In Sutton-in-Craven occupations in 1822 could be split into four main types of industry (textiles), agriculture, crafts and services. With textiles and agriculture employing the greatest number.

By 1850 farming had declined and textile industry had come to the fore. The community consisted of Textile Manufacturers William Hartley, T & M Bairstows, ten joiners, eleven men in the building trade, blacksmiths, three grocers, two butchers, a baker, three shoemakers, two dress makers, six tailors, three inns, a beer shop, one pawn broker, one laundress, two carters, and twenty seven servants (cooks, nursemaids and housemaids) all employed at the residence of the 'gentry'.

By 1881 there were twenty one shops including a co-op store, six shoe shops, a glass and china shop and a stationers. The number of crafts had dropped to three, - stone mason, blacksmith and joiner.

Today businesses include three pubs, two village stores, a Post Office, a chemist, a garage/coal merchant, a body repair workshop, a takeaway, a cafe/takeaway, a chip shop, a tea room, two hairdressers, launderette, a double glazing firm, builders, roofers, painters and decorators, carpenters, plumbers, gas engineers and gardeners whose future relies on local trade.

The message 'use it, don't lose it' is foremost.