New 'survival guide' for Harrogate businesses to beat coronavirus crisis

As footfall in Harrogate plummets and custom shrinks, Harrogate, the chamber's chief executive has said there are concrete, sometimes tough, steps which businesses can take now to enhance their chances of making it to the other side intact.

As well as a raft of measures announced by the Government to financially support business during the efforts to tackle the pandemic, the chamber also believes there are many sensible steps firms in the Harrogate district can take by themselves now in their own interests.

Sandra Doherty said: "As a Chamber we can signpost to people who can help or just others who are willing to listen and are in the same boat.

"If businesses are offering new services such as online deliveries, they can tag us on Twitter and we'll share it.

"We have already been offering advice to members so that they can see where they need to go to ask for the information they need but this is on a one on one personal basis.

"We hope that by being here for each other it will help businesses keep some income to stay afloat."

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A survival guide for business from Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce

1 Take urgent action to look at all your costs for the month

2 Identify those that you don’t need – Usually the nice things in life sadly

3 Arrange to stop these fast, this reduces the outgoings and when you find yourself going to a Bank or other for a loan you will at least be able to show financial prudence

4 Ask your staff, if you have any, for help – help is what we all need to go forwards

5 Let them understand that a negotiated reduction in hours may help you save your business and, ultimately, their jobs

6 Ask for time to pay things like rent, mortgage etc perhaps a three-month period where by they can be put on hold.

7 Look at what you can do to make your business more approachable or appealing to the customers who are out there

8 If you really can’t see a way through or feel it would be better to close for the duration or forever

9 Please get advice from – your accountant, bank or any other professional person associated with your business

10 Don’t go to Facebook or social media and ask for advice – remember they don’t know any more than you do

11 If you decide to take a break as your customers cant get to you, but are going to come back stronger than ever

12 Take the time now to plan and do those things you never seemed to have time for

13 Marketing plan, paint the office, design a new website, develop a new product…. What ever it may be to ensure you are ready and waiting to strike when the time comes

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