This week, we spoke to Tim Brown, owner of Brown Trout on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate.
Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.
We’re a fly-fishing emporium and country clothing outdoor specialist shop. We also do quite a lot of destination fly-fishing trips. I’ve just come back from a month on the River Spey in Scotland.
What does it take to be successful in business?
In my business you’ve got to have a complete passion for what you do. Hopefully, that comes through the instant you walk in the door.
So long as you’re honest and sell well and you’re competitive, you should be fine.
Brown Trout is one of the longest-established and most recognisable shops on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate.
What drives you to do what you do every day?
It’s a passion. This is definitely not work!
What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months?
I think the increase in mortgage rates has put a little bit of a damper on people’s spending. On the other hand, all the wet weather we’ve been having has meant I’ve sold lot of wellies! You’ll never have the perfect trading year.
Which other local firms do you most admire, and why?
Jeremy [Beaumont] at Rhodes Wood at the bottom of Parliament Street has had a wonderful business for many years – centred on himself, of course. When people come out of the convention centre and see all the takeaways, it’s one business that really represents Harrogate.
Ben at Ogdens, the jewellers on James Street, has done very well too. To keep a family business going for that long is remarkable.
Who are the most inspiring local leaders?
Anybody who volunteers their spare time to get kids into sport.
Tim Brown also runs fly-fishing trips to some of the best salmon rivers in Scotland.
What could be done locally to boost business?
Get the traffic and parking sorted out in Harrogate. We need somebody who knows what they’re doing to get to grips with it. Bring back disc parking!
Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?
The hospitality businesses in Harrogate do a very good job of making sure that we get an awful lot of visitors here. It amazes me how far people come – I’ve just served a gentleman from the United States. This is a conference town, and a lot of people explore beyond their hotel and find me here – I do very well out of it.
The worst thing is that the traffic is pretty grim, but I do appreciate that it’s pretty bad in most towns.
What are your business plans for the future?
To keep going. As you get older, you realise how fragile life is. Health and happiness are the most important things, so you’ve got to make sure you do something you enjoy.
What do you like to do in your time off?
Fly-fishing. Close to home, on the Nidd, Wharfe or Ure, which are both good for trout, or further afield, the Wear for sea trout and salmon.
Best place to eat and drink locally?
William & Victoria’s – it’s an institution. David [Straker, the owner] does a great job.
This is the latest in a regular series of weekly Business Q&A features. If you’d like to suggest someone in business in the Harrogate district for this feature, drop us a line at [email protected].
Read more:
- Business Q&A: Gemma Aykroyd, The Cheeseboard
- Business Q&A: Jack Schofield, Atlas Helicopters
- Business Q&A: Andrew North, Alexanders Prestige
