This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Jeremy Beaumont, owner of Rhodes Wood in Harrogate.

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

We sell ready-to-wear men's clothing and also specialise in made-to-measure shirts and suits, as well as stocking a range of shoes.

We also sell pre-owned luxury good that I call 'objects of virtue', including vintage Louis Vuitton luggage and Cartier humidors.

What does it require to be successful in business?

Patience, vision and determination. You should also never forget those five laws of marketing – you need the right product, in the right place, at the right time, for the right audience, at the right price.

In other words, you need to be clear about your market. Don't try to be all things to all men, and don't worry about what other companies are doing – just concentrate on getting your business right.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

Passion. From being a very small boy I was always fascinated by retail, whether it was in toy shops, fishing tackle shops, tobacconists, or any other kind of shop.

A lot of my contemporaries went off and did things like engineering and earned a lot of money, but I was always interested in clothing and textiles. So I got paid very little for a number of years, until I decided that the way to bring in more money was to start out on my own.

I now source items from Canada, Japan, America and travel to Portugal and to Italy three or four times a year, where I can combine my love of fashion with my love of food. We also buy soaps and perfumes from the world's oldest pharmacy, Santa Maria Novella in Florence, which was established in 1612.

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

Keeping up with demand and keeping everybody happy. Social media comes from all time zones, so even when you're sleeping there are questions and queries coming in.

Taking the time and effort to answer everyone – keeping the plates spinning – is the most difficult thing.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

I'd have to mention some of the businesses with longevity. Woods Fine Linens in Harrogate dates back to the 1700s, and James Barber Tobacconists on Cold Bath Road is the oldest family-run tobacconist in the country.

Bettys too is obviously a big pin on the map in Harrogate.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Gareth Southgate [the former England football manager, who lives near Fewston] has done a great job. I don't even like football much, but he's set a great example. We didn't win, but he got us there twice, didn't he? Give that man a knighthood!

Other than that, I can't mention names for reasons of client confidentiality, but we have a few captains of industry among our customers, and I find that at that level they're often very humble, with their feet on the ground, and speak a lot of common sense. I've learned a lot from them.

What could be done locally to boost business?

Parking isn't great. When I lived in Harrogate, if I came in to get a loaf of bread, I didn't use to pay the parking fee, but then sometimes I'd be fined and it turned out to be a very expensive loaf of bread. We could do with more zones where you can park for 30 minutes free of charge.

We also have too many empty shops. Covid took a big stick and knocked a few out. They're a real eyesore.

I sometimes think about what I would think if I got off the train as a first-time visitor to Harrogate. I think I'd notice the empty shops and think it felt a bit run down.

The old council offices have been empty for years too. Why?

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?

The best is that it has a good catchment area and does get a lot of visitors. The Stray is stunning too. Harrogate is just a beautifully laid-out, gentile town.

The worst is the decline of the conference trade. I used to have all the conference dates in my calendar, as we did very well out of some of them, but now I don't even look at the schedule.

It's not necessarily Harrogate's or the council's fault – Zoom might be taking its toll.

I'm told that the convention centre has never been more profitable, but I don't think it's bringing people into the town in anything like the same numbers that it used to.

What are your business plans for the future?

My sons have joined the business, and if they eventually want to take over one day, fine. But if not, no pressure.

They can do things I can't. For example, I've tried having websites several times before and never got my money back, but Charles has built a new one and for the first time ever, it's getting traffic via social media and created a new stream of customers.

Social media has made a huge difference to the visibility of the business worldwide. We have over 448,000 followers on Tiktok and more than a quarter of a million on Instagram.

We take orders from the States, Canada, Australia, France – all over the place. We're going to Dallas in the autumn for nine days to do a made-to-measure 'trunk show' – taking samples with a view to getting orders.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I like to find vintage luggage, watch old TV and films (we've just finished watching a series of To The Manor Born), listen to music and sometimes just be on my own.

I live in Scarborough – I commute to Harrogate four times a week – and I love walking by the sea. It's such a massive energy force, I can watch it for hours. It's captivating, and it's different every day.

Best place to eat and drink locally? 

I like Pizza Social – I'm a big fan of pizza!

But my two favourites at the moment are Brio's and Spice Culture. Brio's is owner-driven and consistent. I'm a Yorkshireman, and when I go out every week and pay money I want it to be good, and it always is.

I love Indian food, and Spice Culture is on the money! I think I might be addicted to chillis. They create great flavours and wonderful breads. I try to copy it at home, but it never tastes the same.

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.