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.”

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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.

University first year students return home to study in Harrogate

Two students from Harrogate have left their hall of residence in Sheffield and returned home to protect their mental health from the impact of isolation. 

Alex Hamshaw and his girlfriend, both 18, are first year students at Sheffield Hallam University.

Alex’s girlfriend had to isolate for two weeks at the start of term when a flatmate not following covid guidelines came into contact with someone that had tested positive.

Both have struggled with the impact that following covid guidelines has had on their ability to make new friends, and decided to leave after three weeks, before Sheffield moved into tier three restrictions. 

Speaking about why they left Sheffield, Alex said:

“We decided to come home after my girlfriend finished isolating, as if that had happened again for her or for me, it would have really negatively impacted our mental wellbeing. Coming home means that we were in a different tier to Sheffield, we could go out and see friends and see each other, and that was better for our general wellbeing than being in Sheffield.” 

They’re not planning to move back to university until case numbers decrease, with the expectation that this won’t happen until after Christmas. 

Despite moving home, they are still paying rent for their Sheffield accommodation and Alex estimates that he will have lost about £1500 by the time that he returns. 

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While at home, the pair have decided to set up their own online business, Personal Paws Co, selling customisable dog collars and leads out of Paracord, a lightweight nylon rope originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes. 

Alex’s dog Molly, modelling a collar.

With hopes to sell 500 collars or leads by Christmas, the teenagers are also hoping to do some good with their profits. Up until the 25th December, Personal Paws Co will donate 5% of its revenue to the Harrogate District foodbank.

Alex said:

“As we approach winter and it gets colder, it is even more challenging for children at this time of year, and so we have decided to donate 5% of all sales to Harrogate foodbank so that more children can enjoy a free meal as days get shorter and nights get longer. In our opinion, it’s the little things that help.

“We choose to start the business because we both have an interest in dogs and we wanted to create a product which was durable, comfortable and customisable in size and length which all dogs and dog owners could use. The profits not given to the food bank are going to be saved as a way to financially support us after graduating from uni.”

Do you have a similar story to tell us or are worried for your son and daughter isolated at University? Get in touch on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk 

Boroughbridge farm shop hopes to boost trade with artisan market

A Boroughbridge farm shop is hoping to raise its profile and promote other small businesses by hosting an artisan market this weekend.

When the pandemic put a stop to their events catering business, owners Linda and Andi Aikman had to adapt. They used their local suppliers to start delivering food boxes.

This took off and they opened The Langthorpe Farm Shop and cafe over the summer. The pair are determined to support other small, local businesses.

The market, being held this Saturday, October 31, will stand on the shop’s large car park and across two fields it has rented behind.

It is being organised by Little Bird Artisan Markets and will include 40 traders.

Little Bird artisan markets

A range of small, local businesses will set up their stalls for visitors this weekend. Photos: Little Bird Artisan Markets.

To be covid-safe, a one-way system will be in place to direct visitors around the food, craft and art stalls. Visitors are also encouraged to wear a mask and only touch items they are going to buy.

The farm shop will also have its own stall to encourage visitors to come inside.

Linda said:

“Our events business came to a bit of a stop in March. So we took to crazy risk in July to buy the shop.

“It’s steady, but people still need to know we’re here. I’m hoping this market will raise our profile and support other small, local businesses too.”

Linda is passionate about supporting other local traders and also the community. Like many other food outlets, she is currently offering free takeaway lunches for those in need during half term.

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Jackie Crozier, events coordinator at Little Bird Artisan Markets, said:

“We want to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods. When the opportunity came along to work with the team at Langthorpe Farm, it was the perfect match.”

Live music will be playing throughout and one of the stars of The Yorkshire Vet, Julian Norton, will be there to sign his book. A pumpkin competition will also be held in the afternoon.

Harrogate district restaurants extend discount meals into November

The government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme may have ended but some restaurants in the Harrogate district have announced they will still be offering their own versions of the initiative in November.

The Eat Out scheme offered discounted dining on Mondays to Wednesdays during August.

It proved so popular that months later, some restaurants are continuing to provide cut price deals.

La Feria, on Cold Bath Road, is offering a 50% discount on food up to £10 from Monday to Wednesday until the end of November.

With 25 staff, Jez Verity, the director, was keen to support his staff when the furlough scheme ended this month.

Thanks to the ongoing discount, the restaurant has had more than 100 people in every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mr Verity said:

“It was a big, big success in August, I think all businesses in Harrogate had significantly benefited on those three days.

“We decided to carry it on in September and see what happened. The customers really embraced it, they knew what it was and it was easy to understand.

“It’s also a way for us to say a thank you to customers for supporting us, and really give something back to them.”

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Other restaurants offering similar deals are All Bar One, which is offering £10 off food with the download of their app until 12th November, and the Queens Head Inn at Kettlesing, which is extending their discount of 50% off food from Monday to Wednesday until the end of next month. 

West Park and Al Bivio are also looking to encourage business on quieter days of the weeks, offering half price vouchers through The Stray Ferret. 

Let us know if your restaurant is running a similar promotion in November and we will add your details to this article.

No plans to reopen Harrogate restaurant months after ‘temporary closure’

There appear to be no plans to reopen Las Iguanas in Harrogate, six months after the restaurant said it would close temporarily.

Las Iguanas, on John Street, remains closed with chairs stacked on tables. A notice in the window from staff still reads “we can’t wait to see you very soon”.

Big Table Group acquired Casual Dining Group in August and took on 150 of its restaurants trading as Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Cafe Rouge.

But Las Iguanas in Harrogate was not included in the deal, which has left its future uncertain.

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The Stray Ferret asked Big Table Group whether the restaurant will reopen but a spokesperson said it would not comment on individual sites.

James Spragg, chief executive of The Big Table, said of the takeover in August:

“We inevitably emerge from this process as a leaner business, and one that is now equipped to navigate the challenges the industry faces, safeguarding thousands of jobs.”

Knaresborough to welcome new shop to its high street

A new shop is opening on Knaresborough’s high street this month.

The Clothing Store of Knaresborough will open on October 24 at 58 High Street.

Its owner says the store will “cater for everyone” by offering clothing in sizes eight to 32.

Coronavirus forced high streets to close down, but since shops have reopened a number of businesses have opened up for the first time in the town.

Owner Rebecca Lombardi said:

“I’ve been selling online for quite a while and I really liked the town and the people so it seemed right.

“Obviously it looks like the scariest time to launch something but it’s really important people do things like this because the high streets are impacted otherwise. I am confident enough the online side will cover costs and the shop will be additional.”

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Rebecca is hoping to work with other small businesses in the area, offering those without shop facilities to put their products in hers.

She added:

“I am offering small businesses the option to put their stock in my store too: so far I have two jewellery brands, including one from Yorkshire.”

“I think small businesses can be stronger as one.”

Nidec SR Drives relocates to Hornbeam Park

Nidec SR Drives will relocate across Harrogate from its current premises on Otley Road to Hornbeam Park.

The company, which is part of the Japanese electric motors firm Nidec, has signed a long-term lease on an 8,184 square foot unit at Hornbeam Park.

It will be adding additional offices, lab space and upgrading the power supply.

The company employs 18 people in Harrogate. It has been at its Otley Road site since 1996 after relocating from Leeds.

Paul Rawlins, financial director at Nidec, said:

“It’s a perfect location for the business to relocate to due to its close proximity to our existing workforce.”

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Harrogate BID aims to bring town centre businesses together

Uniting Harrogate’s town centre businesses with a common voice is one of the biggest challenges facing Harrogate BID as it approaches its second anniversary.

With numerous groups and organisations representing different elements of the town, the BID hopes it can find common ground and bring different factions together to make progress for the benefit of all.

However, even within its own membership, there is no consensus on what the town centre needs. BID ambassador Jo Caswell said it is surprising how wide the range of opinions is on matters like pedestrianisation.

“It’s very mixed. A lot of it is to do with the demographics of the outlet and their customer base and what suits them as a business.

“We’re here to get feedback and put all that information together and put some kind of strategy together as a consequence of it. We’ve been very proactive – I’ve got a good feeling about what Harrogate BID will deliver if we know it’s the right thing that the retailers and general public want.”

Having been in post for five weeks, with the official title of Harrogate Host, Jo has spent a lot of time going from business to business, finding out what they need to make their lives easier in such difficult times.

A Harrogate resident for more than 20 years, she feels a sense of loyalty to the town and is enjoying being able to “put something back” by supporting the town centre. But she has been surprised by the lack of a sense of community across the town centre.

“There’s not as much of a community hub as I thought there would be. Why that is, I’m not sure.

“In a way, that excites me, because I think the initiatives that we’re putting forward are addressing that directly: networking with the councils, meetings with the homeless project. Our responsibility is to bring all those people together, give a bit of cohesion to it and represent those views.”

Harrogate BID project manager Dawn Gennery

Harrogate BID’s new project manager, Dawn Gennery

Jo will be joined by a second Harrogate Host next week, as well as project administrator Dawn Gennery, who is supporting acting BID manager Simon Kent in his work.

Alongside liaising between organisations and business owners, the BID is aiming to provide a practical boost for local businesses over the coming months. A £100,000 investment is being made in Christmas lights – compared to around £30,000 raised in previous years through donations – to drive visitors into the town centre.

With retail and hospitality facing the most challenging times in most businesses’ histories, the BID is also working on more schemes to increase footfall and improve the environment of the town centre over the coming months. Measures including additional street cleaning and new planters to brighten up shop frontages through the winter months.

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Since it was launched in early 2019, Harrogate BID has faced its own challenges. Board members have come and gone – including the resignation of its first manager after less than four months last year, and the departure of four board members including the chairman in April, citing undue influence from local authorities and an inability to make progress on important projects.

Jo recognises the challenges still facing the organisation, but said the reception so far for her proactive approach has been reassuring.

“Generally, I’m finding it very positive. Because Harrogate BID has been quite invisible so far, there’s a bit of scepticism sometimes, but when you talk things through and talk about initiatives, I’ve had very little negative comeback.”

Harrogate clothing boutique forced online after coronavirus crisis

The owner of a pre-loved clothing shop has closed the doors in order to focus her efforts online. 

Carolyn Duggan has been running Still Gorgeous on Cold Bath Road since 2017. The shop offered a selection of pre-loved designer and high street womenswear. 

Having closed in March, Still Gorgeous reopened in July as government restrictions eased, but faced multiple challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The shop relied on business from tourists, which has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels, and the owner said she experienced a lack of compassion from her landlord. She said: 

“I did not get any sympathy from my landlord. I was just told to pay them the money. I know others who received a 20-30% monthly rent reduction or complete rent holidays for 2-3 months.

“They also increased the rent for the new tenant, so when I was leaving I did not have the option to change my mind.” 

The business moves at a time when other Harrogate businesses like A P & K Stothard, Bookstall Newsagents and Gambaru Fitness close their doors.

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However, Carolyn still feels positive about the change of direction at Still Gorgeous. She added: 

“I’m quite excited, to be honest – it is the way forward. You have to adapt to the situation and diversify. I am changing strategy to reach a more diverse customer base. I am engaging more with different channels like social media.

“I am feeling positive about the next stage. I have already reached people down south and abroad.” 

Carolyn’s Facebook page has already received many posts from customers wishing her luck in her new venture.  

New bakery to open in Harrogate

A new bakery shop plans to open in Harrogate this month to serve up fresh bread, cakes and sandwiches.

Bakeri Baltzersen is the newest venture from the team behind Baltzersen’s cafe. The bakery will open on the same street as the cafe and coffee shop on Oxford Street.

The owners originally planned to open in May but were forced to put their plans on hold by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Now work has once again started at the Bakeri Baltzersen unit next to Harrogate Theatre and the key cutting and shoe repair shop Timpson.

The sign is up and so are the shelves for the bread as workmen start to decorate the premises in keeping with the Scandinavian style of Baltzersen’s.

Behind the scenes of Bakeri Baltzersen.

In recent months Baltzersen’s has been using part of its cafe as a temporary bakery shop. It will return to being a coffee shop when this new bakery opens.

Paul Rawlinson, the owner of Baltzersen’s, took inspiration from his Norwegian grandmother for the cafe, which opened in 2012. The business expanded in late 2018, opening a coffee shop in the neighbouring unit on Oxford Street.

News of the venture is a boost for the town’s traders at a time when many businesses are struggling to survive as a result of the pandemic,