Many were not able to survive successive lockdowns, and the cost of living crisis has also seen many experience a downturn in trade.

However, the tide seems to be finally turning and many new small firms have opened since the start of the year.

Reshma Begum, North East development manager at the Federation of Small Businesses said: “There’s no doubt that small firms in our region are up against it. Many are stuck in onerous energy contracts, signed at a time last year when electricity and gas prices were far higher than they are now, and we’d like to see energy companies recognise this and extend some kind of relief to small business customers who are paying well over the odds.

“Prices of many other things businesses can’t do without, from food to building materials to insurance, have also risen sharply, as have labour costs. It’s been really hard for small businesses who have cut their own costs as far as they can and whose options are now limited. They’re doing their best not to raise their own prices but there’s only so much they can absorb.

“Small firms are the bedrock of our economy in the North East, enriching our high streets and villages, and providing employment to many thousands of people. These are tough times for independent firms – so we’d urge everyone to ‘think small’ where possible, as every pound spent in a local shop or with a local business will make a huge difference, now more than ever.”

To support our small local business we have put together a list of 20 which have opened this year and are worth a visit.