HUNDREDS of people gathered for the first major celebration in York's business calendar since the pandemic began.

Postponed by Covid-19, York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner at the National Railway Museum re-united about 300 people from wide-ranging sectors and toasted their resilience over the past 18 months.

Rev Richard Coles - arguably Britain's most famous vicar, musician, presenter and past Strictly Come Dancing contestant - joined the occasion as guest speaker, telling his audience the event had come at an unsettling time.

"This time of year is often a time for me of post traumatic stress disorder - for it was four years ago on this very night I was rehearsing what turned out to be the worst paso doble in Strictly history."

He won over guests with anecdotes about growing up in Northamptonshire, 'running away' to London, aged 18, forming the 1980s band, The Communards - 'our object to bring down Margaret Thatcher by playing cover versions of 70s disco classics. Where is she now?' - being a radio presenter, and becoming a vicar.

"York is a very important place for me because it played a very pivotal part in that unusual switch in careers from having been in the hit parade, a pop star of the 1980s to being a vicar today," he said.

He recalled a spontaneous stopover in the city when he stayed at York's Judge's Lodgings - 'a very nice place it was too - excellent cherry strudel' - and a poignant visit to York Minster, after which he acknowledged he was no longer a 'curious, in fact hostile, spectator but a participant' of the church.

Rev Coles with members of the Shepherd Brass Band who performed during the drinks reception in the Great Hall.

Rev Coles paid tribute to Chamber business members for their efforts over the past year - a sentiment echoed by past and current Chamber presidents Andrew Digwood and Laurence Beardmore. 

Andrew said the period since their last Chamber dinner more than two years ago 'will go down in history as one of the most challenging in peacetime'.

"We have all seen first-hand just how devastating this has been for businesses, communities and families and I want to thank and recognise all of you here tonight for the resilience and resolve that you have shown to make it through the last 18 months."

Andrew said many businesses had shown ‘extraordinary agility and resilience’, with some emerging from the pandemic leaner and stronger.

The spirit of collaboration had strengthened relationships and highlighted ‘that we coexist in an interwoven economy of producers, service providers, supply chains, customers and consumers’, he said.

Away from Covid, he said the Chamber had been vocal on issues including devolution, the exit from the EU and the need for a Local Plan in York.

"This is vital if we are to meet future housing needs and ensure we have the employment sites to meet the city’s growth ambitions."

 

The new president, Laurence Beardmore, paid tribute to Andrew's work over his two years in office as he supported and represented the business community.

"His enthusiasm, optimism and energy has been of the highest calibre as we sought to navigate the unprecedented economic landscape over the Covid pandemic."

Reflecting on how firms had been forced to adapt to survive, Laurence said for some this had led to more innovative use of technologies.

He questioned how hybrid working models would impact on the region's economy; whether buildings needed to be repurposed to create more ‘experiential facilities’ to compete with online retail; and whether smaller centres could capitalise on greater local footfall as we spend more days working remotely.

“Improved digital infrastructure and connectivity must be near the top of any list," said Laurence, who is also keen to support regional firms explore opportunities overseas.

He said remote working had enabled many to survive but cautioned about trade-offs - the innovation that happens when people spark off each other; team working; informal mentoring and coaching.

"All of this is difficult to replicate in the virtual world we have become used to."

The dinner collected donations for Laurence's chosen charity, The Island in York, which supports vulnerable children and young people; allowing them to build confidence, develop their self-esteem, and unlock their potential through mentoring relationships and support programmes.

The evening raised £2,200 for the charity.