Category Archives: Independent

An Indie Business Perspective on the UCI World Championships

Paul Rawlinson, owner of Baltzersen’s, writes his view on what has happened over the course of the UCI World Road Cycling Championships in Harrogate: Put 10 business owners and 10 residents in a room and you’ll get a whole host … Continue reading →

(Posted on October 4, 2019)

Spotlight On…District Bar, Harrogate

District Bar Harrogate

There’s a uniqueness to the independent bars in Harrogate that never ceases to amaze, and the District Bar in that similarly singular neighbourhood of Cold Bath Road has joined the club. For the bar – with its functional wood and … Continue reading →

(Posted on September 20, 2019)

Spotlight On…HG3 Fitness

HG3 Fitness, based in Harrogate

Located on a no-frills business park on the edge of Harrogate, HG3 Fitness is a far cry from a stereotypical gym. For a start, it’s not about a mirror-lined room crammed with rows of shiny exercise bikes, treadmills and big … Continue reading →

(Posted on August 24, 2019)

Spotlight On…Free Walking Tour Harrogate

Free walking tour harrogate Harry

You’re in a very small minority if you’ve never come across the enthusiastic Harry Satloka from Free Walking Tour Harrogate, clutching a long stick with blue placard attached, wearing a backpack and sensible shoes guiding a group of equally enthusiastic … Continue reading →

(Posted on August 4, 2019)

Spotlight On…Jarfull

Jar Full at Ilkley Market

The more you listen to Rebecca Lodge talking about JarFull and the care for the environment that underpins her online shopping scheme, the more you hear the quiet determination that underpins her ambition; “One-stop plastic-free shopping,” she says simply. The … Continue reading →

(Posted on June 19, 2019)

Spotlight On…Fine Fabrics of Harrogate

sandra fine fabrics of harrogate

One day, nearly fifteen years ago, Fine Fabrics owner Sandra Browne was in the shop as a customer buying material for a wedding dress. She was so taken with the business she joked with the owner about calling her if … Continue reading →

(Posted on May 31, 2019)

Spotlight On…The Disappearing Chin

the disappearing chin harrogate

Jack and Hannah Woodruff from newly-opened The Disappearing Chin were travelling and the conversation, as it always seemed to do, turned to the name they would give the bar they were planning to open. The way Jack tells it makes … Continue reading →

(Posted on May 22, 2019)

Spotlight On…Tiger Fifty 7

Tiger Fifty 7

Tiger Fifty 7 co-owners Anna Lockwood and Georgina Simpson describe their shop as “edgy”. It’s possibly not the first adjective you would actually use to describe a baby and children’s clothing store but it will make sense. Cold Bath Road … Continue reading →

(Posted on May 10, 2019)

Spotlight On…GoodGym Harrogate

A common theme that comes through in our Spotlight features is about the sense of community that exists in Harrogate. That sense shows itself in many ways; the support and encouragement that the indies receive from local residents who value … Continue reading →

(Posted on April 6, 2019)

Spotlight On…The Harrogate Vet

Harrogate Vet team

Stepping into the calm of The Harrogate Vet’s surgery from the busy Leeds Road, pet owners might wonder for an instant if they’d come to the right place. They will get a warm greeting from the receptionist and be offered … Continue reading →

(Posted on March 17, 2019)