This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Julia Corbett, co-owner of Roots and Fruits, the greengrocer's on King Edward's Drive in Bilton.

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

Roots and Fruits is a greengrocer's and farm shop and James [Soar] and I try to run it as ethically as we can. We support local farmers and buy locally where we can to cut down on food miles, and have a refill section in the back where people can fill up on different loose foods.

We also supply some local businesses, such as EnviroVent, Techbuyer and Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors, as well as a couple of schools and playgroups that are interested in supporting what we do.

What does it take to be successful in business?

Talking to your customers and just being aware of what they want. To be honest, when I'm out and about and people in shops aren't friendly, I don't want to go back.

So we're ultra-friendly and will do anything for anybody. We did a lot of our elderly customers during lockdown.

We go that extra mile for people and make them feel as welcome as possible.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

Just being there for the customers. There are only about three greengrocers left in Harrogate, but people love coming here.

It's the hardest job we've ever done, but the most rewarding.

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

The back end of the cost-of-living crisis. People were so scared by it that although they could still afford to shop with us, they all scarpered to Aldi! I don't think it was as bad as people said – it was a lot to do with fear-mongering by the press.

I don't know if the cost-of-living crisis is completely over now, but the customers have come back.

Another thing was when the supermarkets discounted their fruit and veg heavily over Christmas. If you can buy something for 8p on December 23, but then it costs £2 in January, I don't know how they do it. It devalues what we do – it wasn't ethical at all.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

All the independent businesses. I just think they're great. If people supported them more, the economy of Harrogate would be much better.

You can buy your fuit and veg from us, your bread from the baker's, your meat from the butchers. We sell local honey, fresh milk in glass bottles from local suppliers, and strawberries from Spilman's in Helperby that are the best you'll ever eat.

Nearly everything can be bought locally. It usually tastes better and it doesn't have loads of food miles on it. It's just a question of whether people care enough.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Alan Huddart. He's secretary of Bilton Club and Harrogate Pubwatch, and he does so much for the community, especially here in Bilton. This week, he was named Unsung Hero at the Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards.

What could be done locally to boost business?

We could do with some local signage to let people know we're here. Apart from us, there's the Avenue Bakery, the chemist, the post office and couple of cafés – there are a few lovely little businesses down here that you wouldn't necessarily know about if you were just passing by along Skipton Road.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?

I love Bilton – it's got such a community vibe. I didn't realise until we had this business just how much people need businesses like ours.

The worst thing is the roadworks, especially when we're out delivering. They can set us right back.

What are your business plans for the future?

We just want to keep doing what we're doing, and do it well.

We'd also like to increase our deliveries, with more offices and commercial premises among our customers.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I love walking my two Jack Russell crosses, Joey and Barnaby. I love getting out of Harrogate with them, to Masham, Marske, Saltburn or Filey – there are so many places to choose from in Yorkshire.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

We don't drink – we stopped during covid because nowhere was open, and then realised we didn't need it.

But I do like to go to Ted's on the Corner, which is a cute little dog-friendly café. I like Fodder too – it's a similar business to ours, and we get in very well with them.

Really, I like anywhere where we can take the dogs. Being dog-friendly is very important. If you're not dog-friendly, you've lost my business!

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.