Exclusive: Business chiefs fear ancient city may be left behind in jobs drive

Ripon’s long history has been founded on traditional industries such as farming, but concerns are growing that it could become increasingly alienated from Harrogate.

Like the whole of North Yorkshire, the ancient city’s economy has become increasingly reliant on tourism in recent years, but influential business figures have warned against a rapid shift away from Ripon’s economic foundations.

The Greater Ripon Improvement Partnership’s chairman, Judith Donovan, claimed a concerted push towards new sectors, such as science and research and development, could gravely undermine the city’s economy.

Research has shown that science- and technology-related sectors employ more than 35,000 people in North Yorkshire. The county’s creative and digital output is forecast to increase by 55 per cent to almost £1bn by 2016.

But Mrs Donovan said: “There are a lot of issues surrounding administration of the Harrogate district, and where Ripon slots in. I think the city has become something of an orphan economically of Harrogate – there are significant differences in the economic drivers for the two locations.

“While Harrogate is much more focused on the hi-tech sector and conferencing, Ripon has a much more traditional economic base. I am concerned that the problems could escalate with the Government’s regional policies and the introduction of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

“If Harrogate Council looks towards the Leeds City Region to inspire growth, I am worried that Ripon and much of the district could be left behind.”

The Ripon City Partnership was launched in 2000 before being rebranded last year. The Greater Ripon Improvement Partnership now covers 46,000 households and 2,500 businesses.

A review of the first 12 months has identified key issues that need to be addressed to help economic growth. A survey of traders revealed that 88 per cent of customers had complained about parking, and concerns were also voiced over a lack of clear signage.

Many visitors have been left without clear directions to some of Ripon’s main tourist spots, such as the city’s cathedral, as well as nearby attractions including the world heritage site of Fountains Abbey.

Research has also shown the importance of the city and the surrounding area on the district’s economy. A survey of employers with a turn-over of more than £1m in Ripon, Melmerby and Masham revealed 70 per cent traded nationally or internationally. A total of 18 of the 21 firms which responded employ more than 1,000 employees and have a combined turnover in excess of £230m.

But Mrs Donovan, a former chairman of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, claimed the squeeze on public sector finances is making it increasingly difficult to promote the area.

Harrogate Council leader, Coun Don Mackenzie, admitted that there was a need to tackle problems including car parking and signage in both Ripon and the wider district. But he was adamant that Ripon remained an integral part of the council’s economic vision, and stressed links are being forged with the LEPs covering both the Leeds City Region and North Yorkshire itself.

He did, however, concede the council would ultimately opt for the Leeds City Region to drive forward the district’s economy if faced with a choice between the two LEPs.

He added: “The council happens to be named after Harrogate, but it is not simply about the town. The council recognises that Ripon and towns like Knaresborough are as important as Harrogate to the district’s economic vitality.”