This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Ben Poole, owner of The Travel Journal on Leeds Road in Harrogate.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.

We look after all aspects of travel, both off-the-shelf and bespoke, from family holidays to the weird and wonderful.

What does it take to be successful in business?

You've got to have a passion for the industry you work in, and you've got to be dedicated to learning and investing in your expertise.

I started this business in January 2020. It was just before Covid hit, so it could hardly have been a worse time. It was 'fight or flight', but we've stood the test of time.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

Just the enjoyment of selling the dream. I love granting people's wishes. They'll come in with some crazy ideas, and I love being able to say, 'Yes, we can facilitate that for you'.

Every day is different. It's not like accountancy, where there are set tasks, or a normal business where you're selling the same thing time and again. We send away a high volume of people every year, and they're all different.

What’s been the toughest issue your business has had to deal with over the last 12 months?

Having a retail shop. Since Covid, a lot of businesses have stepped away from having a shop. But my business thrives on the basis that people can come in and meet me on their terms. I can't do without a retail business - I get so much footfall here.

But the overheads, such as rent and rates, are a massive ongoing challenge, and I think the reduction in small business rate relief will see a lot of retail businesses changing the way they operate.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

Folk Coffee House, just along from here on Leeds Road. They started something from scratch and are offering something different. They've got a good following and have become a real hub for the community.

Ake & Humphris are very forward-thinking too, with their indie wine bar pop-up. They're providing something the community wants.

Really, I admire anyone who's taken that risk of taking retail premises.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

I wouldn't really be able to comment on that. Unless you've had advice from somebody or had a mentor, there wouldn't be an obvious choice for most people.

What could be done locally to boost business?

Better upkeep of local areas. As silly as it sounds, I've always thought it would be good to make this parade of shops more appealing, with planters and better maintenance.

That said, it is better than it was, and has more of an upmarket, independent vibe than it used to.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?

Generally speaking, I have lovely clients, and people are very loyal. Harrogate's quite lucky in that sense – people are quite nice.

The worst is that Harrogate has a 'wealthy' stigma. Outsiders often think we'll be charging high prices, just because we're in Harrogate. But that's not possible in our industry, because everything's a flat rate.

What are your business plans for the future?

Just to keep going. There's no room for expansion in this shop, and I'm staying here for the time being.

But I do want to continue investing in my knowledge and experience, so I can carry on offering that to customers.

That's where this business is different. Other agents recommend from brochures, but I can very often recommend on the basis of experience.

I try to get away as much as possible to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new destinations, so I do a lot of short trips when the shop is shut at the weekends – last weekend, I went to Norway.

(I keep normal 9.30-5pm shop hours from Tuesday to Friday, but shut at 3pm on Saturdays. We're closed on Sundays, and open by appointment on Mondays.)

Where's the best place you've been?

Probably New Zealand. It hasn't been built up, so it's still unspoilt and the scenery is so impressive and dramatic. It's also got a great food and drink scene as they can grow everything locally.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I go away if I can. If your passion is travel, there's no better industry to be in – so long as there's not a pandemic!

Best places to eat and drink locally?

I'm a big fan of Brio's [on King's Road in Harrogate]. It's consistently good, so you're not going to be disappointed.

Also, Rooster's Brewery [on Hornbeam Park in Harrogate]. It's a great concept and so busy with locals popping in. It's very relaxed, and is a favourite place for dog-walkers to finish their walk.

If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district and you'd like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.