An independent panel of judges, braved heavy showers to view and cast their votes for the 23 entries in the Ripon Business Improvement District’s Christmas Windows competition.

The panel, including the city’s Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Sid Hawke and his wife Linda and the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson have had their say, but the final outcome of the competition rests with a public vote and the winning entry will be announced on December 19.

Dean John judging the window at Specsavers

Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst, said:

“Like Strictly Come Dancing, the votes of the public will be added to the marks given by the judges.”

More details on how to vote for your favourite Christmas window click here

Children were involved in producing the window display at Cathedral View Cafe

Ms Bathurst, pointed out:

“The theme that we set was peace and sanctuary and the judges were asked to bear this in mind when assessing the entries.”

She added:

“We are delighted with the number of businesses that took part, as the window displays combined with the city’s festive lights and our free parking after 3pm initiative on the Fridays running up to Christmas, all add to the attraction of Ripon.”

Dean John, said:

“It’s great to see the business community embracing the central Christmas messages of peace and sanctuary in an imaginative way that helps to lift all of our spirits in these difficult times.”

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Christmas shop window competition for businesses in Harrogate is to return this year.

Organised by Harrogate Business Improvement District in partnership with the Rotary Club of Harrogate, the contest is set to include awards for large retailer, medium retailer and small retailer.

The competition, which is returning for its third year, promotes town centre shopping and broadcasts the ‘shop local’ message in the run up to Christmas.

The competition is limited to 50 entrants within the BID Levy area. Before dressing their windows, participants are asked to take into account the following criteria:

• Illumination: There is a historic link between the competition and the Christmas lights. How well is the window lit up?
• Innovation: How new or different is the window display?
• Spirit of Christmas: This is a ‘catch all’ category. How well does the display convey the ‘Spirit of Christmas’?

Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate BID, said: 

“We are delighted to announce the return of the Harrogate Shop Window Competition, once again in partnership with the Rotary Club of Harrogate.

“The town was beautifully presented last Christmas, with scores of retailers getting in the festive spirit and entering the competition. With the return of the competition, as well as our dazzling Christmas lights, Harrogate will very soon be looking at its absolute best.”

The competing retailers must have their windows completed by 8am on Tuesday, November 29 in time for shortlisting, with judging taking place on Thursday, December 1, between 3.30pm and 8pm.

The awards will be presented at prize giving ceremony being held on Tuesday, December 6, at the West Park Hotel.

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Ripon BID helps local businesses make savings

Businesses in Ripon have made nearly £30,000 worth of savings following the introduction of a support scheme nine months ago.

Ripon Business Improvement District launched the savings scheme with Place Support Partnership in an effort to help local firms.

To date, Ripon BID says they have identified £29,829 of savings against the project with several businesses taking on their advice and contracting services or renegotiating with their suppliers.

Helen Thornton, director of Ripon Museum Trust said 

“Ripon Museum Trust has just fixed its utility contracts in the most challenging of circumstances with the help of Rishi Sood from Place Support Partnership provided by the Ripon Business Improvement District. Rishi came to see us and gave us very level-headed and honest advice. 

“All the usual norms of the market for buying gas and electricity have basically flown out of the window recently and none of us in the trust are remotely qualified to understand the market – except we all knew it was going to be a pretty terrifying price.”

A final round of visits from PSP will be announced in the New Year, but businesses are urged to register their interest now via info@riponbid.co.uk.