Hello and welcome to our January newsletter, my first as Harrogate BID Chair.

It’s a privilege to have been appointed to this position, and I’m relishing the opportunities, and challenges, it will give me.

I’m incredibly lucky to have a great board of directors, drawn from across the town’s business community, to help me in my role. And let’s not forget the BID team – Matthew, Bethany, Chris and Jo, who, on a daily basis, are doing great things for the town.

For those unable to join us at our AGM, please do look at our annual review, where you will be able to see what we delivered in 2022.

And if you have any questions of me, please do get in touch at dan.siddle@harrogatebid.co.uk

Yours sincerely

Dan

Dan Siddle
BID Chair
Meet our new  Chair and Deputy ChairA new Chair and Deputy Chair took up their posts earlier this month at Harrogate BID’s AGM.

Dan Siddle, General Manager of The Crown Hotel, and Primark Manager Andrea Thornborrow, have replaced Sara Ferguson and Richard Wheeldon, who have led the business organisation for almost three years.

The pair will remain on the board, which is strengthened by a number of new directors who attended their first BID board meeting last week.

They are Mike Patterson from Berwins Solicitors, Lyndsay Snodgrass from Verity Frearson estate agent, Ruth Burke-Kennedy from Bettys and Taylors, town centre commercial property owner Russell Davidson, and Mark Robson from the Harrogate town centre Marks & Spencer, who makes a welcome return.

Read the full story here

We have launched our match-funded grant scheme for 2023, with a view to helping Members enhance their street frontages.

Qualifying businesses will be able to claim match-funded grants of up to £750 for making a variety of upgrades, including paintwork, signage, and accessibility, all designed to make Harrogate town centre safe, clean and welcoming.

In the past year, Harrogate jewellery business Fattorinis secured a £750 grant to refurbish its Parliament Street Victorian canopy, and install a new facia board and signage.

The new painted canopy has helped the jewellery brand broadcast its revival, whilst other businesses have also benefitted from the grant scheme too, including The Den, Cold Bath Brewing, Drum and Monkey and the new Coach & Horses.

Read the full story here.
Harrogate business owners set to take to the streets at February BID Club 
Our February BID Club is a ‘netwalking’ event around the town, finishing with a visit to an indie pub.

Setting off from the Cenotaph at 5pm on Thursday, February 9, the leader for this evening of walking and networking is one of the town’s best-known tourism figures, Harry Satloka from ‘Free Walking Tour Harrogate’.

BID Clubs offer members a regular opportunity to hear from different speakers, find out key information about town centre events and initiatives, and to meet with fellow BID Members, Directors and the BID team.

Bethany Allen, Harrogate BID Marketing and Business Executive, said “For our February BID Club, we have gone for something a little different!

“We have teamed up with Harry from ‘Free Walking Tour Harrogate’, which has become a must for visitors wanting to learn about the town’s history, in particular its spa heritage.

“Harry will be taking us on our own private tour, where I’m sure even those who live here will learn something new about our wonderful town.

“We will be meeting at the Cenotaph from 4.30pm, then at 5pm set off for an hour’s walk, concluding with a visit to the Disappearing Chin, on Beulah Street, for drinks and nibbles. I’d ask those attending to dress appropriately.”

BID members wishing to take part are asked to register here

Harrogate Gift Card brings more than £100,000 into town centre economy

Sales of Harrogate Gift Cards has given the town centre economy a £100,000 plus shot in the arm since its launch four years ago.

Introduced by Harrogate BID as a way of supporting the local high street, 800 cards valued at £32,815 were sold last year, with £12,000 coming in December alone.

The cards, which can be pre-loaded with any value up to £500, can be redeemed at more than 90 participating town centre shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, businesses and attractions, including Bettys, Harrogate Theatre, Rhodes Wood and Blamey’s Florists.

The initiative, which is free for businesses to sign up and use, ensures that for every £1 pre-loaded onto a card, that £1 stays within the local economy.

Read the full story here

Annual Review 2022

The work of the Harrogate BID aims to support, safeguard and improve Harrogate for residents and visitors alike, to make the town the best it can be.

We hope you enjoy reading our Bid Annual Review to see the progress we have made in 2022.

Read it here
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BID Street Ranger Chris Ashby shortlisted for Stray Ferret Business Award

Harrogate BID Street Ranger, Chris Ashby,  has been shortlisted in the Unsung Hero category in the inaugural Stray Ferret Business Awards.

Since joining the BID team just over a year ago, Chris has become one of the most familiar faces in the town centre, picking up litter, removing graffiti, moving bins and cleaning pavements and shop doorways.

Our fingers are firmly crossed for Chris, who has to wait until Thursday, March 9, to find out if he’s won.