Test article with galleryLifestyle article testHannah Test LifestyleTest lifestyleImage Test PostGALLERY: Sunshine and smiles at the Great Knaresborough Bed RaceTest PostThe Harrogate business group providing in-person meetings in an ‘increasingly virtual society’

(Above: Harrogate Business Group)

According to data from the Office of National Statistics, there were more businesses created in North Yorkshire in 2023 than any previous year – and 1,556 of that record-breaking number can be found in Harrogate.  

With such an influx of new companies and entrepreneurs, is there still a feeling of community amongst local businesses? After all, the benefits of connecting within the local area are numerous and multi-faceted including finding support, fulfilment and offering an organic way to expand a professional network. 

One group that seeks to encourage this is the Harrogate Business Group. It holds networking and development workshops that aim to empower entrepreneurs of all ages, and helps them to build a strong community in Harrogate.

The challenges of being online 

While owning and running an independent business has many positives, in an increasingly digital world it can also be challenging. 

With the business world migrating online, it can become an isolated place; inundated by social media content that only celebrates success or presents a carefully curated highlight reel, it’s easy to see how obstacles can feel harder to navigate. 

 Valuing face-to-face relationships 

The Harrogate Business Group places great emphasis on in-person meetings. Its regular Breakfast Networking Events are one of the ways the organisation provides a platform for this. 

Taking place every Friday over breakfast at Cedar Court Hotel, business owners, representatives and entrepreneurs can meet and share their advice and experiences face-to-face, rather than virtually.  

Speaking at the last event which took place on Friday, May 10, Martin Taylor, owner of Xi Communications said:   

“It’s so easy to get lulled into doing everything online. 

“As a small business, it can give you a huge advantage if you actually take the time to see your customer, or phone them, to build that relationship.” 

Networking event (Image: Harrogate Business Group)

‘One-to-one brings you so much more’ 

Rachel O’Rourke, HR consultant for Mint HR, highlighted that while she feels building relationships in person takes time, she certainly reaps the rewards.  

She added: 

“The virtual world has enabled people to expect things quickly. People want instant access and instant information.” 

Tom Lawrence, owner of TLC Properties, commented: 

“One-to-one brings you so much more. Not just about what it can do for your business, but what it can do within your business; advice, friendship, company. We are all social people.” 

A diverse background 

The group has a wide range of business backgrounds, from HR and marketing, to consultancy and accountancy. The variety allows members to learn from each other about every aspect of business, while also creating meaningful relationships. 

Chris White, owner of Green Ink explained: 

“It’s a learning curve for everybody. If I have a problem, I can speak to them about it because they have had the same issue.” 

Future events 

Alongside its breakfast events, the Harrogate Business Group also offers speed business clinics, where entrepreneurs and members of the public can meet a business professional from the group and receive advice, guidance or simply make new connections. 

The next clinic is being held on Friday, June 7.  

It is also holding a pitch your business idea event on July 5 for those looking to broaden their business opportunities. Tickets are available on a discretional donation policy, with all proceeds going to charity.  

Building relationships (Image: Harrogate Business Group)

The ripple effect: What are the benefits? 

According to the group who attended the Breakfast Networking Events on Friday, May 10, the increase in local businesses being created across Harrogate – especially by the younger generation – is evident. 

Micheal Grant, chairman of the group and owner of Minford Chartered Accountants commented: 

“There are a lot of younger entrepreneurs that are coming through which is fantastic.” 

His advice to young business owners would be that networks like the Harrogate Business Group are a great way to ‘get out and meet people, and push outside your comfort zone.’ 

Tom added: 

“[The group is] a bit like dropping a pebble in a pond. The ripples go out and you don’t know where they are going to go.” 

Everyone commended the group’s efforts at creating such a friendly atmosphere, concluding that being part of it provides camaraderie, emotional support, and a sense of personal and professional fulfilment – a precious commodity in today’s increasingly virtual and isolated society. 

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