Open for Business with Gerard Richardson, MBE

Well, what do you know, there's another bit of business news, folks.

A new climbing wall business is starting at Haig Pit Industrial Site, and as someone who spent an embarrassing amount of time in his youth on climbing walls, I'm delighted for the town.

So, among King Andy’s promises for Number Ten is a high street renaissance, but while various retail groups have warmly welcomed the sentiment, at present, no one seems to be able to figure out what he plans to do.

Sound familiar?

Restructuring business rates will help the larger retailers, but he will need to have a lot more in his toolbox to deliver his words.

You can paint shops bright colours, offer free WiFi in town centres, and enact all manner of schemes, but as everyone on the high streets knows, the problem is people.

Yep, us, we’re the problem.

Heaven only knows what everyone is actually doing these days, but they ain’t visiting high streets!

Anyway, we can park that one for the time being because, as every retailer in town knows, 2026 is now on the slippery slope to Christmas, and Santa brings joy to all.

So, my big question is: what do you think of my columns so far?

For years now, I’ve heard people knock the town, and I see it every day on social media, so I wanted to introduce you to some of the people I know to show you the depth and strength of talent out there in West Cumbria.

Through my shop, my event organising, and in my role as a deputy to the Lord Lieutenant, I come across many remarkable individuals and healthy companies, which is the main reason I feel confident about the future of the area.

As well as being very good at their jobs, these folk are also potential clients for any new business that sets up, so this column is like a dating centre.

So, West Cumbria, say hello to West Cumbria.

Now, part of the problem with Whitehaven is that folk get bogged down on some old favourites like ‘free car parking’ and toilets, so let's take a look at them and see if we can't be more positive about the town.

Car parks tend to be owned by companies or bodies who are invested in getting a return.

The Harbour Commission, for example, invests all income back into the maintenance of the harbour.

The county council, meanwhile, is under pressure like lots of councils and has no spare cash, so it's difficult to expect them to give free car parking when schools and care services are all screaming for cash.

Another old chestnut is public toilets, but here’s the thing.

Old public toilet in Whitehaven (Image: Supplied)

All the toilets in the recent past, including the one currently attached to the Market Hall in Whitehaven, end up closing because of vandalism.

On the flip side, there are actually dozens of loos in the town in cafes and pubs, so if you want a pee, spend a penny on a cuppa!

So, how do we fix the high street?

Darned if I know!