This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Simon Wade, who owns four inns and pubs in the Boroughbridge area. 

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

We provide hospitality at four venues across North Yorkshire. We have two small hotels with restaurants and bars – the Grantham Arms in Boroughbridge and the Blue Bell at Arkendale – and two pubs: the Fox and Hounds at Langthorpe and the Tap on the Tutt in Boroughbridge.

What does it take to be successful in business?

You have to be aware of what's going on in your sector and fully understand what you're doing. 

Apart from that knowldege base, you've got to have the ability to teach others and allow them to progress and take responsibility.

You also need to be prepared to take risks and accept failures: move on and don't stop.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

I entered the industry because I really love being around people, and it was also originally a way of financing my travelling – I spent 18 months when I was younger going around Australia and South East Asia.

I used to work for plcs, but then moved on to smaller independent businesses. I worked for Philip Barker, owner of HRH Group [whose properties include the Yorkshire Hotel, the White Hart Hotel and The Fat Badger, all in Harrogate] for 20 years. He was effectively my mentor, and I learned a lot about how to get into business.

He was a sounding board for me and really encouraged me to branch out on my own. He was very positive and said buying the Grantham Arms would change my life – and it has. 

I wake up every morning to four different businesses, and I need to make sure that all the bills and all 70 staff get paid. I've been through all the blood, sweat, tears and mistakes, and it now everything runs like a well-oiled machine.

I've got a young family, and some day they might want to join the business.

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

Inflationary costs from suppliers. Food inflation went right up to 10%; it never really came down but we can't pass all that extra cost on to the customer, so purchasing remains a big area of concern.

We're using our size to negotiate across a group of suppliers for better prices, and we're constantly looking at supply, marketing and recruitment to keep costs down.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

Yolk Farm, the farm shop and restaurant between Boroughbridge and Minskip. They've done an amazing job since they started and are always increasing their offer. It's an ever-expanding business.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Darren Sadler, who owns Absolute Fitness gym in Boroughbridge. He's also one of the people behind Giants Live [the qualifying tour for the World's Strongest Man competition] and has taken strongman competitions across the country. I've known him for over 25 years and seen him go from farmer's son to pioneering something on a national and international scale.

I also have to mention Mike Collins MBE. What he's done for Boroughbridge is extraordinary. He was one of the people who got Coronation Hall launched, and he does a lot of things to keep people of a certain age fit and active. He's also high up in the scouting movement and is a parish councillor. He's just really good for the town.

What could be done locally to boost business?

I'd like to see something similar to the Harrogate and Ripon BIDs [business improvement districts], which could put more things on in Boroughbridge.

Apart from what I do, such as helping to organise the annual duck race, or things going on at the sports club, there's not much going on in Boroughbridge.

There's a lot going on in Ripon, and if we could have more local events like they do, it would help a lot.

Best and worst things about running a business from Boroughbridge?

The best is being part of a town that still has a community feel about it. There's a good buzz, lots of local independent businesspeople, and a good economy.

The worst thing is that public transport access to the town is poor – there aren't any trains, and not many buses.

What are your business plans for the future?

I like to keep my eyes open for opportunities that suit what I do. I've just taken on the Blue Bell at Arkendale, and the feedback has been fantastic.

I've always loved the idea of producing my own beer, so doing that would be great. But there are choppy waters to navigate, with stiff competition and the increase in the minimum wage, which has caused massive headaches, especially in the hospitality sector.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I support my kids in their sporting endeavours – one plays rugby, the other football.

I also enjoy going to for a day at the races with friends, at York, Wetherby, Ripon or Thirsk.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

I like The Fat Badger. I used to work there, so I know the chefs. It's a lovely environment with a great ambience.

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. 

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