We recently had the real privilege of accompanying David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire around Thirsk, visiting some of the superb independent businesses of the town, then afterwards joining up 20 business, local authority and business support representatives from across York and North Yorkshire to discuss the future vision for Town Centres and High Streets.
It was all to mark the launch of the £10 million Mayoral Investment Fund for Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets. The discussions were some of the most open and frank we’ve been involved in, and we feel it comes from the new energy and openness that the new mayoral position (and David personally) has brought.
Our theory of ‘if you want to know what makes a good high street, ask someone who’s been running their business successfully there for a long time’ definitely showed to be true here, with possibly the best butchers we’ve ever seen (seriously!) at Johnson’s of Thirsk, and beautiful community-led White Rose Books.
It struck us that Andrew from Johnson’s butchers was so passionate about where every product in his shop came from and who made it, with most of it was from a 30 mile radius. And, just as passionate about Thirsk as a town, he is also a town councillor, wanting to make his community better. This is the true value of many independent business es, including White Rose Books. It’s not just about selling stuff, it’s about the bigger picture for the whole high street and the people who live there. It’s the ethos we share at Totally Locally. Thank you David for inviting us and to Mark Rolland, Joanna Rodwell and Rebecca Proctor for your hospitality and guidance!
A few weeks later, Chris and colleague Toby Hyam spent time with Mayor Skaith and Deputy Mayor Cllr. Pete Kilbane in Scarborough, exploring opportunities for town centre rejuvenation through collaborative projects and strategic long-term planning. The visit included meetings with local businesses and an introduction to The Old Parcel Office Arts organisation, which transforms vacant shops and pubs into arts venues and galleries. The group toured the high street, met Anna from Scarborough Sirens Rum at their new town centre location, and discussed creative ways to breathe new life into the area.
We also shared valuable data on Scarborough’s town centre – covering footfall, visitor profiles, and business insights – to help focus efforts on practical and impactful solutions for high streets.
Mayor Skaith, who has owned an independent men’s clothing shop in York for nearly a decade, is deeply committed to supporting indie businesses and fostering vibrant high streets – reflected in this amazing fund for the North Yorkshire Area.
HELPING SHAPE A NEW HIGH STREETS FUND IN NORTH YORKSHIRE
