The two women behind the new Knaresborough Business Collective have revealed plans to hold a spring fayre and put on other projects to boost the town.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, and Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, launched the new not-for-profit venture in January to stage events and be a voice for businesses. About 30 other businesses have signed up so far as subscribers.
The two founders were previously members of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce but decided to set up a separate group following the fallout from the doomed attempt to set up a Business Improvement District in the town.
The main premise for the collective is to encourage more people into town to spend money in local shops. It plans to hold multiple events each year to make the town more appealing and also organise projects such as a street sweeper and hanging baskets.
Ms Horner said:
“We wanted everyone to come together and get involved. We’re just very proactive people, we don’t just want to talk about doing things we want to do it.
“There’s no point complaining then not doing anything, so we thought if no one else is why don’t we.”
The pair said they have spoken to Knaresborough Chamber of Trade to make sure no events will collide and say they want to work with it and other groups to improve the town.
Ms Horner added:
“I think there’s room for us all in Knaresborough, we all want the best for the town.”
The group will also raise business concerns with bodies such as the town council and Harrogate Borough Council.
The pair are adamant they don’t want the organisation to run as a board with a small group of people taking different titles, instead they say all members can have a say and get involved in different projects.
Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:
“One thing we’ve spotted is how many people want to get involved. As much as we set it up and have to look over the finances we are happy for any businesses to jump in if we start organising an event they’re interested in.
“It’s all very exciting for Knaresborough.”
Read more:
- Decision delayed on £13m Knaresborough Leisure Centre after residents not invited to speak at meeting
- Plans for Knaresborough cliff lift ‘far from forgotten’
Knaresborough Spring Fayre has been held in past years and the collective is hoping to bring it back on Saturday, April 9.
Aimed at young families, it will include over 20 stalls from local businesses, live entertainment and a petting zoo.
The pair said April can be a quiet time for the town and they hope this will generate a “great buzz”.
Further ahead, the pair will get involved in the banking hub project and jubilee celebrations. It is also hoping to bring back Children’s Day and Pet Day, formally held in Knaresborough House.
