Harrogate Borough Council

You are here: Residents > Council & Democracy > Council News > Press Releases (05-06) > Leeds City Region

Last time we checked the Harrogate district was not an island.  Businesses don't just trade within the district boundaries and people who live and work in the district don't stay here 365 days a year.  In simple terms, there is life beyond Harewood Bridge.

 

Understanding the district's place in the Leeds City Region will be the topic for debate at a business breakfast event on Tuesday 28 June 2005.  Sponsored by Harrogate Borough Council's Economic Development Unit, the event will be held at Pavilions of Harrogate between 8am and11am.

 

Most of us realise that the district's economy doesn't operate in isolation, and much of what happens is actually determined by the size, proximity and economic strength of our near neighbour Leeds.  And we're not alone in coming to that conclusion.  The government has also realised that our economy extends beyond the local authority border, and recognises that Leeds is not just a City but a 'City Region'; a natural local economy that crosses political and geographical boundaries.

 

Councillor Mike Gardner, Leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said: "The City Region exists whether we want it to or not.  It is not a matter of choice, it is an economic reality.

 

"Leeds is the hub of the local transport infrastructure and also provides many corporate, business and financial services required by local firms.  It continues to be the largest source of inward investment into the Harrogate district and is a major market for businesses in the district.  I would urge these businesses to come along to our event on the 28 June and find out exactly what the City Region agenda means for their future."

 

The event will commence at 8am with a buffet breakfast, and will centre around two keynote speakers.

 

The first speaker, John Fisher (ex-Henley Centre, currently Local Futures Group) will present an up to date economic profile of the Harrogate district and consider how the district is performing compared to other areas.  This information will then be used to assess how the district can capitalise on its position within the Leeds City Region.

 

The second speaker, Paul Rogerson, (Chief Executive of Leeds City Council) will highlight the latest developments in the City Region agenda and illustrate how things are moving forward within the Leeds City Region before offering delegates the chance to debate what this all means for the Harrogate district's economy.

 

Sponsorship by Harrogate Borough Council means that tickets for the event are available at a subsidised cost of £15.00 per person.  This cost will include breakfast on arrival and an information pack for all delegates, including a CD ROM.

 

Bookings can be made online at www.harrogate.gov.uk/businessevents or via email to edu@harrogate.gov.uk.  Alternatively you can contact the Economic Development Unit on 01423 556077 to request a booking form.

 

Take this opportunity to update your business knowledge and share your views on the issues facing businesses in the Harrogate district today.