How will Harrogate businesses fare when lockdown ends

Talk of easing restrictons is also in the air as the Government, reportedly, prepares to issue guidance on 'safe workplaces' next week.

But will it be enough to make the difference? And what do Harrogate businesses themselves think of the impact of lockdown on their own chances?

The Harrogate Advertiser talked to two local independents synonymous with success to judge the mood.

As well as a determination to get through these unprecedented times and gratitude for incredible community support, there is anxiety and fear over the possibility of a "ghost town future" for the town centre.

Jim Mossman, Cold Bath Brewing Co, Harrogate

Jim Mossman is the co-founder of Cold Bath Brewing Co whose popular bar on Kings Road closed once social distancing restrictions were introduced.

Also a small brewery, Cold Bath Brewing Co has been donating two bottles its beer to NHS front-line workers for every mini-keg of brewery fresh beer it delivers during the crisis.

He said: "It's very challenging and the need to adapt and create has never been more important.

"The hospitality sector faces an uncertain future with no real insight as to when or what the new reality looks like. Social distancing measures in small bars and restaurants don’t seem practical on any level so going forward trading will be restricted.

"Not just in the Kings Quarter but the town as a whole, Harrogate Convention Centre has significant influence on the local economy and whilst the massive effort to convert to a Nightingale has been incredible, the withdrawal of events for the foreseeable future affects us all given the hundreds of thousands visitors it brings to the area.

"The Government initiatives so far have been very supportive but this needs to continue given there is no definitive timeline as to when we can emerge from this situation.

"Landlords need guidance and support and they in turn need to engage with their tenants and be realistic with businesses simply unable to generate any revenue.

"If not the high street will emerge as a ghost town.

"On a more positive note community support has been overwhelming.

"Our move to online and a free delivery service of brewery fresh beer coupled with the support of our customers and the camaraderie of local businesses has been heartwarming and great to be a part of - that support going forward will be absolutely crucial to bouncing back in whatever format that takes. "

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Helen Sutcliffe of Sutcliffe Galleries, Harrogate

Helen Sutcliffe is a senior partner at Sutcliffe Galleries, a long-established family business, dealing in fine paintings from the 18th century to the present day.

Based in Montpellier Street in the heart of Harrogate's Montpellier Quarter, for more than six decades, three generations of Sutcliffe Galleries have built up an enviable reputation for integrity and expertise.

She said: "I’m very uncertain about Harrogate’s future, as the high street was suffering before the lockdown.

"We have recently lost a few national businesses in the centre of Harrogate and some others have gone out of business since the Lockdown.

"The UCI also had an adverse effect on business for the duration and The Stray on arriving in Harrogate is still a sorry sight.

"It’s very difficult to predict how businesses in the town will fair once the lockdown has been lifted.

In the short term, I think people will still be reluctant to visit none essential shops and many people have suffered financially during the Lockdown.

"I haven’t been indirect contact with the the members of the Montpellier Quarter, but like ourselves most will have seen their income disappear over night.

"The fashion shops might have done a little on the internet, but they will be left with a huge amount of summer stock, which will have go straight into sale.

"Most of the shops in the Quarter are relatively small, making social distances almost impossible.

"Tourism in the town account for a large percentage of sales, and with hotels, restaurants being probably the last to open, it will take some time for this market to recover.

It is hoped that free parking in the town centre will continue - the disc parking system worked very well in the past, ensuring that parking places weren’t blocked.

"We will all have to continue to offer quality products and good service to entice visitors back into our shops and I’m sure that the members of BID will do their best to promote the town.

"On the plus side, I hope eventually, that having been in lockdown for a length of time, people will return to shops and that UK tourism will have a boost, due to the restrictions and uncertainty of foreign travel.

"But it is hard to predict the timing and the outcome when shops, hotels and restaurants are open and people are free to visit the high street again."

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