The Changing of the Guard : Our New President
The Chamber’s May meeting started with our AGM, where outgoing President, Sue Kramer announced Phill Holdsworth as her successor following the end of her two year term.
Sue Kramer awarding the Presidents Cup to Helen Suckling of Destination Harrogate
After handing over the chains of office, Sue, owner of Commercial Street’s Crown Jewellers of Harrogate said “it has been an absolute pleasure to work closely with Phill over the last year. The appointment of someone as dedicated and enthusiastic is great news for the Chamber, and it is already evident that Phill will be a superb President”
Phill is a respected local businessman, and owner of AurumGold - a multi-award-winning financial wellbeing business. In addition Phill is well known in his voluntary role at Harrogate Town AFC.
We would like to thank Sue for her contribution to the Chamber during her tenure as President and years on the management team, and send our best wishes in her future endeavours.
We will hear more about Phill in our next newsletter. The Chamber management team are very much looking forward to working with him in his new capacity - congratulations Phill!
Harrogate Clothes Bank: Supporting Our Community
Harrogate Clothes Bank, represented by Phillipa Dunn, provided a heartwarming presentation about their mission to serve those in need within the Harrogate community. They offer free, high-quality clothing to refugees, homeless individuals, and families escaping domestic violence. Donations from generous Harrogate residents and businesses are essential to their operations. Harrogate Clothes Bank is currently seeking financial contributions through a business package and welcomes volunteers to assist with sorting clothes. To learn more about their important work and how you can get involved, visit their website at https://harrogateclothesbank.co.uk/
The Future of Harrogate: Economic and Regeneration Priorities
Julian Rudd, Head of Regeneration for North Yorkshire Council, provided an informative update on the council's economic and regeneration goals for the Harrogate area. He emphasised their commitment to collaboration and expressed a desire to hear from Chamber members about their priorities. The council's focus areas include removing barriers to business growth, planning investment of a newly allocated £180 million (an £18 million pot of funding available to the Mayor each year for ten years, and enhancing the town center, specifically addressing traffic congestion. Sustainability and promoting tourism are also high on their agenda. The council is eager for feedback on how to best utilise the allocated funding to achieve these goals.
A Neighbourhood Plan: Shaping Our Town Together
Stuart Holland and Paul Hatherley from the Harrogate Civic Society presented a compelling initiative – the Neighbourhood Plan. This resident-led plan empowers the community to influence future development in Harrogate. The Neighbourhood Plan will outline a vision for Harrogate in 2040, focusing on the town's unique strengths and untapped potential. A public meeting on June 4th will be crucial for gathering community input and establishing working groups to carry the plan forward. The Chamber's support is essential for the Neighbourhood Plan's success. Consider joining a sub-group or attending the June 4th meeting for more information on how you can contribute to shaping the future of Harrogate.
New Member Spotlight: Harrogate Brigantes Announces Grant Opportunity
We were delighted to welcome a new member, Peter, representing Harrogate Brigantes. Peter announced an exciting grant opportunity – a £150,000 pot available for capital projects within the Harrogate district. Applications are open until the end of May. Learn more and apply on their website: https://www.rotaryharrogatebrigantes.org.uk/.
