Somewhere between the clocks going back and the first mince pies appearing in the shops (in September, naturally), we have reached that brisk stretch of the year when the evenings draw in, fireworks light up the Stray, and Christmas starts to feel less like a rumour and more like a deadline.
First, a confession. If you joined us at Rudding Park on 12th October, you watched “me” ask you to change the Chamber’s bank details before breaking into Ilkley Moor Baht ‘at. That was a deepfake. The real me will never ask for payment changes by video, and sings considerably worse. My thanks to all our speakers and to the Rudding Park team.
What stayed with me was Ben Groves’ reminder that being caught out by a scam is not foolishness; it is simply being human at a busy moment. As the festive rush builds, verify the channel, agree that code word, and make sure your teams can own up without fear.
This season asks a lot of us. For businesses it is the busiest time of year; for charities, need rises just as purse strings tighten. If you are feeling stretched, you are far from alone, and that is exactly what this Chamber is for.
We’ve been busy on your behalf, too. Our Harrogate Line campaign continues with the Combined Authority on 5th November, and I’ll be at the North Yorkshire Town Investment Plan Conference on 19th November, making sure local business is heard.
Dates for your diary
Sunday 8th November: Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph. I hope many of you will join us.
Monday 9th November, The Crown Hotel: our annual financial meeting with Paul Mount of the Bank of England and John Garbutt of DSC Accountants on the Autumn Budget. Bring your questions; leave your calculator.
Wednesday 11th November: I’m delighted to attend the launch of Harrogate Town AFC Foundation’s new Youth Hub in Bilton.
Friday 13th November: the Step Out Netwalk returns to Valley Gardens. Friday the 13th, yes, but fresh air is a fine lucky charm.
Saturday 14th November, The Crown Hotel: the Harrogate Mumbler Awards. Best of luck to everyone shortlisted.
Monday 14th December, Cedar Court Hotel: our members-only Christmas Business Safari. Festive jumpers optional; business cards essential.
Monday 11th January, Rudding Park: North Yorkshire Council’s annual briefing.
When planning gifts and parties, please think local first, and remember our charity members, including Time Together, Disability Action Yorkshire, Supporting Older People, Resurrected Bites, and the Harrogate Brigantes Rotary Nepal appeal. Our President’s Charity, Harrogate Theatre, opens Sleeping Beauty on 25th November. A team trip to the panto is the most enjoyable act of corporate social responsibility available. Oh yes, it is.
One gentle nudge: the Self-Assessment deadline is 31st January. Future you will be grateful.
Thank you all for your generosity and good humour this year. Look after yourselves, look after each other, and I look forward to seeing you very soon.
Warm wishes,
Phill Holdsworth
President, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce
