February 2024 Newsletter
Hello everyone and welcome to our second newsletter of 2024 – and what a start to the year we’ve had so far!
We have a number of great events coming up over the next few months as we continue to work hard towards achieving our new set of objectives as we move into our second term as Harrogate BID.
It was lovely to announce the first ever winner of our ‘Love is in the Air’ competition in February. We hope the two lucky lovebirds enjoy their Valentine’s-themed prize package!
We’re continuing to promote the Harrogate Gift Card this month as the Mothering Funday event returns, but this time with a bigger and better activity! The Gift Card scheme is fully funded by the BID and it can now be used in more than 100 businesses, both national and independent, from bars and restaurants to retailers and hotels. It’s a great way to keep money within our local economy and I can’t recommend it enough!
BIDs are also celebrating their 20-year anniversary across the country during 2024 and we’re overjoyed to continue to be a part of that story. The BID team are excited to deliver a vast range of events, campaigns and services throughout the year as we work hard to improve Harrogate and keep the town centre thriving.
Everyone at Harrogate BID would like to thank Dan Siddle as he steps down as BID Chair to focus on work commitments. I look forward to taking on the role and working with the BID team and Board to continue to improve our town centre.
Yours Sincerely,
Andrea Thornborrow
BID Chair
Love is in the Air winner revealed
The winner of Harrogate BID’s first ever Love is in the Air Valentine’s-themed competition was announced last month. Congratulations to Elena Wood, who claimed the prize package including a two-night stay at The Majestic Hotel and Spa, a helicopter ride over North Yorkshire with HeliJet, a Slingsby Gin Experience, a free session at the Turkish Baths and a £100 Harrogate Gift Card.
To purchase a Harrogate Gift Card, visit: Harrogate Gift Card | Town & City Gift Cards UK (townandcitygiftcards.com)
Harrogate Celebration of Fashion
The Harrogate BID team were delighted to launch the Celebration of Fashion, which returns for 2024 following a successful event last year. From prom dresses to race day outfits, the catwalk will feature new categories alongside favourites from last year including wedding dresses, activewear, the summer season and clothing celebrating Harrogate’s high street fashion.
Any businesses or influencers looking to get involved with the 2024 event can contact the BID team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk
Mothering Funday return
Celebrate Mother’s Day this year by winning a top prize for your mum, grandma or guardian as Harrogate BID’s free Mothering Funday returns with Dash ‘N’ Grab fun. Following a successful event in 2023, the Mothering Funday will be held on the Piazza outside the Victoria Shopping Centre on Saturday March 9th from 10am. The prize bundle will feature a range of gifts supplied by local businesses – as well as Harrogate Gift Cards worth £100.
Any business wishing to donate a prize can email info@harrogatebid.co.uk
UK BIDS celebrate 20 years
This year marks the 20-year anniversary of the Business Improvement District (BID) model moving into the UK – and Harrogate BID is delighted to be a part of that story. Ever since their inception, BIDs have invested more than £1 billion into local services, events and campaigns.
Started in 2019, Harrogate BID is excited to continue to be an important part of the North Yorkshire town’s historic story. From creating events such as the Harrogate Dog Show and the Celebration of Fashion, to additional teams on the street and Christmas lights, to winning gold in Britain in Bloom and utilising vacant units, the BID team continue to work hard to maximise Harrogate as a destination and empower local business.
To find out more about Harrogate BID, visit the website at: Home – Harrogate BID
BEAM Light Festival
Harrogate BID is delighted to act as a main sponsor for the brand-new BEAM Light Festival, organised by Harrogate International Festivals. The two-night spectacular on March 15th and 16th is set to illuminate the town with stunning light installations and soundscapes. From Crescent Gardens to the cenotaph, landmarks across Harrogate will be animated with designs from internationally renowned artist, James Bawn.
Further details on BEAM can be found on the Harrogate International Festivals website at: BEAM | 15 & 16 March 2024 – Harrogate International Festivals
Free advertising space in town centre
The free advertising space in the Victoria Shopping Centre is now open! The unit can be found outside Poundland on the ground floor. Leaflets and brochures from BID Members and community groups are on display, with some space left for others to be placed.
You can also contact the Harrogate BID team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk to sign up for the advertising initiative.
HUQ update in February
The team at Harrogate BID continue to work with data firm HUQ to develop our plans and strategies when putting together campaigns, services and events to improve our town.
During February this year, the total footfall recorded within the BID area was 994, 209, with the most people passing through on February 16th.
The data shows that areas including three York postcodes, Hailsham, Barnoldswick, North Shields, Northallerton and Bradford feature in the top postcodes people have visited from throughout the month.
For a full update on the latest HUQ figures, please click here.
Harrogate Dog Show 2024
Harrogate BID is excited to announce that the Harrogate Dog Show is set to return in April! Last year, 17,500 people passed through the show with dogs taking homes prizes for categories such as best trick and most handsome/fanciest dog.
For further details on this year’s event, please email the BID team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk
Sponsor opportunities for BID events
As we move into our second term as the Business Improvement District (BID) in Harrogate, we’re excited to announce the launch of sponsorship opportunities for some of our events taking place throughout the year.
This is the first time we have opened sponsorship for our events in the town and while we respect the initial financial support provided through the BID levy, we thought it would be a great chance to offer businesses the additional chance to promote their offering to Harrogate and a wider audience.
Each event has a different sponsor package available, from sponsoring categories to the overall occasion.
A direct email will follow but to find out more about sponsorship in 2024, please contact the BID team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk
International Work Experience Grant
Harrogate BID is excited to launch a brand new match-funding scheme, offering Members the chance to gain valuable experience working overseas with Harrogate’s twinned towns.
The new International Work Experience Grant from the BID will allow staff from levy-paying businesses to travel to one of Harrogate’s four twin towns – Luchon in France, Montecatini in Italy, Barrie in Canada or Wellington in New Zealand – to represent their sector and learn more about working in other countries.
For any further information, please contact the BID team by emailing info@harrogatebid.co.uk
Interviews underway for new job roles
The interview processes for the two new roles launched by Harrogate BID are now underway! Candidates have been met for both the Street Ranger and Town Centre Support Officer jobs.
After carrying out lengthy research, the BID is confident that the two new additions will hugely benefit the work towards achieving the new objectives.
The Town Centre Support Officer will work to support the BID team, board and members in improving the safety, security, environment and feel of the town centre, while the new Harrogate Street Ranger will join Chris Ashby, who currently works in a similar role, to continue to make Harrogate clean, attractive and a great place to be.