03
Apr
Mayor meets Ripon independent businesses in drive for greater collaboration
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A group of independent Ripon businesses met mayor David Skaith yesterday (April 2) as part of a drive towards greater collaboration.
Many of the businesses at the informal gathering in Spa Gardens belong to a peer group of organisations in Ripon and nearby rural areas.
The group is run by consultant Steve Bolton and Jane Aksut, who owns Café in the Park in Spa Gardens. It is funded by the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, which provides free business help to companies and is overseen by the mayor.
Business owners at the social event represented industries including accordion importing, leather fashion design, gymnastic training and specialist clothing for the neurodivergent community as well as hospitality, beauty, maintenance and administration.
Representatives of the committee for the St Wilfrid’s Day parade, Ripon Theatre Festival and Ripon Together also attended.
Steve Bolton, of Next Step consultancy, said
Collaboration between businesses in Ripon and the outlying area is an essential factor for Ripon to become a major destination. Businesses from the peer groups live and breathe collaboration. We are delighted to see this friendly and supportive network spread. The mayor’s interest in getting to know the thoughts and opinions of local businesses, through meeting face-to-face, is extremely valuable.
Any local businesses wishing to get involved are urged to contact Café in the Park.
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