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07
Apr
Harrogate business owner questions value of Sunday town centre market
A business owner has questioned the decision to licence a company based in Leeds to run monthly markets in Harrogate town centre.
Harrogate Business Improvement District granted a licence to Real Markets last year to operate Sunday markets on Cambridge Street.
Local businesses fund Harrogate BID by paying an annual levy. The BID then develops initiatives that encourage more people to shop in the town centre.
Real Markets has run the monthly farmers’ market on Cambridge Street, which takes place on Thursdays, for 20 years.
Its new Sunday venture attracts people to the town centre on Sundays, but the business owner, who asked not to be named, said:
Many of us are frustrated that BID levy money — paid by Harrogate businesses — is being used to fund a licence and marketing for an external operator, while numerous independent businesses are struggling to keep afloat. What exactly we are funding is unclear.
Harrogate already has a long-established market in Valley Gardens, which is widely accepted because it brings visitors into town and has been part of the community for years. The former monthly farmers’ market which again was largely welcomed was later changed to an artisan market, and now we have yet another market being introduced.
The BID argues that these markets bring additional footfall. While that may be the case, no one has asked businesses if this is actually translating into extra sales. Simply saying it increases footfall may look good on tick-box reports, but our trade is down. Retailers are already facing high rents, rising costs, and closures. With the war in the Middle East and its economic impact, this situation is even more worrying.
They said it was “particularly concerning that the market operator is based outside Harrogate”, adding:
“Effectively, Harrogate businesses are funding an external company with our levy money. BID is intended to support local businesses, yet this decision feels contrary to that purpose.
“There are also concerns around transparency. It appears the licence was not put out to tender, which raises further questions, especially when public funds are involved. Many shops feel the BID is not doing enough to support the businesses already here.”
The business owner said putting market stores in front of shops on “an already struggling high street” did little to help local firms.
And they added it did nothing for companies such as hairdressers and salons, which are closed on Sundays.
End of year review
We put the concerns to Harrogate BID.
Jason Maxwell, who succeeded interim chief executive Gemma Rio as chief executive last month (March), said the arrangement with Real Markets is due to be reviewed at the end of the year and pledged to consult with traders if the Sunday market continued.
Mr Maxwell’s full response was:
Markets and events are one of the tools used by town centres across the UK to increase footfall, dwell time and overall vibrancy. We understand that not every initiative will directly benefit every business on every day of the week, the aim is to bring more people into Harrogate, encourage repeat visits and support the wider town centre economy. Even on days when some businesses are closed, increased footfall helps raise awareness of the town’s offer and contributes to its longer-term vitality.
Real Markets were appointed based on their experience in delivering similar markets on the same footprint and their ability to manage and operate the event effectively. As a BID, we are not required to formally tender each project, but we do seek to ensure value for money and appoint partners based on suitability and experience at the time of the event happening. The current arrangement is time-limited and will be reviewed at the end of the year, it has been ongoing since June 2025. If it is decided that we continue beyond that date with a Sunday market we will look to consult with local providers where possible.
The BID does not fund the operation of the market itself, our contribution relates to the licence for use of the space. As with all BID activity, we will assess the impact and value as part of our overall programme to support footfall and the town centre.
As a BID we haven’t had any complaints about the market directly to us but are always happy to speak to any business about any matters arising.
What do you think? Do you visit the market and enjoy it? Please use the comments section below to have your say.
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