This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we heard from James Potter, owner of The Greengrocer and The Little Truckle in Ripon.

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

We're a traditional greengrocer's, selling fruit, vegetables and salads, both retail and wholesale to restaurants and caterers.

We also have a nice selection of ambient products for the pantry.

What does it take to be successful in business?

In the current climate, grit, determination, and attention to detail. If you focus on those things, the numbers should fall into place. Hopefully.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

This is not something that I planned to do – most people who do this sort of fall into it.

I worked on a fruit and veg stall as a kid and – apart from stints as a chef and in Canada – never really left. I could see my employer had a good living, so I stuck at it and here I am today.

I started out in Bedale, and that shop is still there and paid for me to expand into Ripon last July.

In December, we also opened a cheese shop, The Little Truckle, just opposite The Greengrocer, and that's started well too. Once Booth's closed, there was a lot of demand over Christmas for a specialist cheese shop.

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

The same as it is for anyone: rising costs. Not just for us, but also for our customers, who have less disposable income now. They tend to think more before spending, and often decide not to.

But if we can weather this storm, we should be OK.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

Appleton's the butcher's is one of note. They've been here a long time, have got their niche, and do it really well. They've also got a loyal customer base, and that's always something to admire.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Bill Calvert of Calvert's Carpets. That business is an incredible local success story. He started out trading from the back of a van and now has over a dozen shops all over the region.

What could be done locally to boost business?

Free parking. If you look at the rise and rise of out-of-town shopping, you see that one major reason why it's popular because people don't have to pay anything to park.

There are hardly any free parking in Ripon. I understand why they do it [i.e. charge for parking] – it's free money – but it's not very helpful.

In Thirsk you get an hour's free parking, and in Bedale they still have disc parking. We don't have that luxury here, but it's something that would make a big difference.

Best and worst things about running a business from Ripon?

The best thing is that it's a nice community, with plenty of history that attracts tourists who are willing to spend a bit more.

The worst thing is just the level of competition here. There's one of every supermarket, and the market on Tuesdays, so carving out a market share is hard – but we're doing alright so far.

But if running a greengrocer's doesn't work out for me and people like me, that's probably it for this kind of business – I don't think anyone will ever try it again, unless there's a seismic shift away from the supermarkets. The economics are stacked against us.

What are your business plans for the future?

Just to consolidate. We certainly won't be looking to expand any more just yet – that would be a rash decision in this climate. I need to claw back some of my investment in Ripon first.

Really, I just want to still be here in 12 months' time – that'll be enough for the time being.

What do you like to do in your time off?

Gardening is a big one for me. It's nice to clear your head and have your own chill-out space.

I'm quite practical too – most of the shop fittings I've made myself.

I love skiing. I try to get away when I can, but it's never as often as I'd like.

I like cooking too. I took a sabbatical a few years ago and worked as a chef in the kitchens of the General Tarleton at Ferrensby. I learned a lot and have enjoying cooking ever since.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

I don't get out very often these days, but I do like the Storehouse in Ripon, and Oliver's Pantry, which does a good selection of quirky street food, all made with fresh ingredients.

Ripon has a good selection of Italian restaurants too, such as Valentino's and Prima Pizzeria.