This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Sara Hirst, who runs the Black Swan pub on Westgate in Ripon with her wife Kelly.

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

We are a community pub offering cheap drinks and we also do heaps of charity work for local causes.

We also put on activities every day, including prize giveaways, live music, poker nights, and karaoke every Friday and Saturday.

What does it take to be successful in business?

You've got to be approachable. We've always tried to just be true to ourselves and to our roots. And we throw a good party too!

We were recently named the Best Community Pub Operator at the annual Operator Awards run by Craft Union Pub Company, which owns the pub. We won because of the way we demonstrate our commitment to supporting and bringing our local community together.

For example, we've created a weekly walking group that was featured on ITV’s Lorraine, and we founded Ripon Pride, which is now an annual festival and backed by the council.

We've also raised more than £50,000 for local causes and continually support a local primary school breakfast club.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

We absolutely love it. The Black Swan is our life – we're just 'people' people. We used to run the Three Horseshoes in Headingley, but came here four years ago, and we love it. We're proud to be part of the community in Ripon.

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

The worst thing has probably been the Guinness shortage, but overall we haven't really had any challenging times – it's been a really good year for the business.

On a personal note, I have had brain surgery, which has been quite challenging for us as a family. I have a long-term condition which isn't curable, but can be managed, so it's all good.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

The Black Bull in Ripon. Jason has taken it on and is trying really hard to make it work, putting on live music. It's really good to see.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Jackie Crozier – we absolutely love her. We've been following the story [of her standing down as mayor under controversial circumstances], and it's actually made us take note of local issues more.

She's so inspiring for Ripon and for us. She's done so much for the city, and she deserves recognition.

What could be done locally to boost business?

Ripon BID are starting to put more things on, such as the snow globe and the big wheel, and I think that brings more people to the city. We've got the lights switch-on and the Christmas market coming up too.

We could do with some better signage pointing down all the main streets coming off Market Place, listing the businesses you can find there.

More banks would be good too. A lot of them have gone and there are only a couple left, so after 3.30pm businesses can't get any change for their float, because the post office runs out.

Best and worst things about running a business from Ripon?

The best thing is that Ripon has a real community feel. It's a city but it's very small, and if anyone's in need, everybody comes together to help them.

The worst thing is the gossip.

What are your business plans for the future?

We've got the opportunity to let three rooms in the property, so we're looking to do them up and offer them to people looking for somewhere cheap to stay.

What do you like to do in your time off?

We run a pub – we don't really get time off. We work for our holidays – we really like our holidays!

On days off we also get to spend time with one of our grandchildren who lives locally.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

To drink, the Black Swan, of course! To eat, we love going to Portofino's on Kirkgate. The food is fabulous, and Kelly really loves it that they cook a steak to perfection. It's also affordable, and the staff are so friendly.

If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district – including Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale – and you'd like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.