Column: Let’s sing the praises of a great county!

The team at Welcome to Yorkshire count the county as a perfect place to visit, live, work and study, which we continue to purposely promote, regionally, nationally and internationally.

So it comes as no surprise to see that this month Harrogate was named the best place in Britain to work from home in a report compiled by the comparison website Uswitch. Living and working combined, in an idyllic location, is surely the goal of many.

As people ponder their positions during this pandemic, it seems that the last few months have highlighted how flexible life can be and how more of an ideal work/life balance can be obtained. Spectacular cities and towns are hubs for amazing arts, world-class educational establishments, delicious dining and spectacular shopping experiences amid town and city living, and should continue to be supported and allowed to thrive.

However, there are instances where meetings and business projects can be effectively and efficiently carried out from the ‘home office’ down the hallway, rather than tackling the commute and this is surely better for the environment too. It also seems that the dream living locations which may have seemed off-limits, due to work constraints at one time, are now within reach as working patterns shift to a more flexible approach.

There’s no denying that location, location, location is all important when it comes to life satisfaction, wellness, mental well-being, plus personal as well as family time, not to mention how this all stimulates creativity and gives a boost to the business brain.

Harrogate has much to offer, as life in a spectacular spa town includes the benefits of vast areas of green spaces, pretty parks, glorious gardens and towering tree-lined lanes, beautiful bars and restaurants, world-class food (including not one but two Bettys café tearooms), stylish shopping, with art venues and heritage sites aplenty. Plus Ripley Castle, Harewood House and Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden – a UNESCO World Heritage site, are all just a short drive away.

Fast internet, good schools, clean air, low crime rates and the great outdoors were all featured factors in naming Harrogate as the best place to work from home.

With one in four people currently living in a city of more than 500,000 residents, the news that actually only one in nine wish to do so in the future means that the lure of lovely locations is now more appealing than ever.

Yorkshire is England’s largest county and has it all: a breathtaking coastline, spectacular countryside including three national parks, vibrant cities and, of course, tempting towns, like Harrogate. I could be inclined to say let’s keep it to ourselves, but that’s not my job. Shouting it (or singing) from the rooftops is what it’s all about as we Welcome to Yorkshire people from near and far to visit, live, work and study.

And … on that note, we’re encouraging everyone to do the same. The coronavirus crisis has put a great strain on the tourism industry and communities across the county, yet Yorkshire has much to celebrate, so let’s come together (socially distanced of course) and if you’re musically inclined and feeling creative, compose a Song for Yorkshire. There’s prize money to be won and this is a great opportunity to lift spirits and share the spectacular things Yorkshire has for all. It’s write up your street!

Whether city life, spa towns, seaside resorts or country living are your thing … let’s spread the word about Yorkshire. Visit www.yorkshire.com/inspiration/song website.