This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Luke Kitchen, managing director of Robinsons Facilities Services in Bishop Thornton, near Harrogate.  

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

We provide maintenance, repair and compliance services associated with commercial buildings, primarily in Yorkshire and the surroundings, although we can deliver some services for certain clients nationally.

What does it take to be successful in business?

You've got the be willing to work hard, and you've got to know your numbers – that's something a lot of companies fall foul of.

Be clear what your value proposition is: what's the problem you're trying to solve? A lot of businesses get distracted, chasing turnover. Stay focused.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

I love any form of challenge – I get very bored if everything's bumbling along nicely.

I actually enjoyed navigating through the covid crisis and the variety of challenges the budget presented, and I love constantly trying to grow the business – hence our recent acquisition of Normanton-based Bensons Gas Engineering.

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

The challenges presented by the uncertainty in the economy – the budget, two wars on the go, the trade policies enacted by Trump.

We don't import or export, so it doesn't affect us in a very direct way, but it does affect our customers, and in times of uncertainty, people don't really spend a lot of money.

It's been a challenge, but our solution has been to keep an eye on our costs – and to acquire another business.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

Paradise Café at the Daleside garden centre in Killinghall. I just think they've done a marvellous job setting up in a relatively remote location. They deliver really good service, and it's become a local asset.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Alan Cryer, who runs Oakwood Park Business Centre, where we're based. He's always grafting and really looks after his tenants. He's done a magnificent job creating this business centre. He's quite an inspirational person.

What could be done locally to boost business?

There's a major shortage of grant support at the minute – predominantly since we left the EU, but exacerbated by becoming part of North Yorkshire [i.e. since the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council in 2023].

Are we part of North Yorkshire? Leeds City Region? It sometimes seems we get a bit lost, or overlooked.

There used to be lots of pots of money to help with staff training or developing your website, but that's almost entirely dried up over the last two years.

It doesn't have to be 100% funding – it could be match-funding. The point is, it encourages people to look at things and see how they can invest to improve them.

Best and worst things about running a business from Bishop Thornton?

The calibre of this business park is unbelievable. We're out at Bishop Thornton, but we've got a dedicated internet line, and there's even a back-up generator, just in case the power cuts out.

And it's in such a beautiful setting, right in the countryside – it's just gorgeous.

The worst thing is almost the same: we're quite isolated here. It's not somewhere you can just walk into a shop – people really need to be able to drive to get here. The location is a blessing and curse.

What are your business plans for the future?

Just to continue growing in the same way we have been. There's plenty to go at – we haven't even really tackled Lancashire yet, even though it's easier to reach than parts of Yorkshire.

There are no more acquisitions in the pipeline, but our ears are always open. Given the nature of our business, comfortable acquisition targets are hard to find – Bensons was about as good as it gets.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I've got two young children, so spending time with my family is great fun.

I also enjoy playing tennis, and I'm very active as a person, so anything active and I'll give it a go.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

I like going to the Boar's Head in Ripley, but Paradise Café, which I've already mentioned, has become my go-to place. It's just so good – I try something different every time I go and I've never had a negative experience there in any way.

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.