Issue - meetings

To receive any petitions, comments and questions from the public including from businesses in Hitchin, Baldock and Letchworth.

The following presentations were provided for the Committee:

·       Hannah Vincenti- Fabio’s Gelato.

·       Andrew Figgis (on behalf of Punit Shah, Cook’s Boutique).

·       Martin Berry- Mick’s Barbers.

Audio Recording- 57 minutes 53 seconds

The Chair advised that there were 4 people in attendance (one substituted by Andrew Figgis) to give presentations this evening.

The Chair invited Hannah Vincenti, from Fabio’s Gelato, Hitchin and Letchworth Garden City to provide a presentation.

Hannah Vincenti thanked the Chair and gave a presentation, supported by slides, and advised the following:

·         Fabio’s Gelato opened their first Hitchin branch in 2015 and Letchworth in 2022, with a production site in Weston.

·         They were an independent husband and wife team who specialized in artisan gelato.

·         They had been supported by the Herts Growth Hub over the last year.

·         Most business activities revolved around supply, wholesale and ice cream cake orders.

·         In February 2022, a new branch in Hitchin opened using funding from loans, grants and the sales from the previous site. The reason for the move was outpricing from their previous landlord, and issues with storage.

·         Good weather was good for business. With increased abroad holiday costs more people were staying at home and treating themselves to ice cream.

·         Summer 2022 were the best for sales, however the increase in energy costs saw the business’ electricity bill quadruple. They were able to access government help for some of the costs.

·         In 2019, Fabio’s electricity costs were £13,915.00. In 2023, they had risen to £102,850.00 per year.

·         To try and decrease costs, the business turned off equipment where possible.

·         The business raised concerns for 2023, including financial support for businesses with locked in energy contracts.

·         Online banks were not allowing business overdrafts, which is also a concern.

·         There was a concern that consumers will turn to cheaper product alternatives that are of a lower quality. There was lots of competition.

·         Recruitment and staff retention is also a concern, with staff turnover being high.

·         A rise in staffing costs and an increase in the national minimum wage means the owners were not currently paying themselves a wage.

·         Hannah raised the issue of cost and duration of car parking in Hitchin town centre. She suggested free parking on quieter days to encourage shopping in town. They reported a lot of older consumers cannot get into town parking.

The Chair raised as a point of information that Biggin Lane car park was open to everyone on Tuesday and only closed on Saturdays.

Following a comment from Ms. Vincenti, the Chair agreed to look into the Biggin Lane Car Park signage. He also noted that there was a cheaper flat rate in Hitchin car parks after 3pm.

Ms. Vincenti commented that customers would rather go to out-of-town shopping facilities than town centres.

The Chair also advised that the Herts Growth Hub could advise with business loans for Fabio’s Gelato and other businesses.

The Chair thanked Hannah for her presentation and invited Tom Hardy, Hitchin BID, to provide a presentation.

Mr. Hardy thanked the Chair for the opportunity and gave a presentation and advised the following:

·         Retailers had performed better than expected over Christmas, although it had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24