The event, being held at the racecourse on Tuesday, is a showcase for local business and organisers say they are delighted that the chairman of Booths has agreed perform the opening.

Booths will be one of 50 companies represented at the show, which was held for the first time last year.

ethos

Anthony Blackburn, chairman of Ripon Area Business Association, said: "Booths is on record as a company that believes it makes basic commercial sense to support the communities that shop in its food stores. That is an ethos that RABA also embraces.

"There are many companies who have already chosen Ripon for their business and we want to show residents and the business community from in and around Ripon that they don't have to go to neighbouring larger towns.

"Indeed, we would challenge shoppers from those larger towns to come in to Ripon to see the variety of what is on offer - I am confident enough to say that they will see more independent and individual shops and businesses in our city that really do cater for all tastes and styles."

confident

Mr Booth commented: "I am confident that the new Booths will help stimulate an increasing interest in Ripon as a shopping destination."

The Ripon Enterprise Show is being held from 2 - 7pm on Tuesday and admission and parking are free.

Other businesses taking part include Ackrill Media Group, Maple Grove Developments, Livius Events, U Name It Promotions, Binns Tomlinson Training, Loyalty Matters Ltd, Evans Easyspace, Utility Warehouse, Nidd Hall Leisure Club, Smart & Cook, Graduates Yorkshire, Ripon Trailer Hire, Simon Crossfield & Co, Natwest Bank, Yorkshire Bank, Barclays Bank, and Yorkshire Corporate and Shooting Services.