, York.