Harrogate's business community speaks out on coronavirus fears and 'falling footfall'

The group said independent businesses are suffering and feel ‘very concerned’ by its potential impact on the local economy.

Their president Steve Scarre invited businesses to voice their concerns at a chamber meeting on Monday night, and he has since told the Harrogate Advertiser that “the longer the risk continues, then the worse it will be for the town centre economy.”

He stressed that ‘urgent action’ is needed to help minimise the risk of infection for business employees and staff, and to show visitors that there is a desire to keep the town open for business as safely as possible.

The Chamber is working closely with Harrogate businesses and other partner agencies to help minimise the impact and keep the town open for business as usual.

Mr Scarre said: “Businesses in Harrogate are very concerned about the coronavirus and in particular those in the retail and hospitality sectors. Footfall in the town is down by at least 30% - people are cancelling accommodation bookings, and restaurants are having a hard time.

“This must be the case all over the UK, but Harrogate depends on the visitor economy, and independents are really suffering again. Those people in the high risk categories, of a certain age and who may have health problems, are thinking twice before venturing out - and who can blame them if the visit is not necessary.

“The longer this risk continues then the worse it will be for the town centre economy. This is a worrying situation for us all to recognise, and we must take urgent action. All the agencies need to work together to help to minimise the risk of infection to both staff and customers.”

Mr Scarre said taking precautions such as introducing hand washing facilities at strategic points around town, and discussing how we can protect ourselves from cash transactions could make a difference to reassure visitors.

He said: “Whatever we do, we need to do it quickly and communicate this as positively as possible to show that we do care and want to keep Harrogate open for business as safely as we possibly are able.

“I have taken the decision to carry on as usual at the moment, attending meetings and going into town, but this is a personal decision, however, and everybody’s situation will be different. Let’s hope that we can combat this and continue with the task of making Harrogate great again.”

The Chamber of Commerce and its members are not the only voice within Harrogate’s business community to raise concerns. The association for independent guest houses in Harrogate,

Accommodation Harrogate, also told the Harrogate Advertiser that visitor numbers are down, and that the possibility of cancellation of large events further down the line could be a blow to the town’s economy.

However, venues such as the Royal Hall and Harrogate Convention Centre said there are no plans to cancel events at this relatively early stage.

The association’s chair Kim Wilson, and deputy chair Phil Standen said in a joint statement: “We are very concerned if events are cancelled or there are restrictions on travel. Tourist visitor numbers are already down, and if large events are stopped this will become a big problem very quickly.

“If the hospitality businesses can’t take guests, it not only affects us, but all our suppliers too - local independent butchers, laundry companies, cleaners, supermarkets, and greengrocers. It would be very bad for the local economy that relies heavily on visitors coming for leisure and events.”

Mr Standen, who also runs the Acorn Lodge guesthouse on Studley Road with his wife Ali, said his business has so far not experienced any cancellations due to coronavirus fears, and hopes that there could be some encouraging news for smaller guesthouses.

He said: “It may be that visitors are keen to stay close to home, so we are hopeful we might benefit from more people travelling shorter distances to visit Harrogate rather than have a break away further afield or abroad.

“But if there are restrictions on travel, visitors to restaurants, shops and cafes and visitor attractions will be down. Employees, many of whom are on zero contract hours will suffer if they are laid off, and this will then impact spending in the town and I think all businesses would suffer massively. It is very concerning.

“In some ways it may benefit smaller guest houses, though, as there are fewer people to mix with than in larger establishments. I would just say, please be realistic of the risk and take the advice from the government and chief medical officer.

"Be assured that we all have extremely high standards of cleanliness in our guest houses, and as long as we all follow the personal hygiene guidelines, it is business as usual.

“We are all keen to welcome guests to our wonderful town for a spring break. Yes we are worried about more elderly or vulnerable guests being at risk, but with good hygiene and guests being aware of hand washing guidelines, we are hoping it is contained."