The Harrogate business community is working together with Harrogate Borough Council (HBC), in the consultation of the Council’s Economic Strategy 2010 – 2015.

Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and members of the local Harrogate business community will be advising HBC on the consultation draft of its economic strategy, which will be finalised and formally adopted in April 2010.

At the Chamber Harrogate Business Forum, local businesses were given the opportunity to meet with Nigel Avison, Director of Development Services at HBC, to discuss the economic strategy and put forward their views. Businesses were then invited to contact Mr. Avison after the meeting to advise on the issues further.

In particular, the Chamber and local business community will be working with the Council in consulting in the key issues affecting the borough’s future economic growth, which includes:

• Transport within and outside of the Borough
• Congestion levels in Harrogate town centre
• How to retain young people
• How to improve external promotion of the town and attract inward investment.

Commenting on the consultation, Ian Williams, Director of Policy at the Chamber said:

“The Chamber is committed to stimulating economic growth in Harrogate, so we welcome this opportunity to work together with local businesses in advising on the draft consultation of the economic strategy. Previously, the Harrogate Borough Council has adopted a one year policy to planning, so this new longer-term approach to the strategy is encouraging and demonstrates a commitment by the Council towards the town’s future development and investment opportunities.

Harrogate has a number of strengths, and has faired better than other towns and cities during this recession. In particular, the town’s diversity has helped, as well as the strength of certain sectors such as the tourism and food/drink. However, there are certain areas which need to be looked into further if we are to strengthen Harrogate’s position as a top business destination, including transport and attracting inward investment”.