03
Mar
Business Breakfast: Harrogate represents UK BIDs in Rotterdam
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Matthew Chapman, the chief executive of Harrogate BID (business improvement district), was in the Netherlands this week, representing BIDs from the UK at a sold-out conference.
He and operations and projects executive Bethany Allen were invited to the City Connect event in Rotterdam to speak about the work the BID does to maintain Harrogate’s reputation, both as a destination and as a place to work, visit and live.
Mr Chapman said:
It’s an honour to be invited to speak at a respected event such as this.
I was pleased to share details on the positive initiatives we deliver as the BID, all while learning from other place managers on the resources we need to build resilience and be prepared better for the future.
Whether it was sharing information on our three key objectives and business plan, or learning from European colleagues on emerging trends, it really was a great experience for us.
We’re very grateful for the invite and look forward to potentially working on further projects together in the future.
Organised by Chainels, a community engagement platform, the event brought together chief executives, managers and trainers from countries including Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK to discuss future-proofing urban communities.
Dragon's award
Harrogate clothing company Luce and Bear travelled to the Birmingham ICC recently to pick up an award from Theo Paphitis, one of the stars of TV's Dragon's Den, at the annual Small Business Sunday (SBS) winners' event.
Small Business Sunday is a small business network with more than 4,000 members. Each week, millionaire businessman Theo Paphitis chooses six small businesses that tweet, comment or post an image to @TheoPaphitis describing their businesses to the SBS community.
Only 1% are chosen to go to the winners' event in Birmingham.
In a Facebook post, Luce and Bear said:
We had the best day! @theopaphitis was an incredible host and his guest speakers were so inspirational.
We learnt so much… from what to do when life gives you lemons, to the secret tips to becoming the next billionaire!
Huge thanks to Theo and the whole @thesbs_crew for such a warm welcome and unforgettable day! We absolutely loved it.
Lucy and Clare Bulmer pick up their award from Theo Paphitis.
Theo Paphitis said:
The value of being part of the SBS community is second to none, offering vital support, upskilling, and motivation to some of the brightest startups and small businesses in the UK.
Luce and Bear was founded during the Covid pandemic by sisters Lucy and Clare Bulmer, and sells casual menswear, womenswear and accessories online.
Charity partner named
Raworths Solicitors has named Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity (HHCC) as its official charity partner for 2025-26.
The charity provides specialist equipment, training and services to help enhance treatment and facilities at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.
Gemma Cook (second from left) of HHCC with Raworths' Simon Morris and the firm's CSR team.
Raworths’ support coincides with a milestone year for HHCC, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. The charity is planning a range of special anniversary events and initiatives to mark its journey over the last three decades, including a Stepathon in June 2025, a National Three Peaks Challenge in May, and a 30th Birthday Ball at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate in October.
The Raworths team selects a nominated charity partner every two years, and in 2023-24 raised more than £4,300 for the Harrogate District Food Bank.
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