Knaresborough chamber of trade Archives

Looking ahead 2023: What lies in store for our town centres?

There can be no doubt that times are tough for retail and hospitality.

After surviving the challenges of covid, businesses have this year faced the cost of living crisis.

Not only does this mean their own bills are rising, from energy tariffs to stock on their shelves and in their kitchens, but it’s also putting pressure on their customers’ budgets.

Meanwhile, debate continues fiercely about the best way to support those businesses and balance the other, competing needs of communities at the same time.

Here are the big stories to look out for affecting our town and city centres in 2023.

Station Gateway

The coming year is likely to see a decision about whether this controversial project is to go ahead or not.

There have been vocal objections since it was first suggested back in February 2021 and, in practice, little progress has been made.

However, the last month or so has seen some indication that things may begin to happen in the new year.

A planning application has been submitted to remove the tempietto outside the Victoria Shopping Centre. It may not be the full scheme, but its removal is central to the wider plans being possible, indicating preparations are now being made.

Meanwhile, Cllr Keane Duncan – who picked up the project as North Yorkshire County Council’s new head of transport after Don Mackenzie stood down – indicated his continuing support for the £11.9m scheme.

Despite months of silence, Cllr Duncan said in December the council remained committed to the Station Gateway.

However, his enthusiasm was tempered by the news that the council was still analysing the results of the third round of consultation. The authority would also speak to Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors before deciding how to proceed, he said.

The anticipated start date has already been put back to late 2023. Whether or not that is further delayed, by this time next year, we should at least know whether the project is going to proceed, and in what form.

Knaresborough transport

While Harrogate ties itself in knots over cars, bicycles and buses, near neighbours in Knaresborough have come up with two alternative solutions.

A cliff lift has long been mooted to help locals and visitors alike have an easier journey between the low levels of the river and the heights of the castle.

Renaissance Knaresborough said earlier this year that the project is still an aspiration, but was being held up by the process of devolution.

The land required is leased by Harrogate Borough Council and its owner, the Duchy of Lancaster, was reluctant to agree a new deal until devolution had been finalised.

However, Renaissance Knaresborough said it was “no longer a question of if, but when” the project would be delivered after an independent tourism consultant said it would be viable.

The cliff lift and road train could take people from Waterside to the town centre. Photo: Mike Smith

Meanwhile, Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and local businessman Tony Bennett said they were investigating the possibility of introducing a road train to the town.

Outlining that the project would have to run on a commercial basis, the chamber of trade said it was speaking to a train supplier and was looking for an operator.

Hopes that it would be up and running for the summer, however, did not come to fruition.

With devolution now just a few months away, the cliff lift project could make progress this year, while the road train, being much more easy to set up, could also be revived in time for the tourist season.

Harrogate BID vote

After a rocky first couple of years of existence, Harrogate BID (business improvement district) has settled into its work of supporting and promoting businesses in the town centre since the height of the covid pandemic.

But the upcoming 12 months will see it face one major challenge.

When a BID is formed, it has a five-year term to prove its worth and persuade its members that they should continue to pay for its existence.

Harrogate BID’s first vote took place in late 2018 and it began operations in early 2019. Its five-year term therefore ends this time next year.

The vote over whether to continue the BID is expected to take place this summer.

The electorate is made up exclusively of those businesses which are in the BID area and have a large enough rateable value to be included in the organisation.

Public opinion counts for nothing: it’s all down to the businesses and whether they feel the BID has proved to be value for money over the last five years.

There’s no doubt it has been active, especially in the run-up to Christmas: it partnered with Harrogate Borough Council and others to deliver the Christmas Fayre, Candy Cane Express, ice rink and fairground rides through December.

Over recent months, it has also paid for free parking for fixed periods in December, organised additional street cleaning, organised energy-saving workshops for its members, and brought other entertainments to the town centre.

Its plans in early 2023 include funding free travel on Sundays of the Harrogate Bus Company’s electric services, as well as setting up events for members to find out more about protecting themselves against terrorism.

Harrogate BID manager Matthew Chapman

BID manager Matthew Chapman clearly rates its work: after announcing his departure in the summer, he had a change of heart in the autumn and decided to stay on.

Expect to see significant activity over the coming six months as the BID continues to try to prove its value in making the town centre the best it can be in these challenging times.

But will the BID have done enough to convince its voters to continue contributing to the pot that pays for its existence?

We’ll find out later this year.

Town council powers

With devolution finally happening across North Yorkshire in April, there are still questions over what it could mean on a more local level – particularly for our town and city councils.

NYCC has invited lower tier authorities to apply for more powers once North Yorkshire Council takes over.

It could affect all parish councils across the Harrogate district. Those most likely to be impacted are the ones taking care of a sizeable population, such as the town councils in Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Boroughbridge and Masham, which might have the capacity to take on more work.

Ripon City Council, meanwhile, has already said it is keen to have control of more of the city’s assets, reversing what it sees as years of neglect from those who have held both the keys and the purse strings.

As well as the town hall, Hugh Ripley Hall and Wakeman’s House, the council could apply to run Market Square – and even the public toilets.

However, it’s far from a done deal.

Once expressions of interest have been received from parish councils by the end of March, the new unitary council will choose six lower tier authorities to develop a business case.

While it’s likely it would take many months for any power to be devolved to parish councils, there should be some progress before the end of the year for those six chosen to be involved.

Harrogate district businesses urge new PM to offer urgent support

Businesses across the Harrogate district have called for urgent action to support them in the face of growing pressures.

As new Prime Minister Liz Truss takes up her post, business organisations have told the Stray Ferret she must move swiftly as the cost of living and energy price crises begin to bite.

Peter Lacey, of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade‘s executive, said:

“We’re waiting for the new government to be announced later this week, but needless to say the chamber of trade are extremely concerned about the lack of any ceiling on business costs for energy, on top of previously identified cost pressures from the general rise in inflation.

“There is the real risk that without significant intervention businesses will find it impossible to afford the cost of energy and will be forced to close.

“Following so close on the heels of covid, many businesses have not had the chance to build up their reserves and are therefore particularly vulnerable.”

Mr Lacey said the rising fuel prices and the wider cost of living crisis would form part of discussions at this week’s chamber of trade meeting in Knaresborough.

His views were echoed by Lilla Bathurst of Ripon BID, who said:

“Ripon is a city of great, independent businesses who have survived the last few years of covid-induced pressure and uncertainty.

“We urge the new Prime Minister and her government to offer immediate support for businesses as they face both an energy and cost of living criss.

“We would recommend that this help package is delivered swiftly and is both realistic and fair in that it has a real impact in helping businesses of all sizes as we continue to navigate through these uncertain times.”

Sue Kramer, president of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, added:

“Ms Truss must address the enormous challenges businesses are facing to survive from the energy crisis, staffing issues and rising costs due to inflation.

“Businesses are in an incredibly precarious position, with many on the brink. We need her to introduce an emergency package of measures that will save businesses from closure.”

Tim Ledbetter, chairman of Nidderdale Chamber of Trade, said he hoped Ms Truss’s upbringing in Leeds would deliver some “good old Yorkshire common sense”.

He said local businesses wanted to see policies which delivered cuts to fuel bills and energy costs, as well as a commitment that cash would not be slowly removed from circulation.

Above all, he said she should show “strong, effective, honourable leadership, delivering change swiftly”, adding:

“I hope Liz Truss turns out to be the Prime Minister who is remembered as the leader who put a stop to the worry and suffering that so many in small and medium sized businesses are going through at the moment.

“In Truss we have no option but to place our trust.”

Knaresborough survey reveals key issues for local people

Speeding, mental health and activities for young people are among the main issues concerning Knaresborough residents, according to a new survey platform.

Multiple town groups set up Knaresborough Voice this year to give local people the opportunity to discuss what matters to them. With devolution looming, the groups wanted a platform for people to discuss where investment in the town should go.

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, Knaresborough Connectors and North Yorkshire County Council are among those supporting the venture.

The platform uses technology called Polis – an artificial intelligence-driven software designed to find communities’ complex views.

People offer anonymous responses or agree and disagree with other people’s statements on certain topics.

Three conversations so far

So far, the platform has been used to start three conversations:

What’s most important in making Knaresborough an even better place to live and work?
Should there be a default speed limit of 20mph – rather than 30mph – in the town and in residential areas?
The state of mental health in the area after the two years of covid.

The conversation about what’s most important in Knaresborough is the first to be completed.

It generated 116 responses, which received almost 5,700 votes.

Over 80% of respondents agreed there needed to be more opportunities for young people; that the town should welcome diversity; that there is a need to fill the gaps in the town centre offer; that pavements needed to be kept tidy and safe and that more needed to be made of York Road car park.

The groups behind Knaresborough Voice hope it will become a well-used platform for debate that can impact decisions made by local councillors.

Peter Lacey, a chamber committee member, said:

“The platform was set up in the light of devolution to collect views and connect community groups. A conversation starts by a someone suggesting a topic and we work to shape the statements and post the survey.”

The findings will be taken to Knaresborough Town Council next month in the hope they will be used to shape its decisions.

Knaresborough chamber plans to ‘build back’ after bitter fallout over BID

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce has said it is ready to “build back” after a tumultuous two years tackling covid and the divide left following the vote against setting up a BID.

The chamber has begun the new year with a slimmed down executive board, new projects and a commitment to rebuild relationships and collaborate with businesses.

Over the past two years the organisation launched various projects to help businesses through lockdowns and encourage people to visit the town.

But it also found itself at the centre of a bitter debate over the setting up of a Business Improvement District, which divided the organisation. Businesses voted against creating a BID.

The fallout from the BID vote had a lasting effect on the chamber, executive member Peter Lacey said, leading it to reassess how the organisation is run.

Now, instead of having a board with over 10 positions and multiple titles such as chair, secretary and treasurer, the not-for-profit organisation operates with an executive board of five members taking on various responsibilities.

Mr Lacey added a few businesses had left the chamber following the BID vote and it now wanted to re-establish itself as a forum for businesses rather than being overshadowed by political divides. He said:

“There is still an overhang of bad feeling following the BID vote. Sometimes it can take time to build back but we’re happy to work with any business or group that will benefit Knaresborough.”

Members have been sent a survey ahead of the first full meeting next month to ask what they think the focus of the upcoming year should be for the chamber.

It has also asked for feedback on ideas, such as more networking events, support for those making working from home permanent, summer events, the local banking hub and devolution.

Knaresborough businesses take over Christmas tree duties from chamber

A group of Knaresborough businesses has said it will put up Christmas trees in the town this year instead of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade.

The chamber has traditionally installed about 65 four-foot high trees on shopfronts and buildings around the town.

But local businesses said the chamber had indicated it was no longer able to do so and therefore they had stepped in.

A chamber meeting last week saw numerous people walk out and board positions left unfilled following an acrimonious vote not to set up a Business Improvement District.

Two local business owners, Annie Wilkinson-Gill of the Crystal Buddha and Natalie Horner of Sid Horner and Son, said they had taken the lead on the Christmas tree project and have set up a Facebook page for businesses to place orders.

The two women said they had made a completely fresh start, ordering the trees from Stockeld Park as well as new solar powered lights.

Ms Horner said:

“Chamber said they were going to cancel the trees this year as sadly they weren’t able to do them, so a few of us independent business owners decided to come together as it would be such a shame for Knaresborough not to have Christmas trees.

“This is a really huge community project and so many wonderful businesses have come together to make it happen.”

The trees will be put up by volunteers during November.

The pair of business owners are also hoping to use the new Knaresborough Business Collective Facebook page to organise other events and projects.

The Stray Ferret tried to contact members of the chamber but had not received a reply by the time of publication.

Calls for more police as anti-semitic graffiti remains in Knaresborough

Anti-semitic graffiti is still covering some of Knaresborough’s key monuments, amid calls for more police officers to patrol the streets.

The town’s 12th century castle and statues of Blind Jack and Mother Shipton on Market Place were defaced in an overnight attack on Saturday night.

Crude images and Nazi swastikas remain sprayed on the side of the castle and the bronze statues in the Market Place are still discoloured.

The castle graffiti is situated in full view of Knaresborough police station, which has cameras on top of the roof.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today:

“We have launched an investigation in to the graffiti from the Castlegate area of Knaresborough. All lines of enquiry are currently been pursued.

“North Yorkshire Police takes all reports of hate crime seriously. Anyone who is the victim of a hate crime is encouraged to report the incident to police via 101.”

Harrogate Borough Council said in a statement today it was aware of the vandalism and was looking into the best way for it to be removed but gave no timeframe.

Councillor Andrew Paraskos, cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

“It is incredibly disappointing that someone, or a group of individuals, have found it appropriate to deface the heritage of Knaresborough in this way and we will be doing what we can to identify those responsible.

“If any members of the public witnessed any of the damage being carried out, or if any businesses have their own CCTV in the area that has captured any relevant footage, I would encourage them to contact North Yorkshire Police as soon as possible.”

Steve Teggin, a local business owner and the chair of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said anti-social behaviour was becoming a serious concern for local businesses.

He said further action needed to be taken, including more police officers in the town:

“The chamber and traders are getting quite concerned. Ninety per cent of people visiting Knaresborough are great and contribute to the economy but there are some letting us down. There just isn’t enough police presence and people thing they can get away with stuff.

“We need more police on the streets.”

Knaresborough businesses get £3,000 sponsorship boost

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has received £3,000 sponsorship from engineering company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

MHI initially sponsored Party in the Castle, the chamber-organised family fun day in 2019.

Since then a director of the company, John Billson, has kept in touch with chamber president Steve Teggin to discuss further support.

Mr Billson, who works in the air conditioning side of the international business, met Mr Teggin, a hairdresser, when he was having his hair cut.

Being a local man, Mr Billson said he he was keen to support Knaresborough businesses while achieving brand awareness for the company.

The £3,000 award will support the chamber’s work over the next 12 months.

Mr Teggin said:

“We are very pleased to be able to work with John and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The money will help us to continue supporting our local businesses and charities.

“It also means there’s a little more available for the community so we can look into other projects, such as expanding what we do at Christmas.”

John Billson

Mr Billson, who is managing director of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Specifications, said.

“It’s all about brand awareness for us plus I’m local to the area so being able to support local trade and commerce is a bonus too.”

Knaresborough chamber in talks to take over town market

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has begun talks with Harrogate Borough Council to take over the management of the town’s market.

Relations between the chamber and council have deteriorated in the wake of disputes over issues such as rent increases, upholding the town’s traditions and the management of the market over lockdown.

The council has always defended itself, saying it works “tirelessly” to support the traders and promote the market to residents and visitors.

But the chamber said it no longer feels the council is running the market in the town’s best interest and matters have reached the “final straw”.

It now hopes to take over the market’s day-to-day running in conjunction with the Knaresborough Town Council.

‘We need to take a stand’

Chamber representatives told the Stray Ferret discussions were in the early stages and no official proposal has been sent to Harrogate Borough Council yet.

Steve Teggin president of Knaresborough Chamber, said:

“It is being run in a style that could lead to its eventual demise, which we don’t want. The people of Knaresborough won’t want that either.

“We need to take a stand, we’ve had enough. It could be destroyed if we don’t look at it properly. We want to take it over.”

Councillor Andrew Paraskos, Harrogate’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, who is responsible for the management of markets, said:

“Running a weekly market in both Knaresborough and Ripon is not an easy task and requires a lot of council resources to make it happen safely each week. This is on top of the pitch bookings, licences, publicity, waste removal, etc. that is also required.

“But if Knaresborough Chamber of Trade believe they can run the market more successfully, then I welcome them getting in touch.”

A spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“To suggest we are running Knaresborough market into the ground is simply not true whatsoever.

“Our vibrant and popular historic markets in both Knaresborough and Ripon are an important and integral part of our district.

“That’s why we have worked tirelessly to make sure they can operate safely every week, even during lockdown and will continue to promote them on our social media channels regularly.”

Harrogate retailer says second lockdown would be ‘devastating’

A Harrogate retailer has raised their concerns saying “there will be casualties for sure” if another national lockdown is introduced for England.

The Prime Minister is reported to be considering a month-long lockdown for England in an attempt to curb the rising number of coronavirus cases.

The lockdown is expected to keep schools, colleges and universities open but the retail industry could be hit once again.

Bob Kennedy, owner of G23 and Porters has said another national lockdown would be “devastating” for the sector. Without customers being allowed into shops he is worried about the long-term impact on his own business and others.

He said:

“We are in for a long, hard winter. It will have a devastating impact on businesses. There will be some casualties for sure.”

“But we’ve got to do whatever it takes to combat this virus. We didn’t qualify for grants due to our rateable value. My business rates are high because of my location but I am still a small independent so I think that is something that needs looking into.”

The chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Sandra Doherty, has also raised her concerns for the impact on local businesses.

Sandra said:

“The economic crisis which is looming, not just on the high street, but more worryingly the self-employed who have not been identified in any of the government’s grants, will be further exacerbated.

“Balancing the nation’s physical health with its economic health is a difficult choice to make with nothing to measure against. I’m sure the trial and error approach which we seem to be using at the moment will see us steering a very wobbly path forward.”

In Knaresborough there has been a number of new shops opening in the town in recent months. Steve Teggin, president of the Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, has said the timing of this lockdown could be “disastrous”.

He said:

“Knaresborough’s businesses were down in takings but we were doing ok but this is going to be a bit of a blow for new businesses.

“Businesses will have to adapt and keep that momentum going to survive. It is important for the public to support the local businesses as much as they can to make sure they are here next year.”

The district’s seven-day case rate up to October 27 has dropped to 239 per 100,000 people. However this remains above the national average of 225.

The Prime Minister is due to make an announcement at 4pm this afternoon.

Cut price Xmas trees to help boost Christmas spirit in Knaresborough

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade is finding new ways to bring the Christmas spirit into the town following the cancellation of the Christmas market.

The chamber has said it will be subsidising the price businesses pay for Christmas trees. Each year shops and businesses have trees mounted onto their buildings to light up the town.

This year the Chamber is putting forward £500 to cover some of the costs each shop pays for the trees. Members will get their trees at less than the cost price to help after a particularly difficult year.

Following the cancellation of the Christmas market by North Yorkshire County Council the chamber is in talks with other community groups about the options for its annual Christmas tree festival.

President of the chamber, Steve Teggin, said:

“The Chamber continues to work with the business community to provide help and assistance on the changing regulations. We are working to improve confidence to businesses, residents and visitors alike in the coming months to minimise the impact on trading conditions in the town.”

The chamber is still proudly promoting its #shoplocal #staysafe message as more new businesses open in the town and the Wednesday market continues to bring in new visitors.

The Christmas tree festival is one of the community events the chamber is hoping to support to encourage Christmas spirit within a year like none the town has experienced before. Credit: Charlotte Gale Photography

It is also looking ahead to next year to plans for a business improvement district (BID) project to launch.

Mr Teggin added:

“This will benefit Knaresborough for years to come. Although this will not be operational until 2021 there is already some great support for the project and some interesting ideas to support Knaresborough well into the future.”

Station Gateway

Knaresborough transport

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Harrogate BID vote

Town council powers

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Three conversations so far

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‘We need to take a stand’

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