The Visit Harrogate column with Richard Spencer

Bettys tearoom has an international reputation.

What do you want for Christmas? For our retail and hospitality sector, all they want for Christmas is you '“ have you seen the very welcome national campaign? At Visit Harrogate we want to do more to support our Indies '“ and not just for Christmas.

It’s a choice we all have. Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and our community. Research shows that £10 spent with a local independent shop means up to an additional £50 goes back into the local economy; it creates a circular ecology.

From a tourism point of view, as well as keeping a destination an attractive place to live and work, people, not algorithms, create the character and identity of our District.

One shining beacon of this is, of course, Bettys. Other special and local tearooms are available, but it has undoubtedly become part of the fabric of Harrogate, a tourism attraction in itself with an international reputation. Looking to 2019, the tearoom celebrates its 100th anniversary. It is part of a family-retail legacy that represents tradition and quality, from Jespers to Woods. We have a heritage of independent spirit, and it’s one we should celebrate and use in our promotional activities.

The success of the Harrogate BID is also welcomed as 2019 will see town centre businesses take control over the plans for the High Street – more events and more marketing are high on the list.

It all stands in good stead for being ready to ‘Welcome the World’. 2019 will see a year of events and installations to celebrate Harrogate being at the centre of the UCI World Road Championships in September.

Go to the Visit Harrogate website to keep abreast of announcements.