This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Vanessa Fox, director at Harrogate's oldest printing firm, Enid Taylor Ltd on Cold Bath Road.

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

Enid Taylor is a commercial printing that was founded in Harrogate in 1956. We print brochures, architectural plans, magazines and newsletters for business customers, as also invitations, posters and stationery for private customers.

What does it take to be successful in business?

You have to be approachable and friendly – that's probably why we've survived for so long. I think we're the last proper printing firm standing in Harrogate.

People can come in and talk things over with us before we do a job, and then see a proof before anything is printed. It's quite different experience from internet printing – often online you don't get what you were hoping for.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

To be honest, I feel I'm too young to retire, and besides, it feels like a family here – we've all been here forever. I've been here for 41 years.

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

The huge increases in the price of utilities and supplies – especially paper. Paper has doubled in price, but we can't double our prices!

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

I admire any independent company that survives, or even thrives, in the current economic climate.

If I have to single out one company, though, it would be Buzz Energy. They give good prices for gas and electricity to local customers, they're extremely easy to deal with, and they always seem to have the customer's best interests at heart.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Philip Broadbank. He used to work for us, and has been a councillor for many years. He's spent his life helping people – he's a councillor with a conscience.

What could be done locally to boost business?

Bring down the rates for business, so that all the town-centre units aren't filled up with charity shops. So many businesses come one minute and go the next.

Harrogate's not the same as it was. It's quite sad really. A lot of the clothes shops are either really expensive or really downmarket. We could do with a Zara or a Mango!

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?

The best is that we haven't got much competition in Harrogate. Also, our offices are local to us all, so none of us has far to travel.

The worst thing is the road closures. We took quite a hit earlier this year when they closed Cold Bath Road for repairs – it was very quiet that week.

What are your business plans for the future?

Just to keep going – to keep surviving in the current market.

A lot of printers and copyshops have disappeared, but we're fortunate because we've captured a market of small print-runs, and other printers send their jobs to us.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I go walking, and I've just joined a dance class.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

Brio's, because the quality of the food is great; William & Victoria's because it's consistently high quality and the service is good; The Fat Badger, because it's got a great atmosphere and is good value for money; and La Feria, which also has a good atmosphere, and I like the tapas.

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.