Richmond, in the heart of North Yorkshire, is a town with a strong sense of identity and a wealth of heritage. Local organisations and businesses had been working in isolation, each promoting the town in their own way, often through separate websites sharing the same information. It became clear that a more joined-up approach was needed to present Richmond more effectively to residents and visitors.
The launch of the mayor’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund provided a timely opportunity to act. Designed to rejuvenate and reanimate high streets across York and North Yorkshire, the Fund aims to strengthen the resilience of town centres by helping them expand their offer.
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith said:
“High streets are constantly changing, but they have, and always will be, hubs for our communities. That’s why I’m backing community led projects across York and North Yorkshire.
“Like funding the development of a marketing strategy and website for Richmond, aimed at boosting our local businesses.
“Residents and businesses understand most what is needed in their communities, and I am proud to be backing their plans with my £10m Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund.”
‘A marketing strategy for Richmond’ received £25,000.00 from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, as part of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund.
With a requirement that applications come from a ‘local partnership’, this was seen as a chance to challenge long-standing barriers between organisations. Many had operated independently for years, each with their own goals and audiences.
There was a growing openness to new ways of working, and when the opportunity arose to apply for funding, the eligibility criteria became a useful starting point to come together around a shared purpose.
What followed was the formation of a new partnership, led by the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association (ORBTA), which included the five main visitor attractions, and the Community Interest Company (CIC), all working toward a shared vision for the town’s future.
Originally, there were several different websites sharing the same information, managed in siloes by separate groups. While well-intentioned, this fragmented approach diluted impact and created confusion for visitors. There was a shared recognition that Richmond needed a ‘one front door’ coherent digital presence that could speak for the town.
Paul of the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association, said: “Richmond has so much to offer, but we haven’t always done enough to shout about it. With the nature of town centres changing, and the way people use public spaces changing too, we must find innovative ways to respond to it.”
Work is already underway. A steering group has been formed. An audit of existing online content is in progress. A draft structure for the new website has been agreed. Over the summer, the group will lay the groundwork so they can approach local businesses in the autumn to subscribe and get involved.
Local communities know their high streets best, the Mayor’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund is empowering them to come together and connect over a shared vision, which will ensure the impact of the fund is felt for years to come.
This project demonstrates what’s possible when people put aside organisational boundaries and come together with a shared focus. Richmond is setting an example of how unity can drive meaningful change.