October Review 2025 : YNYCA Growth, Infrastructure, and Community Safety
Combined Authority Leaders Outline Strategy for Growth, Infrastructure, and Community Safety
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce hosted its latest meeting on Monday, 13th October, in the unique and historic setting of Harrogate Theatre, which is celebrating its 125th year. The event provided a platform for local business leaders to receive a progress report and contribute to the future strategic direction of the region, led by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA).
Following a lively period of open networking in the theatre’s beautiful bar area, the auditorium filled and the stage was set…
The meeting commenced with Chamber President Phill Holdsworth welcoming attendees, followed by a fascinating spotlight on the host venue by its Chief Executive, David Bown. David detailed the venue's history, noting it was saved by the Harrogate Corporation in the mid-1950s after audiences dwindled due to the rise of TV. The theatre's significant economic value was strongly highlighted, with an estimated annual economic impact of over £20 million for the town, directly supporting bars, hotels, and restaurants. He also noted that the theatre faces significant maintenance challenges and reduced public funding.
We then heard from The Harrogate Choral Society who presented as the meeting’s featured charity. They shared a compelling case for the mental health benefits of singing, explaining that it helps to reduce anxiety / stress) and improves mood by releasing oxytocin. The Choral Society invited Chamber members to its upcoming events which can be booked via Harrogate Theatre’s website. The society is currently fundraising for essential equipment, including new concert staging and professional music storage for their vast library of manuscripts.
YNYCA Briefing: Leadership, Safety, and Economic Strategy
The main event featured leaders from the YNYCA, with Chamber President Phill Holdsworth expertly chairing the meeting and facilitating the engagement.
Jo Coles: Policing and Community Safety
Deputy Mayor Jo Coles outlined key priorities, confirming a commitment to increasing visible neighbourhood policing in Harrogate, which has secured 15 more police constables and 12 new PCSOs. She addressed serious concerns regarding Retail Crime, where crackdowns have led to arrests. The Deputy Mayor also highlighted that 17% of the region’s hate crimes occur in the Harrogate district and stressed the importance of improving victim confidence and tackling the Digital Divide in accessing support services.
James Farrar: Economic Strategy and Infrastructure
James Farrar presented the Mayor’s vision for healthy and resilient communities, focusing on the region's economy and infrastructure.
High Street Funding: James noted that a £10 million fund is available to invest in high streets, but stated the YNYCA is "slightly disappointed" by the low volume of ambitious proposals coming from Harrogate. He encouraged local businesses to come forward with ideas to access the remaining £8 million.
Carbon Ambition: The goal to become the first carbon negative region is being driven as an economic advantage, positioning Yorkshire for future competitiveness.
Transport: The region has secured £90 million in new funding. James detailed strategic planning for the future, including a pilot bus franchising model for rural areas and a forthcoming Harrogate - York rail / road corridor study.
Q&A: Engagement, Accessibility, and Forward Planning
The meeting proceeded to a lively Q&A section, where Phill Holdsworth posed pertinent, pre-submitted questions on behalf of members.
High Street Funding: A question was raised regarding which projects had been successful in the first round of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund. James Farrar confirmed that only one project in Harrogate had been successful - a data intelligence project through Harrogate BID. He stressed the YNYCA needs local businesses to submit ambitious, collaborative proposals.
Accessibility and Transport: A key concern was raised about the challenges facing disabled bus pass holders and the necessity of improved transport accessibility. Jo Coles detailed YNYCA's commitment to ensuring community engagement is inclusive, stressing the importance of addressing the digital divide and ensuring support services are available regardless of technology access in rural areas. James Farrar confirmed the YNYCA is actively involved in a bus franchising pilot and a full corridor study for the Harrogate-York axis, which will look at innovative and viable solutions for improving the safety and reliability of transport services.
Bus and Rail Services: The panel acknowledged reliability issues, confirming they are actively lobbying Transport for the North and rail operators, and that safety and reliability are the foundations for any public transport improvement.
Charity Funding: The need for multi-year funding settlements for voluntary organisations was highlighted as critically important, reducing their cost of having to reapply for money annually.
Member & Community News
The evening concluded with a busy member news segment, including:
New member, Jacob Parsons (Marshall Wooldridge Financial Services): Jacob introduced his firm which specialises in retirement planning.
Steve Phillip (The Jordan Legacy): Shared the major news that his Harrogate-based charity, The Jordan Legacy has been chosen as an innovation partner for The Royal Foundation - specifically Prince William’s work to tackle the problem with men’s mental health.
Charlotte Gale (Charlotte Gale Photography): Offered a corporate personalisation service for her calendars and cards. Click here for more info
Suzie (Enchantica’s): Shared details of their immersive Christmas experience at Allerton Castle and their community work organising the Christmas Fair entertainment. Click here for more info
Louise Terzza (Time Together): Sought businesses to act as donation stations for pre-loved clothing, which the charity repurposes or recycles.
The evening concluded with Phill Holdsworth and Chief Executive Martin Mann thanking all speakers, presenters, and attendees.
They reinforced the Chamber’s commitment to providing a forum for businesses to share knowledge and strengthen the local business community, and encouraged attendees to complete the meeting survey using code 83409298 at https://www.mentimeter.com/.
The next Chamber meeting will be held on Monday, 10th November 2025, at Roosters Tap Room (Hornbeam Park). Speakers will include Paul Mount, the Bank of England’s Deputy Agent for Yorkshire and the Humber, and John Garbutt of DSC Chartered Accountants and Honorary Treasurer at HDCC.
