A new Business Improvement District (BID) will be launching in Harrogate, but will it do enough to encourage more footfall? In a recent article the appeared in the Harrogate Advertiser, local independents were invited to give their views on issues that need to be tackled – especially as they will be asked to pay a BID levy.
Among those commenting was Greats 2019 finalist Georgina Collins, director of Bijouled on Harrogate’s Parliament Street.“Rent and rates are high in Harrogate and it is difficult for independents to start business here without significant backing,” she told the newspaper. “Although there is now some relief for rates nationally, our rates have nearly doubled in 11 years. They are approximately 45 times higher than in our previous shop in West Yorkshire!”
Georgina continued: “The biggest challenge for us is footfall, both locally and from visitors. Parking charges and Sunday parking charges impact on our trade and should be revisited. We would also like to see a co-ordinated effort from organisations such as Visit Harrogate to publish details of Harrogate’s independent sector online and promote its importance as an attraction to the town. As such, its website needs to do this for free.”
A second independent gift shop owner, Sophie Hartley of Sophie Likes on Stationery Parade, told the Advertiser: “I’m not sure what power the BID would have to reduce our rates but any help would be massively appreciated. The rates are far too high and definitely need reducing in order for the high street to recover and flourish again. There should be more places where you can park for free for a few hours, with a disc, so that people are encouraged to pop into town. We would also like to see investment in marketing and promoting Harrogate’s town centre. Some sort of indie guide or street map that can be picked up in shops that features independent shops and cafes would be great.”
Among the other retailers who emphasised rents, rate and parking issues were clothing brand Cordings, Starling Independent Beer & Coffee House, Baltzersens Café, linen retailer Woods of Harrogate and Imagined Things bookshop.
Speaking to the newspaper, BID chair John Fox said that the BID was already working to make a real difference to improve the environment for town centre businesses. “We’re setting up a meeting with North Yorkshire County Council about parking, and will be inviting all the independents along, and we’ve already been talking to small traders. The independents are involved,” he emphasised.
Top: Queen Victoria Shopping Centre, Harrogate.
