ThirskBusiness.com

Thirsk sits centrally and slightly to the south of the Hambleton District and comprises the wards of Sowerby, Thirsk, Thorntons, Topcliffe, and Whitestonecliffe. Within these wards are 47 parishes.

The area is primarily rural with the market town of Thirsk at its centre, surrounded by a number of villages and hamlets. Thirsk and the surrounding villages is bordered by the Hambleton District areas of Northallerton to the North and Easingwold to the South. The town of Thirsk is a traditional North Yorkshire market town in the Vale of York and best known as the home to the author James Herriot. His house and surgery has now been converted into the 'World of James Herriot', an award winning Museum and Visitor Attraction. The town clock dominates the market square and many shops retain their original frontages. The market days are Mondays and Saturdays when the south side of the Market Place has a variety of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables, to health food and clothing.

The population in the Thirsk and Villages area is nearly 18,000 with almost an equal split of those living in villages compared to those living in the two main towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. Thirsk itself has a population of 4,810 whilst Sowerby has a population of 3,980. There has been a rise in the population across Thirsk and the surrounding Villages of 4.5% from 2001 to 2008. Approximately 19% 0f the population is over 65 and around 60% at working age.

A number of public services are available in the area including police, doctors, dentists, library, tourist information centre, a community hospital and a swimming pool. The nearest police stations are located in Thirsk, Northallerton and Easingwold.

The health of people in Hambleton is generally better than the England average. Life expectancy, deaths from smoking and early deaths from heart disease and stroke are all better than the England averages.

Over the last ten years, all age, all cause mortality rates and early death rates from heart disease and stroke and from cancer, have all decreased and remained better than the England averages.

The health of children and young people is generally better than, or similar to, the England average. GCSE achievement, children classified as obese and teenage pregnancy, are all better than the England average.

Hospital stays for alcohol related harm and the rate of people claiming incapacity benefits for mental illness, are better in Hambleton than the England average.

Top 10 reasons to locate a business in Thirsk

1. Good location and communications (road, rail and air)
2. Skilled workforce
3. Availability of retail and commercial premises, sites, incubators and plots
4. Proximity to Teesside, York, West Yorkshire, M1 and the M62 corridor
5. Proximity to open countryside - the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Howardian Hills and Lake District are within easy reach.
6. High quality of life and environment
7. High standards of education
8. Plentiful leisure facilities
9. Good local retail services
10. High standard and availability of housing