A Year In Review From Our President
As we look toward the joy of Christmas, we are proud of our varied collaborations with organisations across the area. At this time of year in particular, we would like to thank the BID for their hard work throughout the year; organising events, ensuring the town looks its very best and bringing festive sparkle and cheer to the town. We welcome this final turn of the year with renewed purpose and quiet determination.
For many high street businesses, this should be a busy and prosperous time. The work the BID does to attract visitors to our town is particularly appreciated at this key period for business. The Christmas Market in particular creates a festive wonderland that will attract visitors.
I very much enjoyed my role as one of the Judges at the Harrogate Christmas Window competition on Tuesday 2 December. Always a joyful and fun occasion. We were honoured to be part of this BID-sponsored event. It was incredibly inspiring to see all the hard work and effort that our businesses have put into creating the perfect window to showcase their wares.
As the year draws to a close, our commitment to progress and increased collaboration remains steadfast. This is a moment for reflection as well as forward thinking, when businesses, charities, and community leaders join together with a shared ambition for a stronger, more vibrant year ahead.
The end of the year can also allow us to reflect on what has gone before. Our most recent meeting was very well attended and one of the highlights of our meeting calendar for many. The Business Safari, held at Cedar Court Hotel, was a lively event, allowing members the opportunity to speak to a wide range of businesses in the room, making a range of connections that are bound to be useful as we move into a new year and begin considering our business goals for 2026.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome North Yorkshire Council representatives Richard Flinton, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council and Councillor Carl Les, Leader of the Council. The meeting will take place on 12 January. We look forward to welcoming members of both the Knaresborough Chamber and the Nidderdale Business Group to the meeting. We are keen to work closely with both organisations as we move into 2026 so that together we can better support businesses across the district, not just those based in central Harrogate.
The networking portion of the meeting will start at 5.30 pm as usual, but, following members' requests, we will begin the main meeting at 6 pm. Last year’s meeting was very well attended with lively discussion and many pertinent questions, and I know that many members look forward to being able to find out more about how this organisation will be supporting businesses throughout 2026. Book your place at the meeting here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/harrogate-chamber-north-yorkshire-council-annual-briefing-tickets-1977268131207
