Lobbying for city's retailers

FRANK Wood has been the chairman of York Retail Forum since it was formed nearly 10 years ago and is one of the group’s founding members.

Mr Wood, who owns Braithwaite Jewellers in Goodramgate, and was the first permanent chairman to be appointed to the forum, is stepping down from the role next month when he retires.

When the forum began there were only five members and it has now grown to 150 retailers, giving the group a powerful voice within the city.

The group has had many success stories, including the constant lobbying to reverse the Lendal Bridge closure, that retailers warned would cause huge problems for them.

The nomination for Business Personality of the Year says: "Without the York Retail Forum and Frank as chairman, we might probably still have these restrictions in place. Frank has always been careful to gauge a wide a view and ensure he was speaking on the behalf of as many retailers as possible.

"Lobbying on our behalf, Frank held on tight despite vociferous opposition from the city council and other groups within the city.

" More recently Frank led the forum to campaign for the creation of Business Improvement District. The resulting referendum of York Business was a resounding YES, which has created York BID.

"One of Frank’s longstanding campaigns has been for better Christmas Lighting. Without the BID, York’s lights were pretty good in comparison to other areas of a similar size, this arguably was only down to the hard work and dedication of Frank ensuring that York should be lit up well at Christmas."

The citation for Mr Wood continues that his dogged determination has ensured that retailers are never forgotten in York’s policymaking processes.

"With this he brings a friendly and warm approach that makes him very easy to get along with. Something that has probably helped with getting our views across."

It concludes that following his stepping down as chairman, filling his shoes will be a very difficult task indeed.