Indie York sets out stall with events and record membership

Indie York staged its annual general meeting at the Novotel, where members heard about the progress the volunteer-run body has made over the past year.

Re-elected chairwoman Charlotte Watson recalled how businesses in Bishopthorpe Road were affected as people avoided York, even though they were well away from the flooding.

This led the group to be formed to promote the city’s many independents.

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Charlotte, who has her own independent consultancy Beyond the Business, said the group now has 280 members, which is the “highest to date.”

Indie York, she continued, stages member coffee mornings, promotes independent food and drink, staged a ceramic sculpture trail, introduced a loyalty card to encourage shoppers to buy at independent businesses by offering prizes in a draw.

Indie York also partnered with York Bid in a Shop York Campaign, which also featured a prize draw for those shopping at certain retailers.

The group also produced a 10th anniversary map highlighting the city’s independents, which is actually the 11th edition of the popular guide.

Treasurer Ben Thorpe said the group was in “a robust place financially”, which was helped by the annual membership fee increasing from £75 to £100.

The group has also received a boost with mayoral funding from the Combined Authority.

Polly Bennett, who founded the Little Vikings guide, is Indie York’s deputy chair.

Polly said there would be campaigns and events to get families and locals back to the city centre.

There would be artworks, a new Indie York map, and branded seating, plus a large map of independent businesses going up in the Shambles.

There would also be two evening markets, a ‘family weekend’ at a quieter time of the year.

The Indie York Christmas Market chalet would also return.

The next Indie York map is due for release in December.

Indie York would also take part in and support the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival.

But Polly added: “The most exciting thing is the new website.”

“The new website will be amazing and make a massive difference.”

Charlotte confirmed that the new website, due in the coming weeks, replacing a tens year old site, will be more interactive to help people find independent businesses and easier for members to add details.

The group would be working with Little Vikings to develop family-friendly events in the city, including the night markets.

Charlotte also told the Press after the AGM: “We are all volunteers and we continue to support our indie community. We look forward to welcoming even more businesses in the next 12 months, that we can shine a light of support on.”