Editor's Pick of the Week: A stark picture of Harrogate's trading environment

It’s been a busy week of business news at the Stray Ferret offices.

Sadly, it started with the news that the company behind Slingsby Gin is set to enter administration.

Spirit of Harrogate Ltd, which owns the brand, revealed the news on Tuesday. It was later announced that BPI Asset Advisory is urgently seeking expressions of interest in the brand.

The situation with Slingsby Gin encompasses how both retailers and hospitality are struggling at the moment.

Jay Smith, owner of Montey’s Bar in Harrogate, captured the mood this week when he painted a stark illustration of the tough trading environment faced by hospitality venues.

He posted a screenshot showing that the rateable value of his bar’s premises will go up from April 1, from £60,000 to £95,000: an increase of nearly 60%.

Indeed, one commenter summed up the mood of punters when they said: “if Monty’s closes down that’s it for Harrogate nightlife”.

Then there was Next's takeover of Russell & Bromley, which has been a long-standing fixture in Harrogate.

The story broke that the high-street giant had acquired the brand and intellectual property of footwear retailer on Wednesday. Two days later, the unit on James Street had put up "store closing down" signs.

However, it was not all doom and gloom — particular if you love beer.

On Friday, it was announced that a buyer had been found for Black Sheep Brewery amid uncertainty over its future after Keystone Brewing Group, the Masham brewery’s parent company, sought a sale late last year.

Great British Drinks Company, which is newly formed and backed by Paramount Retail Group, has bought the brand as part of a pre-pack sale worth £6.5 million.

The move saves the brewery and secures its future. I’m sure plenty in Masham and beyond will raise a glass to that this weekend.

John Plummer is away.