This week’s visit by the Princess Royal will hopefully provided an economic bonus, not just for the two businesses she visited, but also the whole of the town.

To some in may seem a little odd that Princess Anne chose to visit a brewery and a butcher’s businesses – but it was just what the town needed in the build up to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The potential boost to the number of visitors and increase in business is priceless, What was most impressive was The Princess Royal’s knowledge shown at both Ilkley Brewery and Lishman’s.

The visit was even more relevant as the Ilkley Business Forum announced more details of its third Summer Showcase – as part of its campaign to stimulate trade in the area.

A larger budget has been committed this year, with new features such as workshops.

As the showcase goes from strength to strength, it is on course to attract more and more visitors who can see what is on offer in the LS29 postcode area.

The showcase happily coincides with the White Rose Classic cycle race, held from the town the next day, which will also bring hundreds of new people to the area.

Then, of course, next month there’s the Ilkley Shopping Trail, when shoppers will be invited to follow a route to visit more than 20 participating retailers.

At the risk of sounding like a record player with a stuck needle, this newspaper will do all it can to play its part in supporting all aspects of trade and commerce.

When the economic times improve the town needs to be on the starting blocks in the race for the future.