Ripon Business Improvement District (BID), has reflected on a busy first year, while looking forward to plans for the future.
Speaking at Monday evening’s annual review meeting in the Claro Lounge, BID manager Lilla Bathurst, said that the objective has been to generate increased footfall and profits for businesses in the Ripon city region, by raising its profile and making it more attractive to visitors and local residents.
She pointed out that initiatives undertaken since the BID came into being last autumn, have ranged from steam cleaning of more than 5,000 square metres of streets and ginnels, to supporting festivals and events and launching the Ripon Apprenticeship and Training Hub (RATH).
Other activities in the year include the installation of lighting in ginnels and alleyways, working alongside Ripon in Bloom to fund new floral displays and providing free, independent consultancy advice to businesses to help them identify savings that can be made on energy and other bills.
Ms Bathurst, said:
“It has been a busy first year and we thank all businesses that have worked with us to make Ripon and more vibrant place.”
She added:
“Looking ahead, we are planning further investment in home-grown events, a continuing programme of cleaning and greening, the full launch of RATH in schools and through employer networking events and progressing our wayfinding initiative.”
BID board member Rick Jones, owner of Valentino’s and the Water Rat gastro pub, said:
“Plans are in hand to introduce a walking map of Ripon, that will be available in all car parks and other locations, where there will be information boards.
“This will help to guide people and encourage them to explore all areas of the city.”
Fellow board member and leader of Ripon City Council, Andrew Williams, pointed out:
“The council is spending an additional £40,000 on Christmas lights this year, with the aim of attracting more visitors and increasing footfall, so that people with disposable income spend their money here.”
Chair of the BID board and owner of Newby Hall Richard Compton, who chaired the meeting, said:
“We are committed to creating an environment that will help businesses in Ripon and the outlying areas to succeed and a great deal has been achieved in a relatively short space of time.”
Read more:
Investment zones ‘won’t harm environment’, claims Andrew Jones MP
Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones has rejected claims that investment zones could harm the environment.
North Yorkshire County Council revealed last week it had submitted expressions of interest to the government to create investment zones at three Harrogate district sites.
They are Harrogate Convention Centre, junction 47 of the A1 and Potter Space Ripon, a business park at Junction 50 of the A1.
The zones will benefit from liberalised planning laws and tax incentives for businesses, which has sparked concerns from environmental groups such as the Wildlife Trusts that they will put wildlife and wild spaces at risk.
But Mr Jones told the House of Commons this week:
“These are sites where we have existing commercial activity which were already earmarked for further investment. Investment zones give us the opportunity to lever in funding from the government.
“I understand that individuals and some groups were concerned that the new investment zones would see the development of huge swathes of countryside. I would not have supported their introduction were that the case.
“But it is clear from the sites that are being brought forward that this is far from the case”
Read more:
- Revealed: the three Harrogate district sites that could become investment zones
- Andrew Jones MP launches ‘non-political’ fact-checking service
Green Party rejects Mr Jones’ claims
Paul Ko Ferrigno
But Harrogate and District Green Party prospective parliamentary candidate Paul Ko Ferrigno criticised Mr Jones’ stance.
“Like his government, Mr Jones has had 12 long years to establish his green credentials, and it is on that track record that he must be judged, not some aspirational scheme that has been rushed in so quickly that councillors have not been given time to scrutinise the detail.
“It isn’t even clear that these investment zones are needed because we haven’t been told which regulations are potentially holding schemes back.”
Business support
Lilla Bathurst, manager of Ripon Business Improvement District, backed the county council’s submission. She said:
“Whilst the Potter Space is outside the Ripon BID area, we welcome any investment into the Ripon city region.
“The potential for more businesses and employment in the area, and therefore further footfall and spend in our BID businesses, can only be a positive and we fully support Cllr Carl Les and North Yorkshire County Council in their submission.”
However, the North Yorkshire branch of Unison took a different view:
We share the concerns of @WildlifeTrusts, and our branch committee has voted unanimously to oppose #InvestmentZones and we arw asking @northyorkscc to withdraw its interest.@AJonesMP @nadams @JulianSmithUK @JulianSturdy @RishiSunak @kevinhollinrake
@ChrisGPackham https://t.co/3oHgEsdb3u
— North Yorkshire UNISON (@NYUnison) October 15, 2022
Ripon pumped up on pumpkins for Halloween half-term
Ripon BID is holding a series of pumpkin-themed free events this half term.
There’ll be a spooky pumpkin trail around the city, free magic shows at the Curzon and a best dressed pumpkin competition as part of the Halloween entertainment for families.
The pumpkin hunt takes place from October 22 to 30 with cash prizes. The magic shows on October 22, 26 and 29 are already fully subscribed.
The Best Dressed Pumpkin competition will run in conjunction with the trail. It is sponsored by Valentino’s Restaurant and will offer the chance for one creative participant to win a family meal for four at the restaurant.
Businesses taking part in both the pumpkin hunt and the best dressed pumpkin will be displaying posters in their windows.
See www.visitripon.co.uk/events for all the details.
The events which are organised by the Ripon Business Investment District aim to increase footfall and spend in Ripon.
The BID has urged businesses to send it their half-term and Halloween offers so it can promote them via its website.
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- Spooky castles, pumpkins and haunted houses: Halloween fun in the district
- Plan approved to convert former Ripon City Club into house
Business Breakfast: Ripon BID to hold its first annual review
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Ripon BID is to hold its first Annual Review tonight.
BID chairman Richard Compton of Newby Hall & Gardens, will welcome businesses and give an introduction to the BID, its aims and objectives.
It will be followed by a short presentation by the BID Team on the achievements of the first year of operations and a brief overview of the plans for next year.
The floor will then be opened up to questions. The event is from 6pm-8pm at the Claro Lounge.
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Cloud Nine CEO wins award
The CEO of Harrogate based hair and beauty brand, Cloud Nine, has been named as The Most Ambitious Business Leader of 2022 in awards run by LDC, the private equity arm of the Lloyds Banking Group.
The programme celebrates the inspiring leaders behind some of the UK’s most successful and fast-growing medium-sized firms.
Established in 2009 Cloud Nine, at Hornbeam Park, has gone from strength to strength with its turnover now standing at £36m.
The judges commended Martin Rae for his innovative and sustainable approach to business and his ambition to build the biggest electrical haircare brand in the world.
Martin Rae said:
“To be named as the Most Ambitious Business Leader of 2022 is a huge honour. It is also recognition of the efforts of the full team of people at Cloud Nine. It might be my name on the list, but it is not just me who has achieved such success.
“We are a family business and I like to think of the wider team as one big family that operates successfully due to the culture we have created. Long may that continue in the future.
“I would also like to acknowledge the support of our suppliers and customers – without whom we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Martin Rae, CEO Could Nine with his award
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Ripon BID, in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council, is to fund free car parking on selected dates in the run up to Christmas.
The aim is to encourage shoppers from further afield to visit Ripon for all their Christmas shopping needs.
Free parking will be available from 3pm-6pm on the following Fridays November 25 and December 2 , 9 and 16 in the Cathedral, St Marygate & Marshall Way car parks.
The BID is also sponsoring live seasonal music in the Market Square on the above dates between 3- 6pm to add to the festive spirit.
Councillor Phil Ireland, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, said:
“I am delighted that Harrogate Borough Council can support Ripon BID to offer free parking in Cathedral, St Marygate and Marshall Way car parks between 3pm and 6pm on the four Friday’s running up to Christmas.
We want to encourage people to shop locally and I hope that scheme gives them a good incentive to do so.”
Read More:
- Loss of 15-day festival will have ‘limited’ economic impact on Harrogate
- Business Breakfast: Aon renews Harrogate Town sponsorship
Harrogate estate agent, Verity Frearson, have sponsored of one of the town’s junior football teams.
The company is sponsoring Pannal Ash’s U11s Jaguars and Leopards teams.
Thanks to the deal, the young players, who play in the Harrogate and District Junior Football League, are now sporting new kits for the 2022/23 season bearing the company’s name.
Verity Frearson Director, Matthew Stamford, said:
“We are delighted to sponsor the U11s teams.
“Our company’s link to Harrogate stretches back 100 years, and whilst our association to the football club is more recent, it is nevertheless a strong one.
“We were asked if we would consider sponsoring the teams, which we jumped at the chance to do. It is so important that companies support local grassroots clubs, as often they are the ones that train the talent of the future.”
Pannal Ash’s U11 team, Jaguars, sport the new Verity Frearson kit
Harrogate district business groups cautiously welcome mini-budgetBusiness groups in the Harroagate district have broadly welcomed today’s financial measures introduced by Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.
Mr Kwarteng announced a mini-budget in the House of Commons this morning.
It included cutting income tax, stamp duty and reversing the rise in National Insurance contributions and corporation tax.
Mr Kwarteng also lifted the cap on bankers’ bonuses and heralded the measures as a “new era” for the UK economy.
David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said he welcomed some of the measures.
He said:
“The UK’s economic situation is very fragile, we are technically in recession, inflation is putting pressure on household budgets and an increase in interest rates will put a strain on many homeowners’ budgets.
“The aim of this emergency budget is to stimulate the economy by cutting taxes and giving people more money in their pockets.
“The scrapping of the national insurance rise and reversing the increase in corporation tax is certainly good news for businesses large and small.
“Employees across the board will benefit from the NI reduction, as well as the cut in the basic rate of income tax, but the latter won’t be felt until after next April. Cutting the cap on bankers’ bonuses is a contentious issue for some, but it is designed to attract the brightest and the best in the industry to the UK.”
Read more:
Ripon BID welcomes corporation tax move
Lilla Bathurst, manager at Ripon Business Improvement District, said it remained to be seen if the planned tax cuts will work.
She said:
“Ripon BID welcomes the scrapping of the planned increase in corporation tax and the reduction of national insurance contributions and the relief this will bring to businesses and employees. It remains to be seen if these tax cuts will generate sufficient growth to off-set the tax the Chancellor has given up.
“Ripon BID is disappointed that the government did not follow the recommendations set out in the BusinessSOS campaign, supported by over 150 Business Improvement Districts including Ripon BID. We asked for a package of measures including business rates relief and a reduction in headline VAT rates for retail, leisure and hospitality.
“The previous announcement of support for businesses energy bills was welcomed but as stated previously we feel did not go far enough and uncertainty remains.”
Knaresborough chamber warms of business failures
Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce said it welcomed the cut in corporation tax, but added that this winter will still be difficult for many businesses.
Chamber executive member Peter Lacey said:
“I like to be positive, but can’t say I’m confident that we’ll not see business failures in the coming months.
“We’re committed to supporting the businesses of the town and its surrounding area but recognise that we’ll need to redouble our efforts in the current economic climate.”
Nidderdale chamber: measures ‘give confidence’
Meanwhile, Tim Ledbetter, chair of Nidderdale Chamber of Trade, said:
Business Breakfast: Cost-saving expert is on hand to help Ripon businesses“We welcome measures announced by the government today, whilst reserving judgement on many of them until the finer detail has been analysed.
“The measures will hopefully give confidence to the public and businesses who understandably have had their confidence rocked by events, not just in this country but from around the world.
“I suppose with the cancellation of the planned rise in duty on beer, wine and spirits people can at least either celebrate or if disappointed with the measures drown their sorrow.”
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Ripon Business Improvement District is urging businesses who are looking for help or advice with navigating the ever-changing business cost market to get in touch.
Appointments with the BID’s cost-saving expert, Rishi Sood of Place Support Partnership (PSP) were originally planned for September 19, but have re-scheduled to October 20, following the Queen’s death.
BID manager Lilla Bathurst (pictured) said:
“Our aim is to deliver on issues that are important to our member businesses and cost saving in the current economic climate is considered high priority.
“In response to business needs, PSP were commissioned by Ripon BID to support local businesses through our Place Saving Programme focussing on business critical spend areas including energy, telecoms, merchant services and water.”
Appointments can be made via info@riponbid.co.uk or by calling call 01765 530 910.
The new units on Cambridge Street.
Project to bring Harrogate retail unit back into use complete
A project to bring a vacant Harrogate retail unit back into use has been completed.
The boarded-up shop on Cambridge Street was purchased by Broadland Properties in 2020 and the 25,000 sq ft former Topshop store has now been reconfigured into a mixed-use retail and leisure development.
It now includes Cosy Club, Sainsbury’s Local and Skipton Building Society.
Matt Harriman, associate direct at GV&Co which project managed the scheme, said:
“It’s great to see this scheme come to such a successful conclusion, with an impressive line-up of new retail and leisure tenants taking their place on this busy Harrogate high street.
“The unit had been vacant since 2017 and we managed the extensive enabling works to divide the property into separate units, with new services and several structural changes to suit the revised layouts, as well as external refurbishments over three phases. These included new windows, stone cleaning, and stonework repairs.
“Now fully let and brought back to life with Sainsbury’s, Cosy Club and Skipton Building Society all in place, we have thoroughly enjoyed working with a big project team that included engineers, GGP, architects, DLA, RGP building control specialists, Ball and Berry letting agent, Robinson Webster managing agent, Ryden, Brentwood Consulting Engineers, and contractor JP Wild for Broadland Properties.”
Read More:
- Business Breakfast: district’s pubs decide whether to open for The Queen’s funeral
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Ripon plans some light relief this Christmas
Ripon councillors are determined to ensure festive cheer for retailers, residents and visitors to the city centre this Christmas.
While some towns and cities in the UK are putting plans for seasonal lighting on hold because of concerns over rising energy costs, Ripon will be going ahead with its civic display and switch on event.
However, concerns have been expressed. At Monday night’s full meeting of the council, Liberal Democrat councillor Barbara Brodigan asked:
“With the increasing cost of electricity, could we be seen as being profligate or frivolous at a time when people are having to cut back on their use of power?”
Last year’s Christmas lights switch on in Ripon.
Independent council leader Andrew Williams, said:
“These are indeed difficult times and there there will be more ahead, but we want to ensure that the civic lights are in place to bring some degree of Christmas spirit to the city to benefit our independent retailers and give a lift to residents and visitors.”
This year, the festive programme in Ripon is being supported by Ripon Business Improvement District, which is paying for the production and distribution of a Christmas brochure, setting out the events that will be happening in the city.
Cllr Williams said:
“The council has been paying for the brochure for a number of years and we welcome this support from the BID.”
The Christmas lights are paid for from the parish precept and in 2020, the display was extended following a £65,000 injection of funding from the city council’s events budget, made possible because of the money that became available after a number of planned public events had to be cancelled because of the covid pandemic.
In 2021 there was further investment in the display, designed to boost the Ripon economy by attracting more visitors.
Last year’s switch-on event on November 19 saw a large crowd gather on Market Square.
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.”
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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:
Enjoy Ripon’s rich heritage free of charge“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.”
Ripon’s residents, day trippers and tourists, are spoilt for choice when it comes to heritage attractions in the city and surrounding villages that they can visit.
Top of the hundreds of historic buildings and sites in the area is Ripon Cathedral, founded in 672 AD by Wilfrid, the city’s celebrated patron saint.
Ripon and District Light Railway
Within earshot of the iconic building’s quarterly clock chime is a light railway with engines, track and station, that can be found in the canal-side garden of Neill Clayton on Dallamires Lane.
Ripon & District Light Railway – a project developed over 36 years by Mr Clayton and a small group of rail and engineering enthusiasts – is among 14 locations that can be visited free of charge as part of the Heritage Open Days programme being promoted by Ripon Civic Society (RCS) in partnership with Ripon Business Improvement District.
Details of the programme, which runs from September 9 to 18, can be found by clicking here.
Ripon Cathedral will provide central tower tours as part of the programme of Heritage Open Days
The cathedral, dating back 1,350 years and the railway, with its component parts gathered from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, are the oldest and youngest heritage gems in a treasure trail of locations representing different aspects of the religious, social and economic history of the Ripon area.
Included among the locations that will be open to visitors is another church that bears the name of the city’s patron saint.
St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church on Coltsgate Hill, is considered an architectural masterpiece with its Pugin-designed reredos and classic stained glass among many spectacular features in the Grade II* listed building.
The Heritage Open Days at the church will run from 10.30am until 16.30, except for Sunday September 18, when the times will be 11.30 until 16.30.
The Chapel of St Mary Magdalen
Just half a mile away, another religious establishment – the Chapel of the Hospital of St Mary Magdalen, built in the 12th century to care for people suffering from leprosy – enjoys the same Grade I listed status as the cathedral and 82-foot Ripon obelisk.
The stand-out structure on Market Square, features in the open days programme on September 13 when people are invited to gather there at 11am for a guided walk and talk about Ripon’s former industries, led by members of RCS.
Tourism and trains
Among the city’s different industrial sectors, tourism has been a key element of the city’s economy since the 1800s when Fountains Abbey was established as a visitor attraction.
The opening, in 1849, of the Leeds and Thirsk Railway, increased accessibility to the area and in 1902 a scheme was promoted to link Ripon Railway Station on North Road, to the city centre and Fountains Abbey with a narrow gauge electric street tramway.
Mr Clayton, pointed out:
“Sadly, the scheme did not come to fruition because of fears about costs and the disruption that would be caused in laying tracks through medieval streets.”
He added:
“While the plan came to nothing, it provided the inspiration for our venture and we look forward to giving those who come to our open days on September 11 and 12, an insight into what might have been, by showing them a static display.
“Unfortunately, as we are weather-reliant, we can only proceed if it is not raining and we are not allowed to provide rides for members of the public.”
Because of the size of the site, visitors will be shown around in groups of up to six.
The other locations involved in the Heritage Open Days are: Clifton Castle (near Masham), The Ruin, St James and the Methodist Church (Grewelthorpe). St John’s Parish Church (Sharow) and, in Ripon: the Courthouse and Workhouse museums, The Gazebo, Masonic Hall and Grammar School Library.