New Harrogate BID manager says he's confident town will enjoy post-Covid bounce

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Just nine days before he takes over as manager of Harrrogate BID, Matthew Chapman told the Harrogate Advertiser the town’s future was half-full, not half-empty.

The former Leeds BID operations manager and Huddersfield BID manager said: “Harrogate is a unique place and has all the right assets to be successful even in the challenging environment we find ourselves. We have a brilliant foundation to work on.

“It’s all about bringing people together and working on improving businesses prospects with good ideas agreed in collaboration.

“If we do this I think Harrogate could be the model for how the whole country looks in future when it comes to town centres and the high street.”

As a signpost that BID’s new manager intends his team to live and breathe the interests of local businesses, the organisation’s office is to relocate to Victoria Shopping Centre in the heart of the town’s retail sector.

Mr Chapman, who replaces Simon Kent, who stepped in as interim manager after a troubled start for Harrogate BID said he was well aware he will be judged on his actions by traders paying the BID levy rather than on his words.

To that end, BID is preparing to introduce its Town Centre app for free to businesses.

The new app will allow the public to access in one place all deals from BID businesses and use interactive trail maps showcasing what Harrogate has to offer in various sectors such asd craft beer bars, cafes, indie shops and more.

The full interview: Read what Harrogate BID's new manager says about changing Harrogate town centre - online soon at www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk

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