The challenging economic climate has seen several local firms shut down in recent weeks. Here are five businesses that closed their doors in February.

1. The Green Dragon, Wymondham

Norwich Evening News: The Green Dragon bid farewell on Valentines Day 2023.The Green Dragon bid farewell on Valentines Day 2023. (Image: Archant)

The Green Dragon in Wymondham, taken on by pub boss Jill Tickle in June, announced its closure on February 14, saying it would not be opening again the next day.

The post on Facebook said: "The sun is setting on us for the last time.

"We would like to thank all our supportive customers and friends and the incredible team here who have given their all.

"We are going out in style tonight and will make it a Valentine's Day to remember."

The former pub, near Wymondham Abbey, is a timber-framed flint and brick building that dates back to the 14th century.

READ MORE: Green Dragon pub in Wymondham announces its closure

2. Artel, Norwich

Norwich Evening News: The former coffee shop may not stay empty for long.The former coffee shop may not stay empty for long. (Image: Newsquest)

Popular Bank Plain spot, Artel, first opened in 2018, serving a range of coffees, cakes and brunch dishes under original owner Kieran Harper.

The coffee shop changed hands a number of times until it confirmed on its Instagram story last month that it would be shutting its doors for good on February 26.

The unfortunate news followed the recent closures of Frank's Bar in Bedford Street, Oliver's Bar in Unthank Road and The York in Leicester Street.

3. The King's Head, Hethersett

Norwich Evening News: The Kings Head and The Green Dragon both announced their closures in February. The Kings Head and The Green Dragon both announced their closures in February. (Image: Archant Norfolk)

Another pub to feel the effects of the cost of living crisis was the King's Head in Hethersett which announced February 28 would be its last day of trading.

Jill Tickle, the owner of pub management firm Tickle's Taverns which took over the establishment in June 2022 - along with Wymondham's Green Dragon - cited the squeeze on household finances, as well as energy prices and wage costs as some of the reasons behind the closure.

She said: "I fought so hard to keep us open for the team and customers but the hospitality industry at the moment is crippled and we can't make ends meet."

"I pride myself in that I've left this pub in so much better position than when I took it on," she added.

READ MORE: The King's Head pub in Hethersett announces it is closing

4. M&Co, Norfolk

Norwich Evening News: The clothes retailer announced the closure of all of its national stores.The clothes retailer announced the closure of all of its national stores. (Image: Archant)

Clothes retailer M&Co, formerly Mackeys, went into administration in December 2022 and announced all of its 170 stores would cease trading by the end of February

The company said on social media: "Unfortunately we haven't received the news we would have hoped for during our administration period and would like to share this news with you.

"As we haven't received any funded, deliverable offers that would result in the transfer of the company's stores or staff to a potential buyer, this means that all of our stores will close."

The firm urged customers to use any gift cards by the end of the month and stores in Hunstanton, Fakenham, Cromer, Attleborough and Diss were closed 

5. Blue Boar Inn, Great Ryburgh

Norwich Evening News: The owners were deeply saddened to announce The Blue Boar Inn's closure.The owners were deeply saddened to announce The Blue Boar Inn's closure. (Image: (C) ARCHANT NORFOLK 2013)

The Blue Boar Inn, in Great Ryburgh, closed its doors to customers on February 24, stating the pub "is no longer viable".

A post on social media said: "It is with deep regret the Blue Boar Inn will be closing."

"Due to current climate conditions, the business is no longer viable."

READ MORE: Blue Boar Inn pub in Great Ryburgh is closing its doors